Studs Terkel, RIP

—By

| Fri Oct. 31, 2008 4:55 PM PDT

Studs Terkel was a journalist's journalist, though he considered the term "journalist" to be far less blue-collar than the job. A personal hero of many writers, he died today the way most of us would like to: Home in bed, at the age of 96, with a copy of his latest forthcoming book on the nightstand.

In 1995, Mother Jones interviewed the master of the interview. Read it here.

Get Mother Jones by Email - Free. Like what you're reading? Get the best of MoJo three times a week.

Photo Essays + Slideshows

Garry Winogrand, John F. Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles, 1

Never Before Seen Photos From Legendary Street Photographer Garry Winogrand

Fourteen amazing scenes of life in America—and hundreds more where that came from.

Photos: Too Old for Prison?

I just watched one of my subjects die. I don't want to get used to this.

Claressa "T-Rex" Shields

No Endorsements, No Problem: Boxing Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Keeps Fighting

Back home in Michigan, the Olympian juggles homework, dating—and a strict training schedule.

The Greatest Senatorial Hair Cuts of All Time

'Do process: Memorable hair styles, from John C. Calhoun's bed-head to Joe Biden's party in the back.

See All