American Masters

In 1964, Sister Rosetta Tharpe took over a disused rail station in England and played "Didn't Rain."

Discover the life, music and influence of African-American gospel singer and guitar virtuoso Rosetta Tharpe. 2/22/2013

Discover the life, music and influence of African-American gospel singer and guitar virtuoso Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Director Mick Csaky on making “The Godmother of Rock & Roll.”

Astarte, choreographed by Robert Joffrey, was the first live, multi-media ballet.

Uncover the story of the first quintessentially American dance company, the Joffrey Ballet. 12/28/2012

The Joffrey's revival of Leonide Massine's 'Parade'.

The Green Table is a pacifist work depicting the inhumanities and corruption of war. It was created in 1932 for the International Competition of Choreography in Paris, where it won first prize. In 1967 The Joffrey Ballet became the first American company to present this anti-war masterpiece, and it quickly became a signature work for the company.

JOFFREY: MAVERICKS OF AMERICAN DANCE tells the story of the first quintessentially American dance company, the Joffrey Ballet. The film traces the company’s struggles and triumphs: from its humble beginnings in 1956, touring the United States in a borrowed station wagon, to becoming one of the world’s most exciting and prominent ballet companies.

There are many ways you could interpret Joni Mitchell's "Free Man In Paris." Robbie Robertson of The Band gives his take on the meaning.

Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, on PBS.

Like the title of the film says, David Geffen didn't just happen--he was his own invention. And, that took focus, focus, focus... Hear his friends and colleagues -- Tom Hanks, Jon Landau, and Tim Burton, among them -- talk about just what kind of focus Geffen has.

How would you describe David Geffen? You have three words to do it.

How many stories start out, a guy walks into a Tiffany lamp store? Jon Landeau, manager and producer for Bruce Springsteen, remembers how David Geffen -- in business and in all things -- always gets the deal he wants. Even when returning a Tiffany lamp.

The part David Geffen's mother played in his inventing of himself.

David Geffen and Cher both recall meeting in 1973 at Geffen’s table at The Roxy on Sunset Blvd., as well as the unexpected romantic relationship that ensued.

David Geffen’s far-reaching influence — as agent, manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and philanthropist — has helped shape American popular culture for the past four decades. Notoriously press and camera-shy, Geffen reveals himself for the first time in the new two-hour documentary. Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, on PBS.

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 on PBS (check local listings). It’s an unflinching portrait of Geffen, who narrates his unorthodox rise from working class Brooklyn boy to billionaire entertainment power broker in extensive interviews.

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen, premiers nationally on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 on PBS (check local listings). It’s an unflinching portrait of Geffen, who narrates his unorthodox rise from working class Brooklyn boy to billionaire entertainment power broker in extensive interviews.

Sam Shaw's name isn't well known, but his photographs of Marilyn Monroe are. Here, Shaw's children reminisce about growing up around Monroe. Shaw was also the brainchild of the famous white halter dress shot from 'The Seven Year Itch.'