American Masters

How Julia Alvarez was inspired by the working class

While at the Yaddo writing retreat, Julia Alvarez found herself suffering from writers block. Inspiration struck when she befriended the maids, housekeepers and cooks and heard their stories, and eventually put together her book of poetry, "Housekeeping." "I wanted to write about the lore that comes when women are talking as they're doing their housework," said Alvarez.

How Julia Alvarez was inspired by the working class

2m 52s

  • Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around

    S38 E6 - 52m 55s

    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 [Extended Audio Description + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [Extended Audio Description + OC]

    1h

    This version contains extended audio description and large open captions. 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.

  • Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]

    52m 55s

    This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation. 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.

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