Documentaries
I’m Just Me | Charley Pride: American Masters
Pride’s story is a lesson in the ways that art and expression can triumph over prejudice and defeat injustice. It is a window into the complicated history of the American South and its music. It is a tale of black and white, shaded in gray. And Pride’s hands, which for decades have cradled fine guitars and entertainer of the year trophies, still feel the sharp sting of Mississippi Delta cotton bolls. Raised as less than a citizen in brutally segregated Mississippi, Charley Pride’s buttery voice and steely resolve helped him to a place as one of American music’s most impactful artists.
When Patsy Cline Was Crazy | Patsy Cline: American Masters
Patsy Cline defined modern country music by using her singular talent and heart‐wrenching emotional depth to break down barriers of gender, class and genre. In her music and her life, she set a standard of authenticity towards which artists still strive. After years of hard work to overcome industry gender biases and her own personal hardships and professional missteps, she achieved success, only to have it punctured by uncanny premonitions and her untimely death at age 30. With exclusive access to the Cline estate, the film features rare performances of such Cline classics as “Walkin’ After Midnight” “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray,” “Come On In,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “You Made Me Love You” and more. The documentary also features exclusive archival interviews with Cline’s contemporaries and new interviews with artists who have been influenced by Cline: LeAnn Rimes, Kacey Musgraves, Rhiannon Giddens, Wanda Jackson, Bill Anderson, Beverly D’Angelo, Callie Khouri, Reba McEntire, Mickey Guyton and more. Narrated by Rosanne Cash, Patsy Cline: American Masters examines the roots of Cline’s impact in both personal and cultural terms to illuminate how she arrived at a pivotal moment in the evolution of American culture and synthesized country, pop and rock in a new way.
The Band
The true story of one of rock-n-roll’s most influential groups. Includes more than 20 live performances from The Band’s body of work including: The Weight, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek and Stagefright. The documentary follows The Band from their days as a backing group for rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins to playing with Bob Dylan in 1966 when he changed to a rock artist, from their landmark first album Music From Big Pink to the group’s initial breakup commemorated in The Last Waltz and their comeback in 1992. Special guest appearances by Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Todd Rundgren, Al Kooper, Emmylou Harris, John Hammond and Phil Ramone.
Straight Shooter – The Mamas & The Papas
The definitive story of the quintessential sixties super group. From the Greenwich Village folk scene to the Virgin Islands. From California to the top of the charts. And from Cass Elliot’s shattering death to the band member’s recent successes. The life, loves and music of John Phillips, Cass Elliot, Michelle Phillips and Denny Doherty are revealed in an n intimate musical experience that could have only happened in the sixties. Features 20 performances of hits like California Dreamin’, Monday, Monday and I Saw Her Again Last Night. Guest stars include David Crosby, Graham Nash, Mick Fleetwood, Dick Clark, Joe Cocker, Glen Campbell and MacKenzie Phillips.
Jackie Gleason – Genius At Work
This special is a thorough retrospective of Jackie’s most popular characters from his 1950’s television series, characters that include: Ralph Kramden, Reginald Van Gleason, III, the Poor Soul, Fenwick Babbit and Joe The Bartender. Many of the sketches have not been available or even viewed since their original live broadcasts. Jeff Garlin of Curb Your Enthusiasm hosts the program with feature commentary from Mrs. Marilyn Gleason.
Willie Nelson – My Life
The close-up portrait of America’s favorite singer/songwriter, from the days when he sold one of his early hits to buy milk for his children through his ling struggle to superstardom. Included are frank and sometimes-humorous interviews with Willie and his friends, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Ray Charles, Gary Busey, Sidney Pollack, Emmylou Harris, Booker T. Jones, Mel Tillis and Jerry Jeff Walker. The soundtrack features vintage live performances of over 20 of Willie’s biggest hits.
Paul Anka – The Music Man
The authorized documentary tells the remarkable story of the Canadian-born singer, songwriter, actor and entertainer whose life has seen more twists of fate and turns of fortune than any Charles Dickens novel. Guest stars include, Donnie Osmond, Donald Trump, Burt Bacharach, Dick Clark and David Foster. The soundtrack features hits from a prolific career that has spanned 5 decades: Diana, Lonely Boy, Put Your Head On My Shoulder, You Are My Destiny, I Don’t Like To Sleep Alone, Nothing Stronger Than Our Love and My Way, written for Frank Sinatra.
