“If You’re in the Song, Keep on Playing”

An interview with the legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. Also: Donald Trump’s Iran problem, Patti Smith’s new memoir, and a cryptic crossword. View in browser | Update your preferences The New Yorker Interview “If You’re in the Song, Keep on Playing”: An Interview With Pharoah Sanders The legendary saxophonist on buying his first horn, playing with John Coltrane, and searching for the right sound. By Nathaniel Friedman Culture Desk Dreaming with Patti Smith In her new memoir, “Year of the Monkey,” Smith dives deeper into the endless possibilities of her dream life, in the face of loss. By Summer Pierre Postscript The Misfit Awesomeness of Neil Peart and Rush Watching Peart play the drums gave the impression that he might possess several phantom limbs. By Amanda Petrusich The Front Row The Challenges of Depicting Real-Life Heroes In the film’s focus on the racial bias of the justice system, “Just Mercy” is a drama of immense power. And yet it remains peculiarly impersonal. By Richard Brody PAID POST In her tenth book, Mildred Taylor completes her sweeping saga The story of the Logan family--made famous in the Newbery Medal-winning Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry--concludes in a long-awaited and deeply fulfilling story The Wall Street Journal calls “a compelling, galvanizing chronicle of fortitude and injustice.” In the News Comment Donald Trump’s Iran Problem The killing of General Qassem Suleimani has undermined the Trump Administration’s top goals in the Islamic Republic. By Robin Wright Politics and More Podcast Mad Men: Trump’s Perilous Approach to Dictators Evan Osnos joins Dorothy Wickenden to discuss how the President’s view of totalitarian leaders shapes his foreign policy. Humor and More Puzzles and Games Dept. The Cryptic Crossword: No. 40 Shame about Ursula’s front tooth (4). By Fraser Simpson Blitt’s Kvetchbook Meghan and Harry: Free to Be Themselves, at Long Last The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pursue financial independence while partaking in a pastime for commoners. By Barry Blitt Daily Shouts Retitling “Little Women” to Entice Men to Go See It “Four Girls, One Teacup,” “Game of Settees,” and other potential bro magnets. By Bruce Handy Cartoons From The Issue Cartoons from the Issue Drawings and drollery from this week’s magazine. Sign up for more newsletters from The New Yorker. Visit The New Yorker shop. Question about your subscription? Contact Customer Care. New Yorker digital subscribers get unlimited access to everything on newyorker.com. Log in to your account here. We’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please send your thoughts and suggestions to TNYinbox@newyorker.com. This e-mail was sent to you by The New Yorker. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, NewYorker@newsletters.newyorker.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2019. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.