Playback (NPR)
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NPR Playback: May 1988
We've resurfaced from the brand new NPR archives, with some timeless stories from May 1988. Richard Nixon gives political advice to the '88 Republican Presidential nominees, filmmaker Robert Altman shares insights on the creative process, Leo Kottke goes New age and Dr. John joins Terry Gross in the studio to do the thing only he can do.
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NPR Playback: February 1988
This month's Playback features a treasure trove of funny stuff from February 1988. Terry Gross interviews comedian Jackie Mason, cartoonist Lynda Barry talks to Renee Montagne about love, and "the monosexual" comes to town.
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NPR Playback: January 1988
It's January and a great time to take a fresh look at all that is 1988! This month we feature an interview with Matt Groening, the creator of "The Simpsons," who reveals what's really underneath Marge's bouffant. We also hear from singer songwriter T-Bone Burnett, writer Vertamae Grovosnor, and Harry Shearer moonlighting as a Banana Association spokesman.
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NPR Playback: December 1987
It's a special year-ender episode of Playback! We relive memorable news headlines of 1987, visit with comedian Jonathan Winters, and hear "The Blue Moose," an original holiday radio comedy featuring star turns from Nina Totenburg, Susan Stamberg, and Daniel Schorr as "The Moose."
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NPR Playback: November 1987
This month we celebrate radio in all its glory with a nod to the 9th anniversary of Morning Edition, a story about underground radio stations during the Vietnam war and Scott Simon takes a trip to the Kinsey Institute for a profile of Alfred Kinsey, the biologist who became famous for his research on human sexuality.
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NPR Playback: October 1987
In this October episode of Playback, we time travel 50 years ago to the Cuban Missile Crisis, fast forward twenty five years to experience the Black Monday stock market crash of 1987, celebrate the edgy humor of Comedian Jackie Mason, and listen to a creepy Halloween story by cartoonist Gary Larson.
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NPR Playback: August 1987
This month on Playback Elvis is back in the building and summer 1987 is on its way out. Author Nora Ephron reads her short story "Insider Trading," actress Carrie Fisher talks about growing up in Hollywood and we have an astonishing report on a rise in alien abductions. 0 0 1 33 189 NPR 1 1 221 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table...
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NPR Playback: July 1987
It's hats off to summer 1987 on this month's Playback. NPR's Scott Simon interviews the popular ice cream duo Ben & Jerry, the Telstar Satelite turns 25, Snow White (the movie) turns 50 and film director John Waters rekindles his passion for the drive-in movie.
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NPR Playback: June 1983
(Repeat) It's the Crazy Time Warp edition of Playback with stories from June 1983. Comedian Jack Paar talks about how he was on the air when the martians landed during the War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938, the Grateful Dead is officially deemed retro, Sally Ride becomes the first American Woman in space… and Frank Mankewicz remembers the life of Robert F. Kennedy.
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NPR Playback: May 1987
This month we unlock mysteries of the universe – and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fresh Air as Terry Gross interviews comedian Harry Shearer. Actor James Earl Jones lends some insight on how he overcame a serious speech impediment, singer Rosemary Clooney chats about her pal Irving Berlin, and Charles Lindbergh, the aviator, speaks!
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NPR Playback: April 1987
In this special "What's in a Name" edition of Playback we practice saying Sylvia Poggioli's name, enjoy some commonly misunderstood song lyrics and listen to interviews with Gregory Peck and Duke Ellington.
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NPR Playback: March 1987
It’s March, 1987 – and time for some quarter century soul searching. Former first lady Betty Ford talks to Susan Stamberg about her addiction to drugs, and alcohol, commentator Jeff O’Brien reveals that he’s clueless without his wife and Naomi and Wynona Judd talk to Noah Adams about how they discovered country music.
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NPR Playback: February 1987
It’s February 1987, a good time to forget about Iran Contra, forget where you left your car keys, and remember the debut of the Car Talk guys. Also, Scott Simon talks to sex guru Dr. Ruth Westheimer and we catch up with Betsy Walters who shares the story of her parent’s divorce at age eight and her memory of it 20years later.
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NPR Playback: January 1987
It’s a brand new year on PLAYBACK and we celebrate January 1987 with some otherworldly radio fun. The late actor River Phoenix talks about his formative years, beat poet Allen Ginsburg sings and talks about the 60’s, UFO’s are sited, HDTV is invented, and we observe bubble wrap appreciation month.