Chet Atkins – A Life In Music
A documentary that celebrates the life and career of musician and record executive Chet Atkins with guest stars including Dolly Parton, Mark Knopfler, George Benson, Steve Howe, Vince Gill, Randy Bachman, Les Paul, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
Hard Rock Treasures
A ninety minute special and introduction to the series that takes the viewer into the world of rock n’ roll – with Don Bernstine the curator of the memorabilia collection for Hard Rock Café. Guests and performances include: Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Peter Frampton, Deep Purple, Damage Plan, Van Halen, Brian Wilson, Jimmy Page, Velvet Revolver, 3 Doors Down, Cheap Trick, Metallica and others. More on IMDb…
Roy Orbison – In Dreams
This feature documentary chronicles the incredible career and impact of Roy Orbison through interviews, commentary, classic performance footage, home movies, and photographs. Featuring interviews with Bruce Springsteen, k.d. lang, Chet Atkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Bee Gees, Bernie Taupin, David Lynch, Martin Sheen, Robert Plant and Bono. The soundtrack showcases Roy’s greatest hits including Only The Lonely, Crying, Pretty Woman, In Dreams, Running Scared and You Got It.
Wired For Sound – A Guitar Odyssey
A music-driven special featuring the world’s greatest guitar players and the music they create and perform. Featured artists include: Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues), Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), Steve Winwood, John Entwistle (The Who), Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Ron Wood (The Rolling Stones), Glen Tipton (Judas Priest), Don Everly, Peter Frampton, Dave Matthews (Dave Matthews Band), Jack Cassady (Jefferson Airplane), Don Felder (The Eagles), Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Chad Taylor (LIVE), Les Paul, Slash (Guns n’ Roses), Tom Petty, Steve Howe (Yes), John Hammond Jr., John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King. With accompanying book and CD. More on IMDb…
Johnny Cash – Half Mile a Day
A two-hour special detailing the incredible six-decade career and the life of “The Man in Black” through interviews and commentary, performance footage, rare archival footage, photos, and music. . Johnny Cash, the only member of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and winner of ten Grammy Awards will have his story told by special guests, scheduled to include: Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Billy Bob Thornton, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Marty Stuart, Judy Collins, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. More on IMDb…
The Scream! Heard ‘Round The World
From teenyboppers and bobby-soxers to Boy Bands and ‘Girl Power’ – this two-hour special takes a fascinating behind the scenes look at the enduring love affair between teen idols and their fans. Featuring performances, archival and news footage, videos and music in addition to comments and anecdotes from the fans and the stars. Including: Backstreet Boys, David Cassidy, Hanson, Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Tony Defranco, Deborah Gibson, Ringo Starr, Barry Williams and others.
Blood Sweat & Tears and David Clayton–Thomas
David Clayton-Thomas made an indelible mark on the rock world as the lead singer of ‘60s super group Blood, Sweat & Tears. Roller Coaster: From the Hall of Justice to the Hall of Fame a one-hour TV documentary, is the tale of a young, rabble-rousing runaway who came to understand, through a series of stints at various reformatories during which time he learned to play an old, battered guitar given to him by a departing inmate, that his future and salvation lie in the blues, jazz and rock music that had become his obsession. It’s also the story of a musical dream that came to fruition in the vibrant music scenes of New York’s Greenwich Village and Toronto’s Yorkville Village of the ‘60s before coming onto the world’s stage as Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Mike Douglas – Moments & Memories
With exclusive license from the Estate of Mike Douglas the authorized documentary on the life of Mike Douglas and the story behind the ground breaking afternoon talk show “The Mike Douglas Show” featuring new interviews and commentary from: Bill Cosby, Yoko Ono, Bob Newhart, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Billy Crystal and Mariette Hartley in addition to classic clips from the show featuring: Sammy Davis, Jr., Mother Theresa, KISS, Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, Bobby Darin and many others.
This Joint Is Jumpin’
This Joint Is Jumpin’ traces the history of Swing music, dance and culture from its emergence in the ‘20’s to its current revival in today’s pop culture. It features spectacular original dance and performance footage, interviews archival and feature film footage with guests including: Lionel Hampton, Frankie Manning, Sam Butera, Royal Crown Revue, Bill Elliott Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, Jon Favreau and others. More on IMDb…
Tower Of Song
Tower of Song, a remarkable story set to an extraordinary musical score, focuses on the 30 artists of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Shot on location across Canada in the night clubs, dance halls, bistros and recording studios that gave root to Canada’s music makers, the program celebrates the history of Canadian music and its recording artists by way of in-depth interviews, rare archival footage, exclusive photos and original performances. Featured artists include Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, David Foster, Paul Anka, Rush, Leonard Cohen, The Diamonds and The Guess Who and others.
