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23 Oct 2026
44m

Platinum songwriter Jimmy Webb

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Fresh Air

Songwriter Jimmy Webb reflects on his prolific career, detailing the creative process behind enduring hits like "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" and "Wichita Lineman." He discusses the influence of his Southern Baptist upbringing on his musical foundation and explains the symphonic, experimental nature of "MacArthur Park," which he views as a unique bridge between rock and classical music. Beyond the interview, film critic Justin Chang reviews Lee Chang-dong’s *Possible Love*, a South Korean drama depicting the emotional and economic fallout of industrial layoffs. The film offers a nuanced look at class, power, and the resilience of a marriage under extreme pressure, standing out for its novelistic depth and powerful lead performances. Together, these segments highlight the intersection of personal history, artistic evolution, and the complex realities of human experience.

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