Celebrating Studs Terkel's Shakespeare Tapestry from 1975

WFMT radio host's iconic audio collage featured interpretations from stars and everyday people

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:00am

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An abstract, minimalist composition of jagged, overlapping geometric shapes in deep burgundy, forest green, and charcoal grey, evoking the rich tapestry of voices and themes explored in Studs Terkel's radio program celebrating Shakespeare.Studs Terkel's iconic 1975 radio program wove together diverse perspectives on the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare.Chicago Today

On April 23, 1975, legendary Chicago radio personality Studs Terkel aired a special acoustic tapestry celebrating the life and works of William Shakespeare. The hour-long program featured a unique mix of commentary, performances, and reflections on the Bard from a diverse array of guests, including actors, musicians, and everyday citizens.

Why it matters

Studs Terkel's Shakespeare Tapestry exemplified his pioneering approach to radio, blending high culture with grassroots perspectives and elevating the voices of the working class. The program offered a multifaceted exploration of Shakespeare's enduring legacy and influence, showcasing Terkel's skill at curating compelling audio collages that illuminated the human experience.

The details

Terkel's Shakespeare Tapestry wove together interpretations from acclaimed actors like John Neville and Barbara Jefford, as well as musical performances by early music specialists Alfred Deller and Desmond Dupré. The program also included commentary from cultural figures like Marlon Brando and Lord Richard Buckley, along with reflections from everyday Chicagoans about how Shakespeare's works had impacted their lives.

  • The Shakespeare Tapestry aired on WFMT radio in Chicago on April 23, 1975.
  • Studs Terkel hosted a daily radio show on WFMT from 1952 to 1997.

The players

Studs Terkel

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and legendary radio personality who hosted a daily show on WFMT in Chicago for 45 years, known for his innovative approach to radio interviews and his championing of oral history.

William Shakespeare

The renowned English playwright, poet, and actor, widely considered one of the greatest literary figures of all time, whose works have had a profound and lasting impact on Western culture.

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What they’re saying

“Shakespeare's words have a way of getting inside you, of becoming a part of your own experience.”

— Barbara Jefford, Actress

“The Bard's language is like music to the ear, it has a rhythm and poetry all its own.”

— Alfred Deller, Early music specialist

What’s next

WFMT is currently working to digitize and preserve Studs Terkel's extensive audio archives, including the full recording of the 1975 Shakespeare Tapestry, to make them accessible to the public.

The takeaway

Studs Terkel's Shakespeare Tapestry exemplified his unique approach to radio, blending high culture and grassroots perspectives to create a rich, multifaceted exploration of the Bard's enduring influence. The program showcased Terkel's skill at curating compelling audio collages that illuminated the human experience.