Remembering Patsy
Patsy Cline died in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. Now her musical legacy lives on in Remembering Patsy. This heartfelt celebration features 17 great Patsy Cline songs and 10 rare television appearances, (two of which were filmed less than a week before her death), home movies and personal photos. Patsy’s personal letters are read by Arista recording artist Michelle Wright. Special guest appearances by Willie Nelson, kd lang, Trisha Yearwood, Eddy Arnold, Roy Clark, George Jones and Loretta Lynn.
Engelbert – King of Romance
Carried on the lush string arrangement of his signature song, we are transported across the miles to Leicester, the English city in which Engelbert Humperdinck grew up. The story emerges of any entertainer who, through every kind of adversity including a six month, near death battle with tuberculosis, nights spent sleeping in public washrooms and long periods of going without food from lack of money, persevered until his extraordinary talent as a singer and entertainer gained him recognition around the world.
Loretta Lynn – Honky Tonk Girl
Honky Tonk Girl is the lively and personal portrait of “The Coal Miner’s Daughter”. From impoverished Butcher Holler Loretta rose to the pinnacle of the music business singing and writing songs for women like her. The documentary follows Loretta from rural Kentucky to the clubs of the northwest, from her first appearance on The Grand Ole Opry to the 1970’s Country Music Entertainer of the Decade. Through hit after hit and unprecedented superstardom, Loretta never changed from the sweet, innocent and spunky Honky Tonk Girl of her first record.
WAYLON – Renegade, Outlaw, Legend
The true story of Waylon Jennings from his days as Buddy Holly’s protege to his battles with the Nashville system. From his musical breakthrough in the ‘70’s to drug addiction and recovery in the ‘80’s. Featuring never-before-released home movies of Waylon with Buddy Holly and The Crickets and performances that traces Waylon from his early rock’n’roll days through the country music “Outlaw” era. Guests include Jessi Colter, Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins, Herb Albert, Robert Duvall, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones and Hank Williams, Jr.
George Jones – Same Ole Me
Winner of the “Best Documentary” American Video Conference/Billboard Award.
They call him “Possum”. They also call him “Country Music’s Living Legend”. His devotion to pure down-home country music has been unwavering through the years and has allowed him a claim to the title of the greatest vocal interpreter that the world of country music has ever known. Same Ole Me is George’s story finally told his way. Features 20 classic performances with commentary from: Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn and others.
Jerry Lee Lewis – I Am What I Am
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ ” is probably the best way to describe the thrilling, tragic, roller-coaster life of rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis. This music packed rockumentary follows “The Killer” from his hell raising beginnings to his meteoric rise to stardom and the scandal that prematurely halted his young career; from his comeback as a country singer in the ‘70’s to his agonizing battles with drugs and alcohol that nearly cost him his life. Featuring vintage performances of hits like Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On and Great Balls of Fire. Guest stars include: Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, Paul Anka, Tom Jones, Dick Clark, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Ron Wood.
Celtic Tides
Celtic Tides is a musical and cultural journey from the Old World to the New. It celebrates the best of Celtic music and explores today’s vibrant Celtic music and dance scene through 13 exciting performances from the biggest starts in Celtic music – The Chieftains, Loreena McKennitt, Clannad, Mary Black, Altan, Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster, The Rankins, Capercaillie, Dougie MacLean and Old Blind Dogs. With accompanying book and soundtrack. More on IMDb…
The Case for Shania Twain
A retrospective of Shania’s career, impact and the accomplishments that she achieved since arriving in Nashville, including her music, performances and featuring over 20 interviews with Shania’s peers and many of the people who were there for the journey. Guest interviews include: Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Chely Wright and others.
Titanic – Band of Courage
Titanic – Band of Courage tells the dramatic and inspiring story of the eight musicians who continued to play on as the ship went down in a valiant effort to provide peace, calm and dignity to those facing certain death. The story of the band and their legendary bravery in the face of death made news around the world at the time. Told with commentary and interviews from experts on the era, the ship, the music and the night of the sinking – supported by archival footage, photos, renderings, original location footage and dramatic footage of Titanic as it rests now on the ocean floor of the North Atlantic.
Series • Performances • Anthologies