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Will Ackerman is best known as the founder of Windham Hill Records, the first label to specialize in what came to be called "New Age" music. Ackerman's entry into the music business was almost accidental. He was a builder and woodworker in California, and Windham Hill started out as his contracting company. The surprise success of his first solo album in 1975 led to the creation of a record label.

Windham Hill quickly became a major player in the business and a respected brand among consumers. And while he had several Platinum and Gold Records and Grammy Awards to his name, struggles in his personal life contributed to a major depression that came at the height of his success. Will Ackerman talks to John Walters about his life, his business and his latest CD, Returning, a retrospective of his 30 year career.

We'll hear the first in a two-part interview from his Imaginary Road Studio in Vermont.