American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

53m 3s

How a car crash nearly ended Patsy Cline's career

1m 7s

At 29 years old, with a successful career and several hits climbing the charts, Patsy Cline was almost killed in a head-on car collision. Permanent scarring and chronic pain could've ended the young musician's career, but Cline refused to let it slow her down. Six weeks after the accident, still on crutches, she appeared on the Grand Ol' Opry's stage to perform her biggest hit yet: Crazy.

Hear how Patsy Cline met her husband, Charlie Dick.

2m

Patsy Cline and Charlie Dick were two young, passionate musicians from working-class backgrounds. After meeting at a club, the two struck up a relationship, and it seemed like a perfect match.

Learn how Patsy Cline broke social norms in the '50s

1m 32s

Forced to drop out of school to earn money, Patsy Cline was an incredibly hard worker, holding several jobs as a teenager while also singing with local groups and competing in talent shows. Cline was unafraid of breaking with social norms and walked her own path, wearing men's pants and bright red lipstick.

How Patsy Cline balanced home life and commercial success

1m 15s

Despite growing commercial success and a rigorous schedule, Patsy Cline continued to manage her household herself. Even as "Crazy" rocketed to the top of the charts in 1962, she balanced domestic duties like cooking, cleaning and raising her children with all of the demands of life as a performing artist.

Maya Angelou's missed opportunity to work with Pearl Bailey

1m 26s

As a single mother, Maya Angelou struggled to provide for her son. An opportunity to perform with Pearl Bailey would've meant a regular income and less time on the road, but unfortunately Maya was not given the job.

Learn about Norman Lear's friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou

2m 2s

Learn how Norman Lear struck up a friendship with Dr. Maya Angelou. In this video, he shares his respect for Dr. Angelou's character and work, and talks about the time his family spent with her.

Learn why Maya Angelou signed with Porgy and Bess

57s

Dr. Maya Angelou started her career in singing and dancing and eventually signed a contract with Porgy and Bess in order to further her career. Learn more about her time with the company in this video.

Behind the Scenes: Common, Rita Coburn-Whack & Maya Angelou

1m 37s

Rita Coburn-Whack, co-director of American Masters - Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, originally introduced Maya Angelou and Common, who continued to work together and collaborate as writers and artists.

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise - Trailer

2m 38s

This unprecedented film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments. From her upbringing in the Depression-era South to her work with Malcolm X in Ghana, the film takes us on an incredible journey through the life of a true American icon.

PBS Previews: Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

2m

Take a behind-the-scenes look at "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise." Hear from Dr. Angelou's grandson, Colin Johnson and the series producer, Michael Kantor. Actor Louis Gossett, Jr. also weighs in, along with Actress Diahann Carroll, Professor Eugene Redmond, hip-hop artist Common, former-President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Actress Alfre Woodard.

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