Sharon Olds on ‘Bob Edwards Weekend’

Her first collection of poetry entitled, "Satan Says," was published in 1980. Four years later, her book "The Dead and the Living" earned the National Book Critics Circle Award, and from 1998 to 2000, she was the New York State Poet Laureate. Currently Olds teaches creative writing at New York University, a program she formerly directed. There is no computer in her office — much of her correspondence is conducted by fax.

Sharon Olds has earned literary respect with her raw and intense poetry. She earned the respect of activists by denouncing the war in Iraq. Bob talks to the New York University professor about her writing, her teaching, and her refusal to dine with First Lady Laura Bush.

Also on the show: jazz pianist Henry Butler is a virtuoso of many different styles and techniques. Although Butler was blinded by glaucoma at birth, he performs and records all over the world, and is also a noted photographer. Known as "The Pride of New Orleans," Henry Butler plays some songs for Bob and discusses his life and career.

Bob Edwards Weekend" is a two-hour interview showcase, in which celebrated host Bob Edwards highlights the life and work of interesting people, from newsmakers, historians, and authors to artists, actors, and regular folks too. The show is produced by XM Satellite Radio and distributed nationwide by PRI.

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