Along with writing about my heroes in children’s books, I broadcast commentaries about my favorite historical figures on public radio. Here’s a sampling.
Harry Houdini, Self-Liberator
The magician escaped not just from handcuffs, but from poverty and oppression.
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Joni Mitchell Glides into Music History
How a spontaneous skate on a frozen lake led to one of the greatest album covers of all time.
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Bob Dylan Slept Here
The secret history of a seemingly ordinary street.
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Elvis Presley’s Rock and Roll Miracle
The singer brought peace to a troubled street corner in 1977.
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The Beatles’ Crazy Day in Milwaukee
On September 4, 1964, the band challenged local police, sparred with reporters, and reached out to an ailing fan.
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Nirvana Cranks It Up
The band figured out how to turn punk into poetry at Madison’s Smart Studio.
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Duke Ellington’s Favorite State
The jazz composer found a spiritual home in Wisconsin.
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Laurel Clark’s Interstellar Dreams
The astronaut was determined to follow her own path, no matter the risk–and to enjoy herself in the process.
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The Chordettes Make the 1950s Peachy
The vocal quartet wowed them at the malt shop with pop gems like “Lollipop” and “Mr. Sandman.”
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Oprah’s Winfrey’s Best Christmas
During her trouble childhood, a transformative event set her on a path toward healing.
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The Fastest Girl Drummer in the World
Viola Smith insisted on her right to play an instrument deemed unsuitable for women.
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Kenosha Comets and Racine Belles in a League of Their Own
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League broke barriers for women athletes in the 1940s and ’50s.
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Martians Land in U.S.!
How Orson Welles caused a national panic with “War of the Worlds.”
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Otis Redding for Children
Can the legendary soul singer teach an infant to love music?
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Buddy Holly Up Close
The rock and roll pioneer communed with fans on his final tour.
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Bob Dylan’s Long-Lost Ode
In 1961, the young singer-songwriter penned a love letter to one of his favorite places.
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The Wizard of Waukesha
Les Paul works wonders on a homemade guitar.
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Dairy State Blues
A Wisconsin furniture company produced some of the 20th century’s most important music.
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How Chris Farley Made Us Laugh
For all his wildness, he had a heart.
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‘I Can’t Get Started’ Casts a Spell
Jazz trumpeter Bunny Berigan is remembered for only one song, but it’s a doozy.
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Glamour, Wisconsin-Style
How the Dairy State produced Liberace.
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Jackie Robinson’s Best Friend in Sheboygan
The baseball star’s bond with a young fan brings hope for racial harmony.
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The Rebirth of Frank Morgan
After 30 years in prison, the jazz saxophonist pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in American music.
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Woody Herman’s Blue Flame
It’s time to give the playful bandleader his due.
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How Americans Conquered a Virus
Jonas Salk led a communal effort to defeat polio.
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Theodore Roosevelt Defies Death
A would-be assassin’s bullet was no match for the self-proclaimed bull moose.
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Abe Lincoln Spends the Night
Janesville, Wisconsin, still remembers the future president’s brief but colorful visit.
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A Lesson in Heroism
Astronaut Jim Lovell offers a template for doing the impossible.
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What John Steinbeck Noticed
A great author can make you see a place with new eyes.
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Richard Davis, Bassist Extraordinaire
The legendary musician creates a jazz mecca 1,000 miles from New York City.
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Big Star in a Small Town
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, had never seen the likes of Hank Aaron.
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Redeeming Fred Merkle
A small town champions a baseball player notorious for one spectacular error.
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Meet the Genius, Age 10
Orson Welles began his rise to fame as a fourth grader obsessed with acting out.
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Next Stop, ‘Star Wars’
How Harrison Ford overcame stage fright and discovered himself as an actor.
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The Photographer as Storyteller
Pedro Guerrero created the definitive images of Frank Lloyd Wright and his architecture.
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Georgia O’Keeffe vs. Her Hometown
The artist was proud of her roots, but Sun Prairie wasn’t always proud of her.
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A Game Show Host’s Way with Words
Password‘s Allen Ludden inspires a budding bookworm.
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Ann Landers vs. Dear Abby
The inseparable twin sisters became bitter rivals as advice columnists.
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Improvisation as a Way of Life
Jazz pianist Joan Wildman blows up time and space.
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The Hollywood Treatment
Is that really Madison up there on the big screen?
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Inventing the Ice Cream Sundae
Does Two Rivers, Wisconsin, really deserve all the credit?
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The Place That Shapes a Person
Who would I be if I hadn’t settled in my adopted hometown by chance?
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