How Watergate changed the political landscape
Post-Watergate and amidst Americans' growing skepticism of the government, journalist Todd Purdum floated the idea of Jerry Brown running for governor.
Jerry Brown: The Disrupter
Experience the political and personal journey of Jerry Brown, the longest serving governor in California history. First elected at 36 years old and again at 72, explore Brown’s 50-year career tackling climate change and inequality.
Thought Leaders: A series on innovative American thinkers
Political discourse in the United States is shaped by audacious ideas of what a society should be. But who are the influencers and disruptors of American political thought that have paved the way for the systems that we currently have—and those still to come? Examine the lives of Floyd Abrams, Jerry Brown, Max Roach, William F. Buckley Jr., Cesar Chavez and Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Big Freedia on Little Richard, music and the queer community
In this extended outtake from "Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" conducted by director James House, New Orleans bounce artist and performer Big Freedia reflects on the similarities between herself and Little Richard, and the impact he had on music on the queer community.
The king and queen of rock 'n' roll—and Sunset Boulevard
By 1985, Little Richard had abandoned rock 'n' roll, the music genre that he helped pioneer in the 1950s, and was living in a hotel in Los Angeles. "He would embrace people and they would ask him to sign autographs ... He would just wanna ride," said Ron Jones, his bandmate and friend.
Little Richard preaches the gospel
Little Richard had a fervid relationship with religion, and even quit rock and roll music for religion once in 1957, only to return years later. He was regularly preaching in 1984, claiming that his days "should be spent now, at the age of 52, spreading the gospel."
The origins of "Tutti Frutti"
Little Richard first originated the famous "awop-bop-a-loo-mop alop-bam-boom" refrain in his hit song "Tutti Frutti" early in his career while performing at the Dew Drop Inn in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. This portrait of the “King and Queen of Rock and Roll” explores his far-reaching influence as well as his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry.
Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV
See the world through the eyes of Nam June Paik, the father of video art and coiner of the term “electronic superhighway.” Born in Japan-occupied Korea, Paik went on to become a pillar of the American avant-garde and transformed modern image-making with his sculptures, films and performances. Experience his creative evolution, as Academy Award nominee Steven Yeun reads from Paik's own writings.
Nam June Paik's communication problem
In this excerpt narrated by Steven Yeun, Nam June Paik describes how everyday is a communication problem for him as a Korean immigrant living in the United States. "My problem is how to communicate better."
Nam June Paik's early art
In Zen for Head (1962), Nam June Paik used his body as an instrument in the performance. "He was mixing everything together. It's like a bibimbap in Korea."
Preparing for a final opera performance
In this outtake from "J'Nai Bridges Unamplified," J'Nai prepares for her final appearance in "Written in Stone" at the Kennedy Center. The following day would be another momentous day for her, her world premiere in Adolphus Hailstork's "A Knee on the Neck." "It's been such a journey and as much as it is kind of sad to finish, I feel like a different person in a way."
The nomadic life of an opera singer
J'Nai Bridges meets with the Young Artists of Washington National Opera to talk about the pros, the cons and some of the loneliness surrounding life as an opera singer. "Opera singers are truly nomads," said J'Nai.
The history of Black artists in country music
Black musicians have always had a place in the history of country music, despite the music industry's push to label white folk music as hillbilly music, and Black folk music as "race records." "Black people that have succeeded in this industry succeeded in spite of that," said Andrea Williams, author and journalist.
In The Making
Follow two performers as they break down barriers in music. Opera singer J’Nai Bridges takes the stage in “A Knee on the Neck,” a choral tribute to George Floyd. Country artist Rissi Palmer redefines success as she works on her latest album, while uplifting other artists of color in the Americana genres.
Dr. Fauci on retiring
Dr. Anthony Fauci sits down with his wife, Dr. Christine Grady, to discuss retiring from his positions as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president.
Dr. Fauci visits D.C. to battle vaccine hesistancy
Dr. Fauci and Muriel Bowser, mayor of D.C., visit the neighborhood of Anacostia and go door-to-door, encouraging residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and combating vaccine hesistancy.
Dr. Fauci's security
Since the spring of 2020, Dr. Fauci has had 24/7 security. You feel like you have to be aware all the time that there's a possible danger," said his wife, Dr. Christine Grady.
How Dr. Fauci handled the AIDS crisis
Dr. Fauci's response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s was first widely criticized by LGBTQIA+ activists. "We wanted treatment because we were sick ... And that's what led us to you," said AIDS activist David Barr. However, in later years he became a widely respected ally, eventually developing lifelong friendships with the activists.
Dr. Tony Fauci
Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci as he grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and his 50-year career as the nation’s leading public health advocate. American Masters: Dr. Tony Fauci reveals a rarely seen side of the physician, husband and father as he confronts political backlash, a new administration and questions of the future.
Supported by
