About this season
American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
Episodes (8)
1. Sam Cooke: Crossing Over
Aired 11 January 2010 • 90 min
Sam Cooke put the spirit of the black church into popular music, creating a new American sound and setting into motion a chain of events that forever altered the course of popular music and race relations in America.
2. I.M. Pei: Building China Modern
Aired 31 March 2010 • 90 min
The work of the innovative Chinese-American architect with a focus on his efforts to build an historical museum in China.
3. The Doors: When You're Strange
Aired 12 May 2010 • 90 min
A documentary that traces the roots of Jim Morrison's iconic rock group and their live and studio performances.
4. Merle Haggard: Learning to Live with Myself
Aired 21 June 2010 • 90 min
Merle Haggard actually lived the rambling, gambling, love ‘em and leave ‘em, often brutal life that remains the bedrock of country music lyrics.
5. Cachao: Uno Más
Aired 20 September 2010 • 90 min
A feature on the Cuban-born bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez, an internationally renowned musician, composer, and pioneer of Mambo.
6. A Letter to Elia
Aired 4 October 2010 • 90 min
Martin Scorsese pays tribute to the life and work of noted American film director Elia Kazan.
7. Lennon NYC
Aired 22 November 2010 • 90 min
A look at the period of time musician John Lennon and his family spent living in New York City during the 1970s.
8. Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Aired 27 December 2010 • 90 min
A fresh look at the life of a singular pianist and poet who made an international impact with his music and recordings.