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Russell Baker Discusses His "Good Times."

Writer Russell Baker. Since 1962, Baker has written the twice-weekly "Observer" column for "The New York Times." For satire and parody on short notice, Baker has few equals in journalism. His 1982 memoir, "Growing Up," told of how his widowed mother guided Baker and his sister through the Depression with fervent exhortations about the value of hard work. "Growing Up" earned Baker the Pulitzer Prize and remained on the best-seller lists for a year. His second book of memoirs, titled "The Good Times," has just been published. "The Good Times" covers Baker's start in the world of journalism as a cub reporter at the Baltimore Sun and takes the reader through Baker's arrival at the "Times'" Washington bureau. (Rebroadcast. Originally broadcast on June 13, 1989).

23:16
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Other segments from the episode on October 9, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, October 9, 1989: Interview with Russell Baker; Commentary on Coleman Hawkins; Interview with Jeroen Krabbé; Review of the television show "Mancuso, F.B.I."
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07:50

Coleman Hawkins' "Body and Soul's" Fiftieth Anniversary.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us about a milestone in jazz history -- the 50th anniversary of tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins' recording of "Body and Soul." He says Hawkins was the best tenor saxophonist ever...and "Body and Soul" was his greatest masterpiece.

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09:33

Dutch Actor Jeroen Krabbé.

Dutch actor Jeroen Krabbé. A major star in his native Netherlands, he has also established himself in international cinema. His film credits include "Turtle Diary," "No Mercy," "A World Apart," "Crossing Delancey" and "Scandal." His best-known role was a Russian spy in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights." Krabbé says it was his role as an sensuous emigre writer in "Crossing Delancey" that helped break Hollywood's view of him as suitable only for East Bloc generals.

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03:38

"Mancuso, F.B.I." Isn't Worth the Wait.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the last of the new fall shows to premiere. Robert Loggia stars as an F.B.I. detective in a spin off of last year's NBC miniseries, "Favorite Son," called "Mancuso, F.B.I."

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27:32

Russell Baker Works His Way Up the Newspaper Business

The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and former White House correspondent wanted to be a great novelist; he became a reporter and memoirist instead. His newest book, The Good Times, details his career during his 20s and 30s. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his frustrations as a Washington reporter, a particularly memorable interview with President Johnson, and how his writing changed as a columnist.

Interview

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