July 2009   
SMTWTFS
 29

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy reflects on his relationship with Michael Jackson, before the child, who "was like a son" to him, became an international music superstar and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

30

Professors Cornel West and Michael Eric Dyson assess Michael Jackson's cultural and social legacy.

1

New York Times columnist Roger Cohen shares his experiences in Iran and weighs in the country's recent election. Oscar-nominated Iranian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo discusses engaging Jordanians in the message of her new film, The Stoning of Soraya M.

2

Debo Adegbile, director of litigation for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, talks about the Voting Rights Act case he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Actor Bill Pullman compares acting in the theater to doing movies.

3

The New Yorker's Jane Mayer talks about her new book, The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals. Journalist Malina Saval, author of The Secret Lives of Boys, explains her attempt to debunk stereotypes about teenage dads.

4
56

The Washington Post's David Ignatius describes his latest novel, The Increment, and weighs in on President Obama's trip to Russia. Actor Jeremy Remmer discusses his new film about members of a bomb unit in Iraq, The Hurt Locker.

7

Tavis revisits his conversation with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and shows highlights from the Michael Jackson memorial service at Staples Center. Ryan, Kyle and Tara Perry—the teens that make up The Homemade Jamz Blues Band—talk about where music has taken them and also perform, including a track from their new CD, "I Got Blues for You."

8

Philadelphia, Mississippi's newly-elected Mayor James Young explains the significance of his election win, given the city's infamous history of racial violence. Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks about her Internet series, Web Therapy.

9

Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic and RealAge fame says the U.S. healthcare discussion needs to include lifestyle treatment to focus on preventive care rather than just access. The Blackstone Group co-founder and former Commerce Secretary Peter Peterson explains why he committed $1 billion to his foundation and says the U.S. debt threatens the future of the American dream.

10

In a show devoted to a discussion of breast cancer, one of the leading authorities on cancer risk assessment, Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade, explains the research, efforts and resources available. And, breast cancer survivors Diahann Carroll and Jessica Queller share their experiences.

11
1213

Multitalented Emmy- and Grammy- winner Steve Martin talks about how he came to love the banjo and, using a selection from "The Crow," his first all-music CD, demonstrates two styles of playing. He also discusses his transition from stand-up to acting.

14

Former baseball All Star Darryl Strawberry opens up about why he chose to tell all in his new memoir, Straw: Finding My Way, how he responds to people who doubt his faith journey and the part of his game for which the media has not given him enough credit.

15

Emmy- and two-time Peabody Award-winning talk show host Larry King comments on his childhood and what he learned from being poor, how he got Frank Sinatra to appear on his local talk show and the news stories that, over the years, have most surprised him.

16

Emmy-winning television producer-writer and longtime social activist Norman Lear discloses his views on his groundbreaking body of work and why it was important for him to own one of the first published copies of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

17

Actress-comedienne Tracey Ullman comments on being a news junkie, becoming a U.S. citizen and finding humor in different situations. She displays that humor with impersonations that include Huell Howser, Arianna Huffington and the Queen of England during President and Mrs. Obama's recent visit.

18
1920

In Part 1 of an exclusive conversation, music icon Prince talks about his childhood epilepsy—something he's never before shared publicly—the relationship with his father, how he maintains friendships and learning from constructive criticism.

Watch Part 2 >>

21

In part 2 of his exclusive conversation with Tavis, Prince explains the genesis of several of the tracks on his new project, how it has been successful without radio airplay and describes his ideal radio station. The superstar's protégé, singer Bria Valente, shares how she responded to the challenge of creating something that's not being done today in music.

<< Watch Part 1

22

Legendary music superstar Carlos Santana talks about being the first rock act to take up residency in Las Vegas.

23

Spinal Tap members—Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean—explain how they came together 25 years ago for their "mockumentary" and why they're embarking on a new concert tour.

24

Iconic folk artist Joan Baez, who's celebrating 50 years in the business, shares how she got into music and humanitarian advocacy, talks about meeting Dr. Martin Luther King and the career effect of her activism and tells the story of discovering Bob Dylan.

25
2627

In part one of a two-part conversation, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy recounts his boxing days, borrowing from his family to start the label—50 years ago—and building life around Hitsville U.S.A.

28

In part two of his conversation with Tavis, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy reflects on his first number one song and some of the label's superstars, including Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

29

Prolific singer-songwriter Lionel Richie discusses the early days of Motown, the new meaning his career hit songs take when he's performing on the stage, the international Obama-mania when he was on the road during the campaign season and the role he played on Obama's compilation CD.

30

Legendary singing and songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson tell the stories of how they met and the first time they pitched to Motown record producer Berry Gordy and comment on why people respond to their songs.

31

Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Lamont Dozier reflects on the 50th anniversary of Motown and tells the story of how The Supremes were launched to stardom. Neo-soul singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq performs a track from his Grammy-nominated CD, "The Way I See It."

Shows July 2009

Looking for a past show? You'll find Tavis' previous guests and special features below, with links to transcripts and complete audio versions of each program.

