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America's Music Legacy: Soul (01:33:42)
Soul music originated in the United States in the 1950s and early 1960s, combining elements of African-American gospel music and rhythm and blues into a form of funky, secular testifying. America's Music Legacy showcases great stars from the world of soul music. Performers include James Brown, Ben E. King, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, and many more.
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The Appalachians Series (3 Titles)
An eye-opening journey through the cradle of Southern culture-and much of the American way of life in general-this three-part series illustrates the political, economic, musical, and spiritual history of the Appalachian region. Each episode presents a provocative chapter in the saga of the mountain people, examining their ties to the nation's cycles of boom and bust, war and peace, and hope and despair. Interweaving comments from historians, political leaders, and artists such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and a host of others, the series shows viewers how the raw materials of America coalesced along its "first frontier." Viewable/printable instructor's guides are available online. 3-part series, 53 minutes each.
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Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing (02:05:10)
This film tells the story of Dylan's entry into and departure from the Greenwich Village Folk Revival, featuring new interviews with many of the big players from the scene as it unfolded, as well as an abundance of timely footage, rare performances and numerous other features which all at once make for the finest program yet to emerge on this period of Bob Dylan's career.
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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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Good Times: Rhythm and Blues—All You Need Is Love: A History of Popular Music (52:10)
The film features the creation of the rhythm and blues sound and its emergence into popularity. The following artist are featured: Jerry Wexler; Aretha Franklin; Bill Haley; Bo Diddley; Ike and Tina Turner; Stevie Wonder; The Supremes; The Platters; Pat Boone; Wilson Pickett.
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Hail! Hail!: Rock'n Roll—All You Need Is Love: A History of Popular Music (51:51)
This film features the birth of Rock'n Roll and the discovery of its distinct sound in Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chuck Berry. This film features the following artists: Bill Haley; Chubby Checker; Cliff Richard; Conway Twitty; Little Richard; Carl Perkins.
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Ken Burns: Country Music Series (8 Titles)
Ken Burns' eight-part, 16-hour documentary series, COUNTRY MUSIC, chronicles the history of a uniquely American art form, focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created it. More than eight years in the making, the film follows the evolution of country music from its diverse and humble origins as it emerged, by the end of the twentieth century, into a worldwide phenomenon. Filled with memorable musical moments, interviews with more than 80 country music artists, and evocative footage and photographs - many never seen before - it weaves an unforgettable story that is both intimate and sweeping. No one has told the story this way before.
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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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PBS Woodstock: Three Days that Defined a Generation (01:37:26)
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the concert that became a touchstone for a generation. This film brings the concert to life through the voices of those who were present at what became the defining moment of the counterculture revolution.
Try these videos to get started. Must be on campus or login with your COM account for off campus access.
