Arts
Now producer/host David Garland looks again at Connie’s life, revealing a more complete portrait of a complex woman who was not only an unsung songwriter, but also a smart, politically engaged activist who worked on peace, civil rights, and women’s issues, and for years wrote and edited policy journals such the Journal of Conflict Resolution. It was a risky time for activism; some of the organizations she worked for were targeted for connections to Soviet espionage by the notorious House Un-American Activities Committee. Riley Trumbell, who worked with Connie in the 1960s, speaks with David about her observations and impressions of Connie, and in part 2 of this podcast, will tell of the “horrible” thing that Connie did to her with the best intentions. Amber Benson reads some of Connie’s writing, and we hear music from the new album “Vanity Of Vanities—A Tribute To Connie Converse,” produced by John Zorn, featuring, among others, Arone Dyer (Buke & Gase) and Greg Saunier (Deerhoof).