Hailed by John Lennon as "a monumental achievement", Tony Palmer's series traces the history and influence of popular music from its beginnings to the golden age of rock. Featuring interviews a...Read More
Tony Palmer explores the link between African music and modern American pop.
Ragtime holds an unexpectedly profound place in the history of music, and it can be said to have laid the cornerstone of American popular music.
With footage of Miles Davis and Charlie Parker, Tony Palmer's epic series reveals New Orleans may have pinched the limelight when it comes to the origins of jazz.
Unquestionably American, pop music has a profound debt to blues. This episode explores the tumultuous history of blues from its New Orleans origins to its current state.
Tony Palmer's epic series traces the music industry back to its beginnings in pubs and taverns, with footage of Judy Garland and Mae West.
Tony Palmer's series studies Tin Pan Alley, the publishers and songwriters who turned music into big business by making records to order.
Featuring a script by Stephen Sondheim, Tony Palmer's landmark series discovers how operetta, burlesque and vaudeville gave birth to the musical.
Tony Palmer's 70s music show examines the history and impact of swing. With intriguing thoughts from Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Benny Goodman.
The raw honesty and danceable beats of rhythm and blues drew executives by the flock. During segregation in America, this form has a fascinating and intensely influential relationship with whit...Read More
Maligned by the rock and pop industries, country music nonetheless command a place in the history of popular music. From the settlement of the west to the powerhouse of Nashville, this episode ...Read More
Youth and rebellion are inextricably linked to rock music of the 60s. More than a aesthetic, its music has a strong influence over culture and politics. In this powerful episode, Tony Palmer ex...Read More
With a wide array of influences, rock and roll often evades definition. It's influence however, cannot be denied, sparking fiery debate from its inception. Featuring Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twi...Read More
No musical group has had as profound an impact on pop music as The Beatles. Tony Palmer's groundbreaking documentary gives us an intimate look at one of the most influential groups in musical history.
Tony Palmer takes us through the riots, the power, the inspiration, and the chaos of The Rolling Stones era music and the infamous San Francisco concert at the Fillmore.
David Bowie, Kiss, Elton John - with these musical giants came a transformation of rock and roll. Slick costumes, garish theatricality, and extensively produced sounds contrast the raw sounds t...Read More
Tony Palmer's epic series concludes by looking at the role of spirituality and religion in pop music and why many artists fled the big stage for a quieter life.