Schoolhouse Rock used catchy tunes and videos to teach math, grammar and history. We listen to archival interviews with music director Bob Dorough, songwriter Dave Frishberg and singer Jack Sheldon.
The jazz pianist and singer, who died Nov. 17, wrote witty songs and moving ballads, as well as material for the kids' TV show Schoolhouse Rock! Originally broadcast in 1991.
Lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer -- born Nov. 18, 1909 -- wrote or co-wrote more than 1,000 songs, including American Songbook standards like "Skylark," "That Old Black Magic" and "Come Rain or Come Shine." HIs Academy Awards tally includes a statue for what's possibly his most famous tune, "Moon River." Fresh Air marks the anniversary of his birth with an in-studio concert starring Rebecca Kilgore and Dave Frishberg.