Roots of Rock and R&B: Dion and Allen Toussaint

This episode of Fresh Air features two segments: an interview with Dion, a rock and roll singer, discussing his early influences like Hank Williams and the blues, his hit songs, and his relationship with Buddy Holly, interspersed with Dion performing songs; and an interview with Allen Toussaint, a New Orleans pianist, singer, songwriter, and producer, focusing on his early career, influences like Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, and the stories behind some of his hit songs, also featuring Toussaint performing his compositions. The episode concludes with jazz historian Kevin Whitehead's tribute to alto saxophonist Art Pepper, highlighting his career, personal struggles, and musical style, with excerpts from Pepper's recordings.