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(For Full Employment After the War, Register, Vote, 1944 (artist Ben Shahn )
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The people take a stand. Writer Joshua Wolf Shenk takes a stand against the "Happy Birthday" song. Botanist Scott Mori rallies to the defense of an overlooked science. Criminal rights advocate Susan Hallett questions why we deprive four million citizens of the right to vote. Novelist Meg Wolitzer and singer-songwriter Suzzy Roche insist there is a place for inscrutable literature in the folk music idiom. Also, life after rock’n’roll fame – as imagined in a dramatic monologue by David Cale. And remembering alto saxaphonist Sam Furnace.
The Voice of the People
In the wake of President Bush’s call this week for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution banning gay marriage, Next Big Thing contributor Henry Alford takes to the street to ask, “what would you like to ban?”
Not That Song
Some people don’t like becoming a year older. Others are shy about all the attention. Joshua Wolf Shenk dreads birthdays for an entirely different reason, having to do with that simple song we sing dutifully, year in and year out. This year, he decided to put a stop to it. ...
Rock the Vote
A 1946 public service announcement from the WNYC archives.
Lost Votes
Susan Hallett has voted just once in her life – but her lack of political participation is by no means a reflection of apathy. She is one of four million Americans who have lost the right to vote as the result of a felony conviction. Now she works as a ...
Rock Star in the Frozen Section
His name is Robert. He’s a retired musician in his late 40s, living in upstate New York, having chosen the simple life over rock’n’roll celebrity. Or so he thought. This work of fiction was written and performed by David Cale. Produced by Emily Botein. You can find more of David ...
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