Terry Gross
Stories
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Novelist Thomas Mallon looks back on the early years of the AIDS epidemic
In 2023, Mallon spoke about his novel, Up With the Sun, which is based on the life of a little-known actor who was gay and closeted. His new book is The Very Heart of it: New York Diaries, 1983-1994.
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Remembering jazz singer Sheila Jordan
Jordan, who died Aug. 11, was a teen when she first heard a Charlie Parker recording. Later she became part of the jazz scene in Detroit and New York City. Originally broadcast in 1981 and 1988.
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Musician Charley Crockett blends R&B with cowboy songs and outlaw ballads
Crockett grew up poor and got his start busking for tips. He's since played the Hollywood Bowl and been nominated for a Grammy. He talks music and plays songs from his new album, Dollar A Day.
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A big break after age 40 is possible. Just ask Jeff Hiller of 'Somebody Somewhere'
Hiller spent years scraping by in Hollywood by taking on various small roles. Then he landed the role of Joel on Somebody Somewhere and everything changed. His new memoir is Actress of a Certain Age.
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Funkmaster George Clinton shares his musical inspirations
Clinton began his music career as a teen when he formed The Parliaments. In the early '70s, he put together Funkadelic, whose Mothership Connection album dropped in 1975. Originally broadcast in 1989.
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Remembering pianist and jazz master Eddie Palmieri
Palmieri, who died Aug. 6, is credited with originating Latin jazz's trombone sound. He later successfully lobbied for a new Grammy category for Afro-Caribbean jazz. Originally broadcast in 2002.
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Springsteen's label was about to drop him. Then came 'Born to Run'
Biographer Peter Ames Carlin describes the making of Born to Run as an "existential moment" for Springsteen: "If this didn't work, he was done." Carlin's new book is Tonight in Jungleland.
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Her parents died 9 days apart, but Sarah Silverman gets the last laugh in 'PostMortem'
Silverman's father and stepmother are buried under one tombstone that reads: "Janice and Donald, who loved to laugh." Originally broadcast May 29, 2025.
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'The Colonel and The King' dives into the relationship between Elvis and his manager
Biographer Peter Guralnick paints a surprising portrait of Presley's long-time manager, Col. Tom Parker: "He had nothing whatsoever to do with the music other than to defend Elvis' choices."
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With 'WTF' ending, Marc Maron still wants to talk, but outside the studio
As he winds down his podcast after 16 years, Maron reflects on what he'll miss: "These conversations are very real conversations for me ... and that is kind of nourishing for the spirit and the soul."