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NPR Playback: December 1986
This month on Playback, we get festive with filmmaker John Waters, and take a holiday excursion to FAO Schwartz with Robert Krulwich. Also, as an end of year bonus, the Beastie Boys trash the NPR studios in an interview with John Hockenberry – and director Oliver Stone, still in Saigon, reflects on making the movie “Platoon.”
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NPR Playback: November 1986
This month on Playback we get a handle on the saga now known as the Iran-Contra scandal, a story that broke twenty five years ago in November 1986. We also hear from writer Robert Stone on life in the super-stoned super-city that was New York in the 80s. We also feature a chat with funny lady Carol Burnett, and a remembrance of the late great actor Cary Grant.
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NPR Playback: October 1986
This month on Playback we creep back 25 years through the NPR archives to October 1986. We hear from filmmaker John Waters on the golden era of trash, and remember the spooky stories of radio dramatist Arch Oboler. Also: the anniversary of Beryl Markham’s historic transatlantic flight and a scary Halloween story from Mike Waters.
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NPR Playback: August and September 1986
This month on Playback we say yes to August and September of 1986 – and reconsider the meaning of “Just Say No” – Ronald Reagan’s anti-drug campaign. We also visit with three very entertaining personalities: comedian Dave Barry, film maker Spike Lee and singer-songwriter Paul Simon.
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NPR Playback: July 1986
This month on NPR Playback, we look back 25 years into the archives to July 1986. It's summertime which means young Will Larson reads his letters home from summer camp; a crazy story about sheep; and an interview with a young Kevin Costner and much more.
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NPR Playback: July 1986
This month on NPR Playback, we look back 25 years into the archives to July 1986. It's summertime which means young Will Larson reads his letters home from summer camp; a crazy story about sheep; and an interview with a young Kevin Costner and much more.
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NPR Playback: June 1986
This month on NPR's Playback, we go back into the archives 25 years to June 1986 with a look at Father's Day and a nice round anniversary for the perennial classic film Gone With The Wind. Plus an interview with comedian Bobcat Goldwaithe and much more.
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NPR Playback: May 1971
Happy 40th NPR! On this episode of Playback we listen in on the very first broadcast of All Things Considered - May 3rd 1971. It was a crazy day for a network debut.. coinciding one of the largest protests against the Vietnam war. We'll hear from the protestors on the street.. and check in with an enterprising barber from Ames, Iowa. And for a special birthday treat.. we'll feature an interview with Mick Jagger - that's never been broadcast. Until now.
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NPR Playback: May 1971
Happy 40th NPR! On this episode of Playback we listen in on the very first broadcast of All Things Considered - May 3rd 1971. It was a crazy day for a network debut.. coinciding one of the largest protests against the Vietnam war. We'll hear from the protestors on the street.. and check in with an enterprising barber from Ames, Iowa. And for a special birthday treat.. we'll feature an interview with Mick Jagger - that's never been broadcast. Until now.
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NPR Playback: April 1986
This month on Playback, we look back into the NPR archives 25 years, to April 1986. First, we remember the devastating accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Hear original audio from the disaster as well as an update from NPR's Christopher Joyce. Then the story of the April 1986 bombing of Libya. All that plus music from enigmatic singer Tom Waits and much more.
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NPR Playback: March 1986
On this Playback we travel back 25 years into the NPR archives to March 1986. March 1986 was a period of continued political conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. NPR's Neal Conan was reporting in London and Belfast for NPR at the time and shares his stories. Also Bob Edwards talking to singer Jonathon Richman, commentator Michael Harrington on the Reagan Revolution and more.
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NPR Playback: February 1986
This month on Playback, take a trip through the NPR archives of exactly 25 years ago to February 1986. This month: NPR's Susan Stamberg talks with jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie. Plus an essay from writer Andrei Codrescu about "Baby Doc" Duvalier — President of Haiti — and Ferdinand Marcos — president of the Phillipines. Then a look back at the women of 1986 and how they were catching on as a desirable demographic. All that and more on Playback.
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NPR Playback: January 1986
This month on Playback, we look back 25 years to January 1986. This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Challenger shuttle disaster that occurred on Jan. 28th, 1986. Hear the story as it unfolded and coverage of how the rocket engineers had tried to stop the launch.
