American Masters

This program is an in-depth portrait of James Baldwin, one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century.

Learn the story of one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century and how he found redemption not in the public adoration he craved as a youth, but in the quiet and simple pleasures of fatherhood.

From his roots as an activist and poet to his indelible mark on Broadway, this program captures the legacy of the man some call America's Shakespeare.

Discover the story of Althea Gibson, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the segregated tennis world of the 1950s.

Discover the life and work of Mexican-American photographer Pedro E.

Discover the Pulitzer Prize-winning author behind "Gone With the Wind.

Explore the mysterious life of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Discover the Grammy-winning conductor, pianist and composer.

Meet the newspaper columnist, radio commentator and television personality who pioneered the fast-paced, gossip driven, politically charged journalism that dominates today.

Follow the journey of the award-winning author of the best-selling "Little House" series in this exploration of her life and legacy and her little-known, secret collaboration with her daughter on the books that shaped American ideas of the frontier.

Explore the definitive story of international art sensation Keith Haring who blazed a trail through the art scene of '80s New York and revolutionized the worlds of pop culture and fine art.

Explore the lives and trailblazing careers of iconic African American entertainers Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier, who changed American culture through their films, fashion, music and politics.

Explore the life of Flannery O'Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before.

Discover Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (The Trocks), an all-male company that for 45 years has offered audiences their passion for ballet classics mixed with exuberant comedy.

Dive into the life and work of the legendary neurologist and beloved author who was a fearless explorer of the brain and mind.

Explore legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp's career and famously rigorous creative process, with original interviews, first-hand glimpses of her at work and rare archival footage of select performances from her more than 160 choreographed works.

Explore the groundbreaking career of master trumpeter Doc Severinsen, from his three decades as the colorful bandleader to "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" to his relentless schedule of touring and performing into his nineties.

Explore the life of the groundbreaking author of "The Joy Luck Club" in this intimate portrait.

Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist, a pioneer of Chicago's West Side sound and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Discover the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty.

Discover how Moreno defied her humble upbringing and racism to become one of a select group of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners.

Revisit Helen Keller's rich career and explore how she perpetually put her celebrity to use to advocate for human rights in the pursuit of social justice for all, particularly women, the poor and people with disabilities.

Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America.

Narrated by Jason Momoa, discover the inspiring story and considerable impact of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku.

Joe Papp, founder of The Public Theater, Free Shakespeare in the Park and producer of groundbreaking plays like Hair, A Chorus Line and for colored girls, created a "theater of inclusion" based on the belief that great art is for everyone.