Writer Samuel Freedman. He’s just written a book about the state of the American Jewish Community called “Jew vs. Jew: The Struggle for the soul of American Jewry." (Simon & Schuster) Freedman believes that three fundamental questions are rending the American Jewish community today: "What is the definition of Jewish identity? Who decides what is authentic and legitimate Judaism? And what is the Jewish compact with America?" We talk with Freedman following the recent nomination of the first Jewish vice presidential candidate, Democrat Joe Lieberman.
We’ll speak to Kathryn King about her mother, jazz singer Jeri Southern. King co-produced a new re-issue of her Southern’s work from the fifties (The Very Thought of You: Jeri Southern/The Decca Years, 1951-57/GRP Records). Miles Davis once said she was his favorite singer. She’s been described as “smoky-voiced.” Southern died in 1991 at the age of 64. King has worked in the record industry for 25 years as a corporate executive and independent producer.
Rick critic Ken Tucker reviews “Big Mon,” a new tribute album to Bill Monroe. It was produced by Ricky Scaggs for his own label and includes many big names, such as Dolly Parton, Bruce Hornsby and Joan Osborne. (Skaggs Family Records)
Neurosurgeon Frank Vertosick (ver-TAH-sick) writes about the history and management of chronic pain in the new book “Why We Hurt: The Natural History of Pain.” (Harcourt Inc.) (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW)
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews two new collections of essays: “Red Smith on Baseball” (Ivan R. Dee), and “The Secret Parts of Fortune” by Ron Rosenbaum (Random House)
Journalists Monica Yant Kinney and Tom Ginsberg of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The two covered the protests during the Republican National Convention two weeks ago. They’ll pick up the story since the convention, and discuss the lawsuits filed against the city on behalf of the protesters. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW)
Rock critic Ken Tucker considers what pop music Al Gore and vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman might use tonight at the conclusion of their convention.
Founder of the American Film Institute, George Stevens Jr. The 1952 classic western “Shane”, directed by his father George Stevens has been reissued on DVD, with new special production features. George Stevens Jr. was a production assistant on the film.
Journalist Naomi Klein is the author of “No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies” (Picador USA), a look at the global reach of multinational corporations, their pervasive use of branding to sell a concept, the impact on culture and society, and the protest movement that’s resulted.
Singer Emmylou Harris. She’s been making records for over 30 years with music that transcends the country-genre she started with, encompassing folk, rock, and pop. After decades of performing others’ songs, she has a new album of her own songs “Red Dirt Girl” (Nonesuch). She wrote 11 of the 12 songs on the CD. “Red Dirt Girl” will be released September 12. It’s her first solo album since her 1995 “Wrecking Ball” record. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).
Horror writer Peter Straub. He has 14 books to his credit, including “Mr. X,” “Ghost Story,” and “The Talisman” which he wrote in collaboration with Steven King. The two of them are currently working on a sequel. Straub’s newest work is a book of short fiction “Magic Terror.” (Random House)
British actress Brenda Blethyn (like “Beth” – ‘BLETH-in’). She’s starring in the new comedy “Saving Grace” about a middle aged widow whose irresponsible husband left her in huge debt. She decides to start growing marijuana in her greenhouse instead of orchids. Blethyn’s other films include Mike Leigh’s “Secrets and Lies” (she was nominated for an Oscar) and “Little Voice.”
Creator and executive producer of “The Powerpuff Girls” the hit cartoon series on the Cartoon Network, Craig McCracken. The show follows the adventures of three super-powered superheros, the cute but tough sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup. There’s also a new CD of music inspired by the girls, “The Powerpuff Girls: Heroes and Villains” (Rhino. The cartoon airs on Wednesday nights 8 PM (PT/ET) and Fridays at 9 PM.
