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American Masters

Inventing David Geffen

Season 26 Episode 7 | 1hr 54m 01s

Notoriously press and camera-shy, David Geffen reveals himself for the first time in this unflinching portrait of a complex and compelling man. His far-reaching influence — as agent and manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and billionaire philanthropist — has helped shape American popular culture for the past four decades.

Aired: 11/19/12 | Expires: 12/14/15
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
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American Masters
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Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
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American Masters
In The Making: Season 4
Eight cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines.
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American Masters
Sun Ra's profound impact on Arkestra members
Sun Ra had a profound and lasting influence on members of the Sun Ra Arkestra.
Clip: S40 E2 | 3:39
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American Masters
How Sun Ra gave thanks to the Creator
Each day, Sun Ra wrote a piece of music solely for “the Creator.”
Clip: S40 E2 | 2:46
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American Masters
How Sun Ra created his own record label, Saturn Records
Sun Ra was one of the first Black artists to have his own record label.
Clip: S40 E2 | 2:03
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American Masters
Sun Ra’s concept of “alter destiny” was his way of changing humanity
Sun Ra wanted to change humanity with his concept of the “alter destiny.”
Clip: S40 E2 | 3:29
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American Masters
Sun Ra: Do The Impossible
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra.
Preview: S40 E2 | 2:02
Watch • 1:30:36
American Masters
Sun Ra: Do The Impossible [EAD]
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra.
Special: 1:30:36
Watch • 1:23:05
American Masters
Sun Ra: Do The Impossible [ASL]
Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra. ASL version.
Special: 1:23:05
Watch • 12:29
American Masters
Night in Newark
Middle school students in Newark grapple with Elie Wiesel's harrowing Holocaust memoir.
Special: 12:29