Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 20, 1989: Interview with Joe Williams; Commentary on the vocal group The Dells; Interview with Agnes Varda; Review of Jiri Weil's novel 'Life with a Star.'

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR.
INT.1: Jazz singer JOE WILLIAMS. He begin singing professionally at age 17, influenced by Erskine Tate, Jimmy Noone and Coleman Hawkins. In 1954, he became Count Basie's number one singer and was perhaps the principal reason the band was the dominate big band of the 50s and 60s. His hits include "Every Day (I Have the Blues)" and "All Right, Ok, You Win." He started performing as a soloist in 1961. REV.1: Rock historian ED WARD profiles The Dells, the Chicago singing group that's enjoyed consistent success, with practically the same lineup, since 1952. INT.2: French film director AGNES VARDA. Her movies include "Vagabond" and "One Sings, the Other Doesn't." In her new movie, "Kung Fu Master," her 15-year-old son stars opposite actress JANE BIRKIN. REV.2: Book Critic JOHN LEONARD reviews "Life With A Star," by the late Czech novelist JIRI WEIL.