Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez discusses his well-received book, The Soloist. Lopez will be interviewed by Angela Elam of New Letters on the Air. The conversation will later be broadcast on KCUR.

Lopez is described as a natural storyteller and his book tells of his discovery of Nathaniel Ayers, a former classical bass student at Julliard, playing a two-string violin on Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Profoundly touched by the beauty of Ayers’ music, Lopez took it upon himself to help the prodigy only to find that their relationship has had a profound effect on his own life.

The story of Lopez and Ayers has been featured on programs including 60 Minutes and, in 2009, was released as a major motion picture starring Jamie Foxx as Ayers and Robert Downey Jr. as Lopez.