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NPR Playback: January 1986
This month on Playback, we look back 25 years to January 1986. This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Challenger shuttle disaster that occurred on Jan. 28th, 1986. Hear the story as it unfolded and coverage of how the rocket engineers had tried to stop the launch.
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NPR Playback: December 1985
This month on Playback, we look back 25 years to December 1985 plenty of holiday cheer. Composer Johnny Marks gives us the story of his song about the most famous reindeer of all and then Ira Glass delivers a holiday travelogue. All that and much more!
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NPR Playback: November 1985
This month on Playback, we look at November 1985: Hear an interview with legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell on her album 'Dog Eat Dog;' and citizens of Bedford Falls express what they're thankful for at Thanksgiving. Then an interview with actor Jimmy Stewart, a profile of author Norman Maclean and much more.
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NPR Playback: October 1985
NPR's Playback returns in style with a star studded lineup. We have Eartha Kitt, the original Catwoman. Then a very young Ira Glass, President Richard Nixon and profiles of singer Patsy Cline and Orson Welles. All that and more from the fall of 1985.
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NPR Playback: August 1983 (rebroadcast)
It's hot, it's sticky and it's August 1983, but Playback can help you beat the heat with a look back to what was in the news 25 years ago. This month, DJ Doug Jaco Henderson teaches us how to learn math and history through rap and rhythm. Then Andrei Codrescu talks about taking a vacation of the mind. And we get some existential musings from actress Shirley Maclaine. All that and more... (This episode previously aired in August 2008).
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NPR Playback: July 1985
This month on Playback, it's July 1985, which means we have more stories from the NPR archives: We remember NPR news analyst Daniel Schorr -- who recently passed away -- with a commentary from early in his NPR career. Then, we've got filmmaker Michael Moore talking about his home town; a story about school teacher Christa McAuliffe being chosen as the first private citizen in space; and 2 Live Crew becomes the first artist to get a 'Parental Advisory' on their album. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: May 1985
It's May 1985 on this month's Playback and that means another look back in the NPR archives. We revisit NPR's very first broadcast from May 1971; we remember the MOVE bombing that killed 11 people; and travel to the south with Vertamae Grovosnor. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: April 1985
We return to Playback's look back 25 years ago to April 1985. This month we feature a few small tidbits that set the scene: 'Wheel of Fortune's Vanna White talks about her big break; brief Tom Bodett commentary about tax season; an abridged story about the original "We Are The World" all-star jam for African relief; and did Rupert Murdoch 'really' buy NPR? Then a long format breaker featuring the acclaimed radio documentary 'Goodbye Saigon.'
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NPR Playback: First File with Linda Wertheimer
This month Playback returns to 'First File,' our ongoing series that explores the concept of starting out in the rough and tumble world of public radio. This time, we talk with NPR's senior national correspondant Linda Wertheimer about how she got her start at NPR and what it was like for women in journalism back in the early 1970's.
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NPR Playback: February 1985
It's February, which means it's time to look back on Feb. 1985 in this month's Playback. In this episode we eschew the hard news for a look at what people 25 years back remember about their first kiss. And then that grouchy commentator Tom Bodett considers his winter hibernation patterns. We have Father Guido Sarducci talk about his picks for National poet laureate, a tribute to Langston Hughes and a profile of composer Harold Arlen. All that and more.
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NPR Playback: January 1985
Wow it's a new year, Which means at Playback we are looking back 25 years to January 1985. This month, President Reagan is inaugurated for his second term. AIDS finds itself in the headlines with a new blood test to be used for detecting the disease. Then interviews with B-movie legend Roger Corman, actress-turned-fitness guru Jane Fonda and advice from sex psychologist Dr. Ruth. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: First File with Noah Adams
This month Playback returns to 'First File,' our occasional series that explores the backstory behind some legendary NPR broadcast debuts. This month we look back into the NPR archives with Noah Adams. and his first report from NPR from 1975 about the bluegrass group, the McClain Family Band.
