RuPaul describes his drag persona as “one-part Cher, two-parts David Bowie, one-part Diana Ross and two heaping spoonfuls of Dolly Parton.” The reality show he hosts and created, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ is now in its 12th season on VH1. He talks with Terry Gross about his early punk style of drag, becoming a “glamizon,” and the best advice his mother gave him.

Also, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead shares a remembrance of legendary pianist McCoy Tyner. He died last Friday at 81.