Terry Gross

Rabbi Burton Visotzky teaches at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. Since 1987 he's been leading seminars on the Book of Genesis. The seminars gained a following among novelists, poets, editors, filmmakers, CEOs, and attorneys. The New York Times described the them as "the best conversations in New York City." His new book is called The Genesis of Ethics: How the Tormented Family of Genesis Leads Us to Moral Development.

He's known as the King of the Blues. King was born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi before moving to Memphis where he began his career. Since then, among numerous other awards, he's received seven Grammies, an MTV award, and a Presidential Medal of the Arts. He is also a member of the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame. In his biography, entitled "Blues All Around Me" he recounts his life from his early days in Mississippi, to breaking into the music business in Memphis, to his career today. He has over 74 albums to his credit.

Part 2 of Terry's interview with the influential blues guitarists and singers. In this segment, he talks about making it to Memphis, a city that expanded his musical horizons.

Terry continues her interview with Jay Leno. He talks about his early career and how he developed his style of humor.

Leno talks with Terry about his life: growing up, his struggling years as a standup (with other comics like Robin Williams, Andy Kaufman, and Steve Martin), and taking over The Tonight Show. His new memoir is called "Leading With My Chin."

"Society" pianist Peter Mintun joins Fresh Air for a concert and interview. He specializes in popular song classics of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. He just finished an engagement at the Carlyle Hotel's Bemelmans Bar in New York City and returns there in August. His recordings can be found on the Premier Recordings label. His latest is "Grand Piano." He also wrote the liner notes for the CD, "The Night is Young: Concert Music of Dana Suesse.

Simon's plays and movies include, "Barefoot in the Park," "The Odd Couple," "The Goodbye Girl," "The Out-of-Towners," and "The Sunshine Boys." He won a Pulitzer Prize for his play "Lost in Yonkers." He has a new memoir, called "Rewrites"

Gornick talks with Terry Gross about her new collection "Approaching Eye Level." Gornick writes about the many issues she's wrestled with: fear of loneliness, being alone, and her need to live in a city. She also writes essays on avoiding marriage, why the telephone has killed the letter, and post-divorce living.

Journalist and author Edward Behr talks with Terry Gross about his new book "Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America." Behr has written ten other books including: "The Last Emperor," and "Hirohito: Behind the Myth."

Lindsay-Hogg talks with Terry Gross about his new film "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus." The concert footage was shot 28 years ago, but hasn't been released until now. The film was shelved by the Rolling Stones and later lost for fifteen years.. A companion C.D. under the same title will be released today.