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NPR Playback: October 1984
This month on Playback, we look 25 years back to October 1984 in which we look at at the final stretch of the 1984 presidential election, and a famous altercation between VP hopeful Geraldine Farraro and Barbara Bush. Then, a conversation with Studs Terkel and an interview with blueman Stevie Ray Vaughan. All that plus an incredibly bizarre chat with the elusive singer-songwriter Leon Redbone. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: September 1984
It's September 1984 and this month First File continues with a totally strange early piece by NPR producer Art Silverman about a Rat Olympics. Then we hear from P-Funk legend George Clinton, cartoonist Jeff MacNelly, comedians George Carlin and a young Ellen DeGeneres. Plus more on the developing 1984 Presidential race between Reagan and Mondale.
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NPR Playback: August 1984
We return to normal Playback programming as we look at various anniversaries that were happening in August 1984: the 15th anniversary of Woodstock, the 25th anniversary of Mr. Clean, the 10th anniversary of President Nixon's resignation and the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Paris. Plus interviews with iconic musician Randy Newman, comedian Jay Leno, and actor Tony Randall.
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NPR Playback: August 1984
We return to normal Playback programming as we look at various anniversaries that were happening in August 1984: the 15th anniversary of Woodstock, the 25th anniversary of Mr. Clean, the 10th anniversary of President Nixon's resignation and the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Paris. Plus interviews with iconic musician Randy Newman, comedian Jay Leno, and actor Tony Randall.
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NPR Playback: First File with Susan Stamberg
First File is a new occasional series we'll feature on Playback that explores the backstory behind some legendary NPR broadcast debuts. This month we take a visit to the NPR archives with a special tour guide, a woman affectionately known as the mother of public radio, NPR's Susan Stamberg.
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NPR Playback: June 1984
It's June 1984 and here on Playback we take a look back on the 40th (now 65th) anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy with a breathtaking, format-breaking minute by minute account. Plus critical reaction to Bruce Springsteen's album 'Born in the USA,' and Clarence Nash,the voice of Donald Duck speaks out.
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NPR Playback: May 1984
This month we're traveling to May 1984 with an entertaining interview with Ron Howard, director of 'Splash,' and a curious story of two oddly matched entertainers — President Reagan and Michael Jackson. We also hear a press event with former President Nixon making predictions about the '84 presidential race. All that plus NPR's Susan Stamberg and Noah Adams watching a solar eclipse through a cardboard box.
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NPR Playback: April 1984
April 1984 brought some remarkable stories from the NPR archives. Robert Krulwich explains at the changing face of the American economy in his typical Krulwichian style. Then a new breakthrough discovery regarding the AIDS epidemic, Marvin Gaye is remembered, the Apple 2C makes its debut, and we take a listen to the new women of rock and roll. All that plus Liberace!
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NPR Playback: March 1984
It's March 1984 and on NPR Playback we ask a simple question: "Where's the beef?." Hear how a the popular catchphrase caught on in the ongoing '84 Presidential campaign. Then Mississippi finally ratifies 19th amendment — women's right to vote — and attracts some retro attitudes from some senators. Plus we hear from actor John Malkovitch, a Reagan impersonator and Bozo the Clown.
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NPR Playback: March 1984
It's March 1984 and on NPR Playback we ask a simple question: "Where's the beef?." Hear how a the popular catchphrase caught on in the ongoing '84 Presidential campaign. Then Mississippi finally ratifies 19th amendment — women's right to vote — and attracts some retro attitudes from some senators. Plus we hear from actor John Malkovitch, a Reagan impersonator and Bozo the Clown.
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NPR Playback: February 1984
This month on Playback, it's February 1984. We'll have a story on the pullout of the U.S. Marines from Beirut, Lebanon and analysis from David Gergen. Then more developments in the 1984 Presidential election with stories of Reverend Jesse Jackson and Senator Gary Hart. Plus the back story on Michael Jackson's classic album "Thriller," a profile of Chicago folk singer Steve Goodman and a bizarre look at love, just in time for Valentine's Day.
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NPR Playback: February 1984
This month on Playback, it's February 1984. We'll have a story on the pullout of the U.S. Marines from Beirut, Lebanon and analysis from David Gergen. Then more developments in the 1984 Presidential election with stories of Reverend Jesse Jackson and Senator Gary Hart. Plus the back story on Michael Jackson's classic album "Thriller," a profile of Chicago folk singer Steve Goodman and a bizarre look at love, just in time for Valentine's Day.