Looking for other months or guests? Use the index of Past Shows to search for shows by month or guest name.


image from Wednesday, July 1

Wednesday, July 1

New York Times columnist Roger Cohen shares his experiences in Iran and weighs in the country's recent election. Oscar-nominated Iranian actress Shohreh Aghdashloo discusses engaging Jordanians in the message of her new film, The Stoning of Soraya M.


image from Thursday, July 2

Thursday, July 2

Debo Adegbile, director of litigation for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, talks about the Voting Rights Act case he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. Actor Bill Pullman compares acting in the theater to doing movies.


image from Friday, July 3

Friday, July 3

The New Yorker's Jane Mayer talks about her new book, The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals. Journalist Malina Saval, author of The Secret Lives of Boys, explains her attempt to debunk stereotypes about teenage dads.


image from Monday, July 6

Monday, July 6

The Washington Post's David Ignatius describes his latest novel, The Increment, and weighs in on President Obama's trip to Russia. Actor Jeremy Remmer discusses his new film about members of a bomb unit in Iraq, The Hurt Locker.


image from Tuesday, July 7

Tuesday, July 7

Tavis revisits his conversation with Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and shows highlights from the Michael Jackson memorial service at Staples Center. Ryan, Kyle and Tara Perry—the teens that make up The Homemade Jamz Blues Band—talk about where music has taken them and also perform, including a track from their new CD, "I Got Blues for You."


image from Wednesday, July 8

Wednesday, July 8

Philadelphia, Mississippi's newly-elected Mayor James Young explains the significance of his election win, given the city's infamous history of racial violence. Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks about her Internet series, Web Therapy.


image from Thursday, July 9

Thursday, July 9

Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic and RealAge fame says the U.S. healthcare discussion needs to include lifestyle treatment to focus on preventive care rather than just access. The Blackstone Group co-founder and former Commerce Secretary Peter Peterson explains why he committed $1 billion to his foundation and says the U.S. debt threatens the future of the American dream.


image from Friday, July 10

Friday, July 10

In a show devoted to a discussion of breast cancer, one of the leading authorities on cancer risk assessment, Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade, explains the research, efforts and resources available. And, breast cancer survivors Diahann Carroll and Jessica Queller share their experiences.


image from Monday, July 13

Monday, July 13

Multitalented Emmy- and Grammy- winner Steve Martin talks about how he came to love the banjo and, using a selection from "The Crow," his first all-music CD, demonstrates two styles of playing. He also discusses his transition from stand-up to acting.


image from Tuesday, July 14

Tuesday, July 14

Former baseball All Star Darryl Strawberry opens up about why he chose to tell all in his new memoir, Straw: Finding My Way, how he responds to people who doubt his faith journey and the part of his game for which the media has not given him enough credit.


image from Wednesday, July 15

Wednesday, July 15

Emmy- and two-time Peabody Award-winning talk show host Larry King comments on his childhood and what he learned from being poor, how he got Frank Sinatra to appear on his local talk show and the news stories that, over the years, have most surprised him.


image from Thursday, July 16

Thursday, July 16

Emmy-winning television producer-writer and longtime social activist Norman Lear discloses his views on his groundbreaking body of work and why it was important for him to own one of the first published copies of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.


image from Friday, July 17

Friday, July 17

Actress-comedienne Tracey Ullman comments on being a news junkie, becoming a U.S. citizen and finding humor in different situations. She displays that humor with impersonations that include Huell Howser, Arianna Huffington and the Queen of England during President and Mrs. Obama's recent visit.


image from Monday, July 20

Monday, July 20

In Part 1 of an exclusive conversation, music icon Prince talks about his childhood epilepsy—something he's never before shared publicly—the relationship with his father, how he maintains friendships and learning from constructive criticism.

Watch Part 2 >>


image from Tuesday, July 21

Tuesday, July 21

In part 2 of his exclusive conversation with Tavis, Prince explains the genesis of several of the tracks on his new project, how it has been successful without radio airplay and describes his ideal radio station. The superstar's protégé, singer Bria Valente, shares how she responded to the challenge of creating something that's not being done today in music.

<< Watch Part 1


image from Wednesday, July 22

Wednesday, July 22

Legendary music superstar Carlos Santana talks about being the first rock act to take up residency in Las Vegas.


image from Thursday, July 23

Thursday, July 23

Spinal Tap members—Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Michael McKean—explain how they came together 25 years ago for their "mockumentary" and why they're embarking on a new concert tour.


image from Friday, July 24

Friday, July 24

Iconic folk artist Joan Baez, who's celebrating 50 years in the business, shares how she got into music and humanitarian advocacy, talks about meeting Dr. Martin Luther King and the career effect of her activism and tells the story of discovering Bob Dylan.


image from Monday, July 27

Monday, July 27

In part one of a two-part conversation, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy recounts his boxing days, borrowing from his family to start the label—50 years ago—and building life around Hitsville U.S.A.


image from Tuesday, July 28

Tuesday, July 28

In part two of his conversation with Tavis, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy reflects on his first number one song and some of the label's superstars, including Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.


image from Wednesday, July 29

Wednesday, July 29

Prolific singer-songwriter Lionel Richie discusses the early days of Motown, the new meaning his career hit songs take when he's performing on the stage, the international Obama-mania when he was on the road during the campaign season and the role he played on Obama's compilation CD.


image from Thursday, July 30

Thursday, July 30

Legendary singing and songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson tell the stories of how they met and the first time they pitched to Motown record producer Berry Gordy and comment on why people respond to their songs.


image from Friday, July 31

Friday, July 31

Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Lamont Dozier reflects on the 50th anniversary of Motown and tells the story of how The Supremes were launched to stardom. Neo-soul singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq performs a track from his Grammy-nominated CD, "The Way I See It."