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As the song's title indicates, Brent "Ain't Got No Troubles." But the reason for her trouble-free state is her lack of anything -- no man, no home to keep him in, no nickels to rub together, no one to call her, no job to quit, and no membership in either a church or a social club. (On the other hand, she can never sin or be snubbed.)

The 82-year-old jazz and blues songwriter has drifted between genres for most of his life. After a 13-year break from the studio, he's back with a new album, with some help from producer Joe Henry. Hear a special session with Allison on WFUV in New York City.

Neurobiologist Susan R. Barry was born cross-eyed, and for most of her life, she saw the world in two dimensions, instead of three. But in her late 40s, Barry retrained her brain and her eyes to perceive the world in a new way. She explains how her vision -- and her whole sense of self -- changed in her memoir, Fixing My Gaze.

Soprano Benita Valente has retired from singing, though at 75, she's still remarkably active behind the scenes as an educator, organizer and fundraiser. She may not be the world's most famous singer, but a selection of her recordings leads off a new series on Bridge Records called Great Singers of the 20th Century. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz agrees with the title.

As a composer, Coleman has been heavily influenced by James Brown's funk. You wouldn't mistake Coleman's band Five Elements for J.B.'s, but like the Godfather of Soul, he goes in for fast, jittery beats on Harvesting Semblances and Affinities.

The former Beach Boy's new album is titled Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin. Here, Wilson talks about the iconic songwriter's influence, and describes what it means to him to tackle Gershwin's music.

The legendary jazz pianist has produced chart-topping and award-winning albums throughout his career. His latest album is an ambitious combination of film and music, full of exciting collaborations. Hear songs from the new album performed live in the WXPN studios of Philadelphia.

The young composer has been called "Brooklyn's post-millennial Mozart," so it's no surprise who she picks as her dinner date. Wolfgang Amadeus would come well-dressed and in good humor.

If Wyclef Jean is the best-known Haitian artist in the U.S., then Jowee Omicil would likely qualify as the most eclectic. Omicil's mastery of just about every wind instrument turns his latest album into a musical world journey from Afro-jazz to Haitian kompa to soul.

Frank Loesser wrote the musicals Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying — in addition to over 700 other songs. On today's Fresh Air, we discuss Loesser's musical legacy.