American Masters

J'Nai Bridges meets with the Young Artists of Washington National Opera to talk about the pros, the cons and some of the loneliness surrounding life as an opera singer. "Opera singers are truly nomads," said J'Nai.

In this outtake from "J'Nai Bridges Unamplified," J'Nai prepares for her final appearance in "Written in Stone" at the Kennedy Center. The following day would be another momentous day for her, her world premiere in Adolphus Hailstork's "A Knee on the Neck." "It's been such a journey and as much as it is kind of sad to finish, I feel like a different person in a way."

Follow two performers as they break down barriers in music. Opera singer J’Nai Bridges takes the stage in “A Knee on the Neck,” a choral tribute to George Floyd. Country artist Rissi Palmer redefines success as she works on her latest album, while uplifting other artists of color in the Americana genres.

Black musicians have always had a place in the history of country music, despite the music industry's push to label white folk music as hillbilly music, and Black folk music as "race records." "Black people that have succeeded in this industry succeeded in spite of that," said Andrea Williams, author and journalist.

Dr. Fauci's response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s was first widely criticized by LGBTQIA+ activists. "We wanted treatment because we were sick ... And that's what led us to you," said AIDS activist David Barr. However, in later years he became a widely respected ally, eventually developing lifelong friendships with the activists.

Dr. Anthony Fauci sits down with his wife, Dr. Christine Grady, to discuss retiring from his positions as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president.

Since the spring of 2020, Dr. Fauci has had 24/7 security. You feel like you have to be aware all the time that there's a possible danger," said his wife, Dr. Christine Grady.

Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci as he grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and his 50-year career as the nation’s leading public health advocate. American Masters: Dr. Tony Fauci reveals a rarely seen side of the physician, husband and father as he confronts political backlash, a new administration and questions of the future.

Dr. Fauci and Muriel Bowser, mayor of D.C., visit the neighborhood of Anacostia and go door-to-door, encouraging residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and combating vaccine hesistancy.

Growing up, Roberta Flack was known as a musical prodigy who "could play anything" on the piano. She grew up in the church, where her mother was an organist, and started studying classical piano repertoire at just nine years old.

Songwriter Les McCann described seeing Roberta Flack perform with all of that "getting-togetherness," referencing the soulful and central quality of Black music. "The concept of soul was really this attempt to recreate what was particular about being Black in America. This experience of struggle and resilience and pride," said author and cultural critic Emily Lordi.

American Masters: Roberta Flack follows the music icon from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.