Studs Terkel Appreciation Thread

[BurtWorm]

I was just looking at the Fiction forum and saw a thread about Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear, which instantly transported me to a spring night in 1981 in Madison, Wisconsin, where I was a student for a semester. I was listening to Studs Terkel's show out of Chicago (of course) on the local PBS station, and he was having one of his great, elevating conversations with Auel about her books. I probably listened to his show regularly, but for some reason that one stands out, because it made me run out and buy the book. I was a bit disappointed--it was a tad trashier than expected. But that didn't sour me on the conversation I'd listened to between a gentle, curious, honest interviewer and his very interesting guest about prehistoric human beings in Europe. I can just remember the sound of that soft, comforting, genuinely and unerringly interested voice probing for interesting answers. I can also remember listening to several shows about books on the history of the 1930s, when Terkel's voice developed a sharpness and edge to reveal his core enthusiasms for Old Left and New Deal politics. He was the voice of the Left for me--or at least the way I thought the Left should sound: Not apologetic or defeated but a little angry, muscular, unafraid.

I propose a toast to Studs, wherever you are! :toast:

[murielm99]

1. Studs is still around.

He interviews people and remains active in Chicago.

He lost his wife, and wrote a book about that and death.

I saw him at the opera a couple of years ago. I did not speak to him, but I nodded. I am sure he just wanted to enjoy the evening, and not be mobbed by strangers.

[jdots]

2. A truly great American

i second the toast to one of my heros, another being Steve Allen.

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Years ago...

I thought of writing a book, and picked up a copy of Terkel's "The Great Divide."

He wrote my book. And he wrote it a hell of a lot better than I would have.

Studs is one of the Great Americans.

[Maddy McCall]

4. Here's to Studs...

Loved his interviews. Great guy, without a doubt. :toast:

[harper]

5. I remember reading his book "Working" right after college

I was feeling really bummed that my post-college life wasn't as fulfilling as I had imagined it would be...specifically my job. That book really opened my eyes to the fact that most people are conflicted about their work. Wonderful book.

[babylonsister]

6. I remember the book Studs wrote

about people and jobs. He interviewed many folks from all walks of life and wrote about them and what they did. When I read it years ago I was mesmerized and held on to that book for years.