Shows April 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.
Wednesday, April 1
Tavis and his guests—Otis Williams of the Temptations, Claudette Robinson of the Miracles and Jan Gaye—reflect on the life and legacy of Motown legend Marvin Gaye, 25 years after his death.
Thursday, April 2
Legendary music superstar Carlos Santana talks about being the first rock act to take up residency in Las Vegas.
Friday, April 3
Sports writer Seth Davis, author of When March Went Mad, explains what made the '79 NCAA championship game so transformative. Grammy-winning contemporary gospel musician Israel Houghton emphasizes that he doesn't want people to see worship as being over after church.
Monday, April 6
Two-time Oscar-winning actor and producer Kevin Spacey describes his experiences as an American living in the U.K., the importance of the arts and his new projects, including the Broadway production of The Norman Conquests.
Tuesday, April 7
In an exclusive interview during her trip to the U.S., Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf—the first woman ever elected head of state in Africa—describes her abduction by soldiers during the coup and how she won the election. She also explains the name of her memoir and talks about the future of her country.
Wednesday, April 8
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke explains the scope of his department's responsibilities and talks about the 2010 census. Emmy-winning actor Ray Liotta, star of the new comedy Observe and Report, shares why he chose to find his birth parents.
Thursday, April 9
Technology entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani, author of Imagining India, explains why India is such a hot topic and says people don't understand the whole story of the country. Multiple Grammy-winning singer-songwriter James Ingram recounts how his new CD—his first gospel album—came to be.
Friday, April 10
Therapist Mark Robert Waldman, author of How God Changes Your Brain, explains the greatest value of his research and says that engaging in contemplative spiritual practice can make permanent positive changes on the brain's structure and function.
Monday, April 13
Rep. Henry Waxman, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, discusses moving to a low carbon-energy economy, greening the ghetto and healthcare. Actor Idris Elba talks about working with people who've influenced his career, guest-starring on The Office and his role in the film Obsessed.
Tuesday, April 14
Physician Abraham Verghese explains the takeaway of his medical novel, Cutting Stone, and talks about the quality of medical training around the world and issues involved in healthcare reform.The reunited Labelle performs one of their classics.
Wednesday, April 15
Filmmaker and Brave New Foundation president Robert Greenwald talks about the circumstances of soldiers returning from the Iraq war. Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin, star of HBO's True Blood series, describes her preparation for playing the title role in the Hallmark Hall of Fame film, The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler.
Thursday, April 16
Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres talks about her battle with bulimia, shares how she stays focused and offers advice on making a comeback. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter India.Arie discusses lessons learned from her first Grammy experience and describes how her voice reflects her state of mind.
Friday, April 17
Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy weighs in on how to stop racism in the NFL's coach selection process. Oscar-nominated actress and Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman describes her role in the new film, Phoebe in Wonderland.
Monday, April 20
House Financial Services Committee chair, Rep. Barney Frank, weighs in on homeownership vs. renting, irresponsible lending and whether the U.S. is turning the corner toward recovery. Jazz icon Hugh Masekela discusses turning 70, remembering his roots and the elections in his native South Africa.
Tuesday, April 21
Environmental activist and Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai discusses her time in the U.S. during the civil rights era, the negative media attention on Africa and challenges for the African citizenry.
Wednesday, April 22
President emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and former New York Times editor Leslie Gelb explains how the definition of U.S. power has changed. Comedy legend David Brenner reflects on his upbringing in Philadelphia's tough neighborhoods and talks about finding one's own humor.
Thursday, April 23
Army Sgt. Juan Luis Alcivar talks about his decision to join the military and his feelings on being a new U.S. citizen. Tony-winning actress-singer Anika Noni Rose describes her anti-glam role in HBO's new series, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and comments on being Disney's first Black animated princess.
Friday, April 24
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.
Monday, April 27
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 >>
Tuesday, April 28
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
Wednesday, April 29
Roger Wilkins, publisher of the NAACP's Crisis magazine, weighs in on the focus on the first 100 days of the presidency. Tony-winning Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth explains why she reads what critics write.
Thursday, April 30
Former journalist turned strategic consultant Joshua Cooper Ramo talks about spending time in the Middle East and says the U.S. needs to recalibrate its instincts. Mike Krzyzewski, head of the Duke University men's basketball program, describes his coaching style and speculates on what can be expected from his team.






















