Terry Gross

J.J. Johnson, a pioneer of the modern jazz trombone. In 1970, he moved to Hollywood to work as a composer and arranger for television. He's toured the country recently, and a new CD of sessions he recorded in the 60s has just been reissued.

Critic-at-Large Laurie Stone discusses the magic and comedy act of Penn and Teller.

Actress Sally Kirkland. She's worked in theater and film for 25 years, playing small character roles. She now has a starring role in the film "Anna." (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Adrienne Kennedy will reflect on what led her to become a playwright. Her plays include the Obie-winning "Funnyhouse of a Negro."

Guitarist Ry Cooder. His career consisted of one-night stands until he began writing the scores for films. His credits include "Paris, Texas" and "Crossroads." He's just come out with a solo album, his fist in six years. (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Actor George Hearn, star of many Broadway hits, including "Follies," "Sweeney Todd" and "La Cage Aux Folles." He is now starring in a new theatrical production based on Chaim Potok's novel The Chosen. (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Film Critic Stephen Schiff will review "The Last Emperor," the Bernardo Bertolucci epic set in 20th Century China.

Actor Josh Mostel. He's had supporting roles in the films "Radio Days," "Matewan" and "Compromising Positions." But now he's a headliner in the Off-Broadway comedy "The Boys Next Door." (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Sportswriter and HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant. He discusses the world of boxing, the disintegration of neighborhood boxing clubs in the big cities and how television has changed the image of the boxer and the audience response.

Novelist John Barth, one of the most inventive of American writers. His works include The Floating Opera, The Sot-Weed Factor and Giles Goat-Boy. His new novel, set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is titled The Tidewater Tales. (Rebroadcast. Original broadcast July 23, 1987.)