What songs tell your life story? Host Sophie Bearman asks this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped their lives. New episodes every Tuesday.
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What songs tell your life story? Host Sophie Bearman asks this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped their lives. New episodes every Tuesday.
Biographer of geniuses Walter Isaacson on the songs and city that made him
Life in Seven Songs
36 minutes
3 months ago
Biographer of geniuses Walter Isaacson on the songs and city that made him
In our first ever live episode, recorded at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, Sophie sits down with Walter Isaacson, the acclaimed journalist behind the definitive biographies of visionaries like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Leonardo da Vinci.
In this episode, Walter reveals why – despite a career spent chronicling some of the greatest minds in history – the most formative “character” in his life story might be the city of New Orleans, where he grew up. Here are his songs.
The Neville Brothers ft. The Dixie Cups - Brother John Iko Iko
Sweet Emma Barrett (The Bell Gal) and Her Dixieland Boys - When The Saints Go Marching In
Irma Thomas - Its Raining
The Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil
Bruce Springsteen at New Orleans Jazz Festival 2006 - My City of Ruins
The Rolling Stones and Irma Thomas - Time is on My Side
Jon Batiste - FREEDOM
Listen to Walter Isaacson’s full playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.
Life in Seven Songs
What songs tell your life story? Host Sophie Bearman asks this question of some of the world’s most fascinating people. Through seven songs, guests reveal the milestones—and the music—that have shaped their lives. New episodes every Tuesday.
