In-Studio Performances

Jazz singer Sheila Jordan grew up in a Pennsylvania coal mining town. She says if she had never heard Charlie Parker, she would have become a country singer. She was recently laid off from her day job of 21 years; now she can perform full-time. Bassist Harvie Swartz joins her for an in-studio performance.

Performer-in-residence Dick Hyman demonstrates the techniques that defined Fats Waller's sound.

Fresh Air performer-in-residence Dick Hyman looks at the early jazz style, discusses some of its early practitioners, and plays some tunes in-studio.

Hyman performs and talks about the music of Erroll Garner. Hyman is a composer and arranger. He's worked on several Woody Allen films. He wrote the music for "Purple Rose of Cairo," and was music supervisor for "Radio Days."

New Fresh Air performer-in-residence Dick Hyman plays some of the music of Jelly Roll Morton. Hyman says the pianist and composer bridged the gap between ragtime and jazz, incorporating the phrasing and style of wind and reed players.

Folk singer Michael Cooney says that several classic songs from the early 20th century have verses that never made it onto recordings or sheet music. He joins Fresh Air to sing some of those forgotten words.

Jazz guitarist Marty Grosz returns to Fresh Air to sing songs about cities where he's lived.

Bill Harley writes music for children. His songs are inspired both by different folk traditions and his experiences as a father. He performs some of his music for Fresh Air guest host Liane Hansen.

Singer Bonnie Koloc sings a new song she said was inspired by a magical night in the countryside. She is accompanied by pianist Howard Levy.

Singer-songwriter Bonnie Koloc performs two summer-themed songs. She is accompanied by pianist Howard Levy.

The New Orleans-based, twenty-year-old pianist and singer started performing when he was five, and later studied with Ellis Marsalis. Connick says, as a younger musician, he has more to prove -- which fuels his drive to learn more.

The husband-and-wife rock duo -- with a boombox for a rhythm section -- joins Fresh Air for an in-studio concert. They recently found commercial success with their hit, "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades."

Susannah McCorkle joins Fresh Air to discuss and perform some of Cole Porter's songs. She is accompanied by pianist Ben Aronov and bassist Chip Jackson.

Dave Van Ronk. He was part of the folk music scene that flourished in Greenwich Village in the 1960s. His musical interests have ranged from traditional folk styles and jug band music to blues and jazz. He is known as a talented guitarist and singer who helped bring the relevance of black music to white audiences both in the United States and abroad. He'll also perform in today's show.

The final performance in a month-long series by fiddler Michael Doucet and two members of his Cajun band BeauSoliel.

Three members of the New Orleans cajun band BeauSoleil, led by Michael Doucet, will perform several songs.

Three members of the New Orleans cajun band BeauSoleil, headed by Michael Doucet, will perform several dance songs.

Three members of the famed New Orleans cajun band Beausoleil, headed by Michael Doucet, will perform several songs from their most recent album.

A live concert with New Orleans songwriter, pianist and singer Allen Toussaint. Tousaint has performed extensively as a session pianist and producer and has written dozens of hits for New Orleans groups like The Nevilles, Irma Thomas, for Paul McCartney, The Wild Tchoupitoulas and The Meters.

Singer Susannah McCorkle performs the last of her tributes to the composer Irving Berlin.