American Masters

Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around

Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today. The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and many others.

Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around

2m 56s

  • Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [ASL + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [ASL + OC]

    13m 31s

    This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation and open captions. An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

  • Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [Extended Audio Description + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future [Extended Audio Description + OC]

    16m 54s

    This version contains extended audio description and open captions. An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

  • Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future

    13m 31s

    An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe.

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