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America's Blues (01:24:46)
This program explores the impact the blues has had American society, culture, and the entertainment industry. Despite influencing nearly every form of American music, literature, television, film, and other art forms, its contributions often go unrecognized. Historians, performers, and artists discuss the origin of the blues and how it has evolved. Blues today only accounts for a small part of the music market, but it developed its own tourism industry and remains strong in pockets of the U.S. and Europe.
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Duke Ellington: Swing Era—In Hollywood (01:03:13)
This video compiles various short- and medium-length films starring the great Duke Ellington and his orchestra, including Black and Tan from 1929; Symphony in Black from 1935—featuring the famous sequence with Billie Holiday; and three scenes starring Mae West in Belle of the Nineties from 1934, among many other musical sequences from major motion pictures.
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Ken Burns Jazz Series (10 Titles)
A study and celebration of America’s greatest original art form, Ken Burns’s ten-part documentary series opens at the dawn of the 20th century and crosses the decades with the exuberance and expressive power of jazz itself. Each episode sheds light on cultural and historical milestones as it introduces viewers to the unforgettable names and accomplishments of the music. From the cradle of New Orleans to the crucibles of Chicago and New York City… from the Harlem Renaissance to the Great Depression to World War II and beyond… Jazz paints an astonishing portrait of a nation and the sound that both captured and set free its spirit.
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Making Music: Conversations with Composer/Musicians (21:00)
Between the two of them, Wynton Marsalis and B.B. King have jazz, classical music, and the blues covered. What are these towering composer/musicians like as writers and performers—and as people? This NewsHour program shares a few moments of their lives to look deeper.
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PBS: Max Roach -The Drum Also Waltzes (American Masters) (1:22:27)
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Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes explores the life and music of the legendary drummer, bandleader and social activist--a remarkable series of creative peaks, personal struggles and reinventions--from Jim Crow to the Civil Rights years, from the heady days of post-war modern jazz to hip hop and beyond.
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Swing That Music! Swing: All You Need Is Love—A History of Popular Music (51:36)
This film features swing music, an art that allowed the listener to take part. The following artist are featured: Art Tatum; Artie Shaw; Benny Goodman; Bing Crosby; Buddy Rich; Cab Calloway; Frank Sinatra; Gene Krupa; Guy Lombardo; Harry James; Lawrence Welk; Lionel Hampton; Tommy Dorsey.
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Who's That Comin'? The Blues: All You Need Is Love—A History of Popular Music (51:30)
This film features the journey of blues music from 1910 in the Mississippi Delta to Chicago to rock 'n roll. The following artists are featured: B.B. King; Bessie Smith; Billie Holiday; Leadbelly; Memphis Slim; Mighty Joe Young; Muddy Waters; Ray Charles.
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Wild Women Don’t Have the Blues (58:00)
With dozens of rare renditions of early blues songs, this program looks at the careers of Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, Alberta Hunter, Ethel Waters and other legendary women who together helped to establish the blues as a vital part of America’s cultural legacy.
Try these videos to get started. Must be on campus or login with your COM account for off campus access.
