Fresh Air Podcast Summary Episode: Remembering Lyricist Alan Bergman / The 'Outrageous' Jessica Mitford
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Hosts: Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley
NPR

1. Remembering Lyricist Alan Bergman

A. Legacy of Alan Bergman

The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to Alan Bergman, the esteemed lyricist who passed away at the age of 99. Alan, alongside his wife Marilyn Bergman, formed one of the most enduring songwriting duos in contemporary music, crafting songs that have resonated through decades.

B. Collaborative Journey with Marilyn Bergman

Alan and Marilyn's partnership spanned over 60 years, during which they penned numerous classics celebrated by legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Fred Astaire, and Barbra Streisand. Their collaborative process often involved blending their distinct lyrical talents to create memorable tunes.

C. Iconic Songs and Performances

Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to samples of their songs, showcasing Alan's soulful renditions of their collaborative work. Notable tracks include:

• "Nice and Easy"
  Alan Bergman (04:08): "Hey baby, watch your hurry. Relax and don't you worry we're gonna fall in love."

• "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?"
  Alan Bergman (14:02): "What are you doing the rest of your life? Of your life north and south and east and west of your life..."

D. Collaboration with Frank Sinatra

A significant portion of the discussion delves into the Bergmans' work with Frank Sinatra, particularly the creation of "Nice and Easy." Alan recounts how they tailored the song to Sinatra's theatrical persona, infusing it with both ease and a subtle sensual undertone.

Alan Bergman (05:17): "We felt because they wanted something that was easy, swinging that nice and easy... it also had a kind of subtext to be a little sexy, which certainly also was part of Sinatra."

E. Anecdotes and Personal Stories

Alan shares memorable experiences, such as pitching a 10-minute piece to Sinatra, which, although never performed, exemplified their dedication to capturing complex narratives in their lyrics.

Alan Bergman (08:34): "He was crying and he said to Marilyn, how do you know so much about me? As if his life was such a closed book."

F. Songwriting Philosophy

The Bergmans emphasized writing within a dramatic or narrative context, believing that their songs should tell a story or convey a specific emotion tied to a moment or scene.

Alan Bergman (09:23): "We were more interested in writing in a dramatic context than just writing songs in limbo."

2. The 'Outrageous' Jessica Mitford

A. Introduction to Jessica Mitford

Transitioning from the world of music, the episode features an in-depth interview with Jessica Mitford, one of the renowned Mitford sisters. Jessica, known for her investigative writings and radical activism, discusses her life, beliefs, and the impact of her work.

B. The Mitford Family Dynamics

Jessica elaborates on the stark contrasts within her family, particularly how she and her sisters diverged politically, with Jessica embracing leftist ideologies while others, like Diana, aligned with fascism.

Jessica Mitford (26:34): "I never have been able to figure it out myself, frankly."

C. Political Activism and Exposing Corruption

One of Jessica's most notable achievements, as discussed in the interview, is her book "The American Way of Death," which exposed unethical practices within the funeral industry. She shares her motivations and the process of investigating and writing the book.

Jessica Mitford (36:53): "I started writing that book after seeing the hidden costs families faced when a union member died."

D. Personal Losses and Resilience

Jessica opens up about personal tragedies, including the loss of her first husband in World War II and the death of her child, highlighting how these experiences shaped her resilience and commitment to activism.

Jessica Mitford (29:16): "I got various jobs with the government and other places to support my baby and keep moving forward."

E. Reflections on Communism and Disillusionment

The conversation touches on Jessica's involvement with the Communist Party, her reasons for joining, and her eventual disillusionment following revelations about Stalin's crimes and the Soviet invasions.

Jessica Mitford (32:08): "By 1958, the Khrushchev report and the invasions made it clear that it was time to leave the party."

F. Impact and Legacy

Jessica reflects on the enduring relevance of her work and the importance of speaking out against injustice, emphasizing her belief in the power of truth and accountability.

Jessica Mitford (35:43): "You have to be willing to stand up and fight against what you believe is wrong, no matter the cost."

3. Additional Highlights

A. Musical Performances by Alan Bergman

Interspersed within the discussions are performances by Alan Bergman, bringing to life the lyrical beauty of his and Marilyn's compositions.

Alan Bergman (14:02): "I have only one request of your life that you spend it all with me..."

Alan Bergman (20:58): "That face, that face, that wonderful face. It shines, it glows all over the place."

B. Reflections on Public Media and Support

Towards the end of the episode, there are earnest appeals for supporting public media amidst challenges to federal funding, underscoring the importance of independent journalism.

Marilyn Bergman (50:53): "Public radio and television is ending. But NPR isn't going anywhere."

4. Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air offers a compelling juxtaposition between the artistic legacy of Alan Bergman and the politically charged life of Jessica Mitford. Through intimate conversations, personal anecdotes, and poignant performances, Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley delve deep into the lives of these influential figures, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of art, activism, and resilience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Alan Bergman (05:17): "We felt because they wanted something that was easy, swinging that nice and easy... it also had a kind of subtext to be a little sexy, which certainly also was part of Sinatra."

• Alan Bergman (08:34): "He was crying and he said to Marilyn, how do you know so much about me? As if his life was such a closed book."

• Jessica Mitford (26:34): "I never have been able to figure it out myself, frankly."

• Jessica Mitford (32:08): "By 1958, the Khrushchev report and the invasions made it clear that it was time to leave the party."

• Marilyn Bergman (50:53): "Public radio and television is ending. But NPR isn't going anywhere."

For those who haven't listened to this episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the conversations surrounding Alan Bergman's musical contributions and Jessica Mitford's impactful activism. Through their stories, listeners gain insight into the interplay between art and politics, the challenges of maintaining personal integrity, and the enduring quest for truth and expression.