James P. Johnson. Courtesy Wikimedia.

John Hammond expresses his enthusiasm for pianist James P. Johnson, which began when he purchased his records for a dime at the age of 10. Historical recording of "Mule Walk" follows.

Teddy Wilson and Billie Holiday. Courtesy lastfm.

Hammond shares details of his legendary 1935 recording session featuring Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, and the Teddy Wilson band, and introduces a tune from that session, "Miss Brown to You."

John Hammond with Count Basie. Courtesy UMKC Libraries.

Hammond tells the story of how he met and helped launch the career of Count Basie.