NPR

Susan Stamberg once began an interview with an orchestra conductor by asking a question she confessed she'd always wanted to ask someone in his line of work: "Don't your arms get tired?"

Maestro Jorge Mester of the Louisville Orchestra told her, "You know it's the most obvious question and never gets asked." He said his right arm was a little heavy, but added that only unemployed conductors' arms get tired. His stayed in good condition.

Listening to Susan Stamberg reminded us that often the best questions are short, simple, and open-minded. She has been the master of that art.

This week, Susan Stamberg is putting down her microphone after more than 50 years at NPR. She has won shelves of major awards in broadcasting, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — especially extraor

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