Search results for

Folklorist Alan Lomax died Friday, July 19 at the age of 87. He spent more than a half century recording the folk music and customs of the world. His efforts spurred folk revivals in the United States and across Europe. In the United States, he was responsible for priceless recordings of Leadbelly (who Lomax first recorded in prison), Woody Guthrie, Jelly Roll Morton and many others. A 1959 recording he made of Mississippi prisoner James Carter singing the work song "Po'Lazarus" was the opening song for the soundtrack of the film O Brother, Where Art Thou? Many of Lomax's recordings have been reissued on Rounder Records' 100-CD series, the Lomax Collection. This interview first aired July 9, 1990.

The government has been trying for years to stop identity thieves from stealing Social Security numbers. But now officials say the problem has taken on new importance as a way to stop terrorists, NPR's Larry Abramson reports on Morning Edition. NPR Online offers tips on protecting yourself from identity theft.

They called him the Splinter and the Kid and Teddy Ballgame. But Ted Williams thought of himself in simpler terms -- as the greatest hitter who ever lived. The baseball Hall of Famer and war hero died Friday at 83. All Things Considered and NPR Online take a look back at a remarkable American life.

Weekend Edition Saturday once again features summer readings from the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival, held at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Conn. The festival's 11th year continues with "Charles by Accident" by Wesley McNair.

Retired Navy Capt. Peter Huchthausen wrote the book K19: The Widowmaker: The Secret Story of the Soviet Nuclear Submarine. This true story of a barely averted catastrophe aboard a nuclear-powered submarine has been adapted into a film of the same name starring Harrison Ford. Huchthausen served as technical director on the film. On July 4, 1961, the sub was taking part in a military exercise in the North Atlantic. A pipeline in a reactor's cooling system ruptured. In a race against time, the crew worked to improvise a repair. Until now, the story has been kept secret. Huchthausen served as naval attaché in Moscow from 1987 to 1990. The movie opens nationwide on July 19.

A song that had America dreaming of California sunshine actually was born on a New York winter's day. As part of the Present at the Creation series, NPR's Susan Stamberg has the story of "California Dreamin'," the Mamas and the Papas' enduring anthem to homesickness.

Technology has radically changed the sport of surfing. Surfboards have evolved from heavy solid-wood planks -- almost identical to boards used for centuries in Hawaii -- to high-tech tools that rocket skilled surfers across the water. Tom Goldman has the story on surfers and their boards for our continuing Present at the Creation series.

Actress Catherine Keener was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Being John Malkovich. She starred in the independent films The Real Blonde, Walking and Talking, Living in Oblivion and Lovely and Amazing.

A new study offers even more evidence that hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women is risky. Researchers say women taking estrogen-only pills are at greater risk for ovarian cancer. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports for All Things Considered.

A new poll delves into the problems Americans face with their health care. Four out of 10 families report trouble paying their medical bills. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports that most Americans are against what are called "defined contribution" health plans -- where employers give employees money to pay for health care benefits they find themselves. Find the complete poll results online.