American Masters

History Series / 11 Seasons

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

1h 29m / TV-14

How Duke broke the swimming world record in Hawaii

2m 40s

The Amateur Athletic Union held its first swim race in Hawaii in 1911, where Duke Kahanamoku shattered the world record by whole seconds. "Hawaiians came into this excited for national recognition, but Duke gave them the world spotlight."

Duke's incredible rescue mission while on a surfboard

2m 41s

On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do something.' He just assumed responsibility, and jumped right in the water."

Overcoming the distinct challenge of indoor swimming

2m 27s

After smashing the Amateur Athletic Union's world record in 1911, Duke Kahanamoku was brought from Hawaii to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to prove his talents in another race. But Duke found his mind and body shocked by his first time swimming in an indoor pool. Though he lost this race, he would go on to win many more. "The building blocks of a waterman is humility," says surfer Laird Hamilton.

Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha

1m 56s

Narrated by Jason Momoa, discover the inspiring story and considerable impact of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku. He shattered swimming records and globalized surfing while overcoming racism in a lifetime of personal challenges.

Elsa Sjunneson: DeafBlind author [Audio Description + ASL]

7m 46s

This short film is an extended look at some of the themes explored in American Masters - Becoming Helen Keller, and aims to provide an updated representation of modern DeafBlind role models today. Elsa Sjunneson is a DeafBlind professor and media critic, skilled fencer and hiker, and published author who has written for Marvel Comics. This version contains audio description and ASL interpretation.

Elsa Sjunneson: DeafBlind fencer, hiker, published author

7m 48s

This short film is an extended look at some of the themes explored in American Masters - Becoming Helen Keller, and hopes to provide an updated representation of modern DeafBlind role models today. Elsa Sjunneson is a DeafBlind professor and media critic, skilled fencer and hiker, and published author who has written for Marvel Comics. She is a Hugo Award and Aurora Award winner.

Denyce Graves and others discuss Marian Anderson's legacy

1h 2m

Explore the legacy of Marian Anderson in this special event featuring panelists Director Rita Coburn, Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves and Tenor George Shirley, moderated by Executive Producer Michael Kantor.

Marian Anderson overcame discrimination with Danbury farm

1m 34s

Anderson bought her beloved farm in Danbury, CT, with her husband, Orpheus Fisher. Despite her reverence and Fisher being able to pass as white, the couple still encountered racism while attempting to buy the farm. The couple persevered and expanded their purchase to 100 acres of land they later dubbed Marianna Farms.

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

1m 4s

Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.

Marian Anderson's love of fashion and shoes

1m 37s

The National Marian Anderson Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania houses a collection of Anderson's beautiful couture clothing, accessories and shoes. "One of the things that Marian was able to re-imagine about her life and about her style was being introduced to the European fashion scene," said Jillian Pirtle, CEO of the museum.

How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification

1m 24s

Marian Anderson was billed as a contralto, the lowest possible female voice, even though she could also sing the high notes of a soprano. "I believed that Marian Anderson was not classified as a soprano is because that would mean that she would be the love interest of a white counterpart, which was not accepted at all at the time," said opera singer Denyce Graves.

Marian Anderson's singing recalls America's racial unrest

3m 14s

In 1919, Marian Anderson traveled to Chicago for a six-week opera course. Decades later, the city's lasting impression on her was heard through her rendition of the spiritual folk song, "Crucifixion," which evoked memories of the racial unrest she saw during her time there.

Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings

1m 51s

In this outtake from "Ailey," former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company. There was a "burden that was on him to keep us all working and to make sure that [his] dancers [felt] cared for and loved," recalls Judith Jamison, Ailey dancer (1965-1979) and Artistic Director (1989-2011).

Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey

2m 11s

In this outtake from "Ailey," Bill T. Jones, guest choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recalls telling Alvin Ailey that he did not want to be considered a "Black choreographer," and Ailey reacting with compassion. "Now I can say it with confidence, but I was lonely," said Jones. "I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color."

Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey

1m 51s

Rennie Harris was tapped by Robert Battle, Ailey Artistic Director, to choreograph a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company. To prepare, the two reviewed archival footage of Ailey discussing his process. "I just sit there and watch to find out what made Mr. Ailey, Mr. Ailey," said Harris.

Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals

2m 24s

Ailey described "Revelations" as "an evening-long saga about the Black experience," and the performance had a huge impact on Black dancers when it premiered in 1960. "I was moved to tears seeing 'Revelations,'" said Mary Barnett, Ailey's rehearsal director from 1975 to 1979.

Alvin Ailey on Chauncey Green, the friend who saved his life

2m 56s

Ailey describes his "blood memories" and growing up during the Great Depression in Texas, where he met a friend who had a lasting impact on his life. "Chauncey saved my life. ... Chauncey Green, I shall never forget him."

Rennie Harris on the power of the choreographer

57s

Rennie Harris, PureMovement choreographer, describes how choreographers are responsible for their dancers. "Mr. Ailey, he used to train moving through spaces and shifting geographies and people and we needed that bullet train."

Ailey

1m 1s

Discover the legendary choreographer Alvin Ailey whose dances center on the Black American experience with grace, strength and beauty. Featuring previously unheard audio interviews with Ailey, interviews with those close to him and an intimate glimpse into the Ailey studios today.

Elsa Sjunneson: DeafBlind author—Extended Audio Description

13m 16s

This short film is an extended look at some of the themes explored in American Masters – Becoming Helen Keller, and aims to provide an updated representation of modern DeafBlind role models today. Elsa Sjunneson is a DeafBlind professor and media critic, skilled fencer and hiker, and published author who has written for Marvel Comics. This version contains extended audio description.

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