Michael Feinstein's American Songbook - Season 1

Michael Feinstein's American Songbook - Season 1

Season 1

Seasaon One of this acclaimed PBS series featured Michael Feinstein as the leader of an expedition through the glorious history of American popular song. Each of the three episodes is documentary-style road trip and cultural primer. Viewers follow him both on stage and back stage, hear him interpret great standards, listen in on personal stories about the songwriters and entertainers he’s known and worked with over three decades, and accompany him on his quest to find and preserve the treasures of classic American popular music. Rare archival audio and film footage combine to reveal the social and historical forces behind the music that helped shape the style, attitude, and self-image of America for more than a century. Filled with generous portions of live performance, this series offers both an intimate portrait of a unique entertainer, and a history of 20th Century pop culture.

Network

Episodes3

DatesOkt. 6, 2010 - Okt. 20, 2010

Episodes

Putting On the Tail Fins (1950s–1960s)

Season 1Episode 160 min

Putting On the Tail Fins (1950s–1960s)

Episode 1 focuses on the 1950s and 1960s, when the Great American Songbook competed with new forms like rock ‘n’ roll, and rhythm & blues. As Feinstein crisscrosses the country performing with big bands, symphony orchestras and jazz combos, viewers learn how iconic singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Rosemary Clooney kept the Songbook alive by reinventing pop standards of the 1930s and 1940s.

Best Band in the Land (1940s)

Season 1Episode 260 min

Best Band in the Land (1940s)

Episode 2 examines how popular songs provided emotional solace and patriotic inspiration during World War II. While preparing an original patriotic song, Michael weaves in the history of 1940s big bands, USO shows, V-disks, war bond rallies, and the powerful role popular music played in boosting morale.

A New Step Every Day (1920s–1930s)

Season 1Episode 360 min

A New Step Every Day (1920s–1930s)

Episode 3 explores the fast and furious 1920s and 1930s, when jazz was hot, credit was loose, and illegal booze flowed freely in underground speakeasies. Between performances, Feinstein illustrates the impact of talking pictures, the dawn of radio, and the fledgling recording industry. Additionally, it introduces viewers to other collectors and musicians who keep the spirit of the Jazz Age alive today.

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