American Masters — Season 27
01 Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll
Feb 22, 20131h 30m★ 8.0
Despite not being a household name today, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Her flamboyance, skill, and showmanship on the newly electrified guitar played a vital role in the conception of Rock & Roll as a genre of music. Featuring archival performances and using new interviews with fellow musicians, producers, friends, and colleagues, this film tells the story of a talented and determined woman that introduces spiritual passion of her gospel music background into Rock & Roll. Learn more about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her life story, and lasting artistic legacy.
02 Philip Roth: Unmasked
Mar 29, 20131h 30m
A profile of literary lion Philip Roth. Interviewed at his New York City apartment and Connecticut farmhouse, he reflects on his upbringing in Newark, N.J., writing process and psychoanalysis, as well as the inspiration behind his most famous characters, including Alexander Portnoy, and his historical novels. The documentary also features insights from such friends as Mia Farrow; literary critic Claudia Roth Pierpont (New Yorker); and writers Jonathan Franzen, Nicole Krauss and Nathan Englander.
03 Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
May 20, 20131h 30m★ 9.0
A profile of Mel Brooks, the comic mastermind behind such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Featured are remarks from friends and associates, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman, Carl Reiner and Joan Rivers, as well as archival comments from his wife of 41 years, Anne Bancroft (1931-2005).
04 Billie Jean King
Sep 10, 20131h 30m
A profile of Billie Jean King, who won 39 Grand Slam tennis titles; helped form a precursor to the WTA Tour; founded the Women's Sports Foundation and Women's Sports magazine; cofounded World TeamTennis; and defeated Bobby Riggs at a much-ballyhooed "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973. The documentary includes remarks from past and current tennis stars Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Maria Sharapova, and Serena and Venus Williams; Riggs' son Larry; Hillary Clinton; and Gloria Steinem.
05 Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train a Comin'
Nov 5, 20131h 30m
A profile of Jimi Hendrix (1942-70), featuring footage from the 1968 Miami Pop Festival, home movies and remarks from family, friends and fellow musicians, including Paul McCartney; band members Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox; sound engineer Eddie Kramer; Steve Winwood; Vernon Reid; Billy Gibbons; Dweezil Zappa; and Dave Mason.