Born to Sing

Henry Louis Gates , Jr. explores the roots of singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara — using DNA analysis and genealogical detective work to trace lineages that run from shtetls in Eastern Europe to Jazz Age Harlem. Along the way, Alanis and Ciara reimagine their families and meet the people who laid the groundwork for their success — including one ancestor who was at the center of a song.

In 1815, an ancestor of Alanis Morissette, and his companions, attempted a daring feat of riding a boat over the Chaudière Falls in Ontario, Canada. A folk song recounts their bravery, with some losing their lives in the attempt.

Ciara learns about her great-grandfather Luther's upbringing on a cotton farm with numerous siblings, shedding light on her deep roots in South Carolina.

DNA research helps Ciara Harris discover one of her biological ancestors was not who the records show, and that a relationship must have occurred between this mystery man and her great-great grandmother. Ciara is a Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. During her 20-year career, she has sold over 23 million records and 22 million singles worldwide.

Alanis Morissette discusses her Hungarian Jewish heritage and learns about her grandfather's search for his lost brothers during the aftermath of World War II and the Holocaust. Alanis Morissette is one of the most influential singer-songwriter-musicians/artists in contemporary music. Her deeply expressive music and performances have earned vast critical praise, 14 Canadian Juno Awards, 7 Grammys®