FRESH AIR
In his new film, Resurrecting the Champ, actor Samuel L. Jackson plays a homeless, broken-down former
heavyweight contender. The movie, directed by Rob Lurie and set to open Aug. 24, is based on the true story of boxer Battling Bob Satterfield. Jackson’s other films include Black Snake Moan, Pulp Fiction, Jungle Fever, Coach Carter, Freedomland and Unbreakable. He studied dramatic arts at Atlanta’s Morehouse College, and after he graduated he originated two August Wilson roles — Boy Willie in The Piano Lesson and Wolf in Two Trains Running — at the Yale Repertory Theatre. PLUS, celebrated salsa king Hector Lavoe is the subject of the film El Cantante. Our music critic takes a look at his career, marked by dazzling musical highs and personal lows including heroin addiction and a suicide attempt.
RADIO TIMES
We talk about the relationship between journalist, QUIL LAWRENCE and Iraqi fixer AYUB NURI about their work covering the war in Iraq. Nuri is now a freelance reporter and a student at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Lawrence reports for the BBC’s show The World. He is author of the forthcoming book, “Invisible Nation: How the Kurd?s Quest for Statehood is Shaping Iraq and the Middle East.”
THE WORLD CAFE
Canadian-trio Great Lake Swimmers join host David Dye on the World Cafe to play songs from their new album, Ongiara. Started as a solo project by front man Tony Dekker, Great Lake Swimmers have earned comparisons to Iron & Wine as well as Nick Drake. The new release centers on quiet, intense compositions in the country-folk vein.
THE GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS: To Leave It Behind