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NPR Playback: January 1984
It's a new year — January 1984 — and this month we begin to experience the rich, full bodied flavor of the mid '80s with stories about legendary radio personality Wolfman Jack, a remembrance of Ray Kroc, and an emerging trend of women wearing jogging shoes to work. Plus President Reagan announces his candidacy for re-election and much more.
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NPR Playback: December 1983
It's December 1983 and Playback presents the gift that keeps on giving: a look back into the NPR archives. This month seems to be crazier than usual with reports on 1983's blooming economy, a comparative look of the times versus George Orwell's post-apocalyptic, nightmarish classic 1984. Plus Playboy magazine founder, Hugh Hefner, holiday shopping advice from Moe Moskowitz and New Year's advice from Father Guido Sarducci.
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NPR Playback: November 1983
This month's Playback looks at November 1983, a time that gave a whole new meaning to the expression "cutting edge." We hear a report about Reverend Jesse Jackson's bid for running for President. Then authors Pepper Schwarz and Phillip Bloomstein discuss the behaviors of men and women in the typical 1983 relationship. Plus new rap music from Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and fake tv news comedy from SCTV.
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NPR Playback: October 1983
October 1983 saw outbreaks of violence in Beruit and Grenada that occurred a mere three days apart. We hear reports and analysis from those events. Plus an interview with former congresswoman Barbara Jordan about the chances of a woman on the democratic ticket for the upcoming 1984 Presidential election. All that plus a then-new report from the EPA about carbon emissions.
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NPR Playback: October 1983
October 1983 saw outbreaks of violence in Beruit and Greneda that occurred a mere three days apart. We hear reports and analysis from those events. Plus an interview with former congresswoman Barbara Jordan about the chances of a woman on the democratic ticket for the upcoming 1984 Presidential election. All that plus a then-new report from the EPA about carbon emissions.
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NPR Playback: September 1983
September 1983 brought many things: tragedy struck Korean Air Lines flight 007 when it was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet. We hear President Reagan's reaction. Plus Walter Mondale prepares for his run at the 1984 Presidential race. We also talk with playright David Mamet, learn of a new emerging trend called breakdancing, hear new music from the Talking Heads and speak with those 'hosers' from the north, Bob and Doug MacKenzie (also known as Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas).
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NPR Playback: August 1983
It's hot, it's sticky and it's August 1983, but Playback can help you beat the heat with a look back to what was in the news 25 years ago. This month, DJ Doug Jaco Henderson teaches us how to learn math and history through rap and rhythm. Then Andrei Codrescu talks about taking a vacation of the mind. And we get some existential musings from actress Shirley Maclaine. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: July 1983
This month we look at July 1983, where show you how to get over your fear of flying. We also hear an interview with the original voice of Snow White, Adriana Caselotti, a guided tour of through Paris, France's Bois de Boulogne, and learn how to make weird mouth noises from Frederick Newman.
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NPR Playback: June 1983
It's June 1983 but we look back to the 1960s in this especially retro episode of Playback. We tune in to alien broadcasts, talk with Jack Parr, and commemorate the death of Robert Kennedy. Also in this episode: Sally Ride's historic flight and the Grateful Dead.
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NPR Playback: May 1983
It's May 1983 and we're sweating to a radio Disco exercise program, listening to Muddy Waters, and reading the Playboy advice column! We also chat with the Star Wars sound effects guru who earned an Academy Award for bringing lightsabers to life. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: April 1983
Spring has sprung in 1983 and NPR's Playback is there for the tryouts for the Morning Edition Orchestra. We'll also have stories about the bombing of a U.S. embassy in Beirut, the fiftieth anniversary of King Kong and NPR's Danny Zwerdling gets down with the language of the streets. All that plus the birth of the original ringtone.
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NPR Playback: March 1983
March 1983 springs forth with more stories from the NPR archives including a look at President Reagan's new high tech missile defense program and celebrating the 50th anniversary of FDR's famous fireside chats. Also hear NPR's Ira Flatow discuss a new emerging digital technology for listening to music, AND try out a few new pick up lines from 1983. All that and more...
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NPR Playback: February 1983
It's February 1983 at Playback and we tune in to catch the winners of the Grammy's. We also remember Tennessee Williams who died that month with profile of the American playwright. Plus a report from NPR's Scott Simon about the heated mayoral race in Chicago. All that and more!
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