Fresh Air

J.R. Moehringer grew up with an absent dad and found a home, of sorts, in the bar where his uncle worked. His memoir, 'The Tender Bar,' has been adapted into a film directed by George Clooney.

Writer Anne Rice, who died Dec. 11, grew up in New Orleans and hit it big in 1976 with her first novel, 'Interview with the Vampire.' She followed up with more than a dozen novels. Rice spoke with Terry Gross in 1990.

Also, we remember culture critic Greg Tate. His whirlwind writing appeared in 'The Village Voice' and 'Rolling Stone,' often referencing pop culture, literary theory and the latest slang. Tate made an impact on New York's cultural scene in the '80s, at a time when the city was full of aspiring rappers and writers, disco DJs and punk rockers. He died Dec. 7.