Tony Palmer's series traces the history and influence of popular music from its beginnings to the golden age of rock. Featuring interviews and performances by musical giants such as Leonard Cohen, Bing Cosby, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, this landmark series shows the power and cultural impact of the music that shapes our lives.
Unquestionably American, pop music has a profound debt to blues. This episode explores the tumultuous history of blues from its New Orleans origins to its current state.
With in-depth interviews with musical giants such as Liberace, the garish history of Vaudeville music is explored along with its place in popular culture today.
The commodification of music is a contentious issue for listeners and creators. This episode explores the commercialization of music, and the influence of capitalism on the current state of music.
The modern American musical - in film form or on stage - borrows and expands on many genres. A musical and narrative performance full of spectacular showmanship, the musical's place in history is explored in this episode.
The raw honesty and danceable beats of rhythm and blues drew executives by the flock. During segregation in America, this form has a fascinating and intensely influential relationship with white American pop culture.