Roots of R&B: Pioneering musician/record producer Johnny Otis Otis, who died in 2012, started out leading a big band. Later, as a talent scout, he discovered such performers as Big Mama Thornton, Esther Phillips and Etta James. Originally broadcast in 1989. Terry Gross
Roots of R&B: Singer/songwriter Etta James James was discovered as a teen by talent scout Johnny Otis. Her career took off in the '60s with hits like "All I Could Do Was Cry" and "At Last." She died in 2012. Originally broadcast in 1994. Terry Gross
Is his new album, Trombone Shorty pays tribute to his hometown of New Orleans NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Troy Andrews, known as Trombone Shorty, about keeping New Orleans' vibrant music scene alive post-Hurricane Katrina. Michel Martin
Roots of Rock: Country music legend Johnny Cash Cash was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He spoke to Fresh Air in 1997 about his career, from touring with Elvis to singing at prisons. He died in 2003. Terry Gross
Roots of Rock: Sun Records founder Sam Phillips Phillips spoke to Fresh Air in 1997 about launching Elvis Presley's career at Sun Records. He also produced early recordings of B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. He died in 2003. Terry Gross
For Nourished By Time, music is a labor of love — and a life of labor NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Marcus Brown, the musician who records as Nourished By Time. His new album takes inspiration from the working class sounds of Baltimore house music. Juana Summers
Roots of Rock: Rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins Perkins, who died in 1998, wrote "Blue Suede Shoes," the hit song sung by Elvis Presley, which became the first Sun label record to sell over a million copies. He spoke to Fresh Air in 1996. Terry Gross
Roots of Rock: Guitarist Scotty Moore recounts playing with Elvis Moore, who died in 2016, booked gigs for Presley during the early part of the musician's career and later penned the memoir, That's Alright, Elvis. He spoke in 1997 about recording "Blue Suede Shoes." Terry Gross
Singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards on new album and her definition of 'Billionaire' NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to singer and songwriter Kathleen Edwards about her new album, Billionaire. Ashley Brown
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. Terry Gross