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Musician and writer David Was recounts how the man who wrote "The Christmas Song," jazz crooning legend Mel Torme, was pursuaded to record one of Was' very unconventional tunes — a song that would later become part of Torme's act.

Ramsey Lewis, a composer known for his jazz work, has focused on the gospel sound for a new CD, With One Voice. He tells Ed Gordon about the experience.

Singer and songwriter Jeffrey Osborne's new CD From The Soul showcases classic R&B tunes by popular stars like Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield. Osborne talks about producing the new album.

While Harry Potter has grown to become a huge a marketing event, the book series is still, at its heart, a literary event. Critic-at-large John Powers considers kids today lucky to have that experience. He compares it to his experiences purchasing and reading the Hardy Boys mysteries as a child.

His role as David Fisher, the gay brother who co-runs a funeral home on Six Feet Under, is Michael C. Hall's first television part. On Broadway, his roles have included Billy Flynn, an oily attorney in the revival of Chicago, and the emcee in Cabaret. (This interview originally aired March 26, 2002.)

Jazz guitarist and band leader Bill Frisell is the focus of our third show. The former "house guitarist" for pioneering German modern jazz label ECM, Frisell has worked with artists as varied as Elvis Costello, John Zorn and classical composer Gavin Bryars.

News and Notes with Ed Gordon concludes its three-part roundtable series on the art and business of African-American music. This week, we talk with three professionals who've been on the business and creative sides of the music industry — and who know all too well the business of music.

Herbie Hancock is widely regarded as one of jazz music's most influential players, crossing boundaries of rock, soul, funk and infusing elements of jazz in many different genres. His new album Possibilities hits stores Tuesday.

Saxophonist Joshua Redman has been the darling of jazz critics for more than a decade. With bassist Reuben Rogers and percussionist Ali Jackson Jr., he performs an improvisational set of bebop, blues and Broadway at Zankel Hall.

Singer and actress Annie Ross was part of the legendary team of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross and originated the style known as vocalese. She's currently performing in Manhattan at Danny's Skylight Room on Wednesday nights until September. (This interview originally aired March 2, 1990.)