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Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around

Season 38 Episode 6 | 52m 55s

Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today. The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and many others.

Aired: 12/15/24 | Expires: 04/01/26
Support for American Masters is provided by AARP, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Burton P. and Judith B. Resnick Foundation, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Jeffrey Katz and Beth Rogers, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Marc Haas Foundation, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Candace King Weir, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Laura Richards and Jim Naughton, Filomen M. Dagostino Foundation, André and Elizabeth Kertész Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, The Charina Endowment Fund, and public television viewers.
Extras
Celebrate the life and career of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver.
Mary Oliver met her life partner, photographer Molly Malone Cook, at Steepletop.
Mary Oliver sought to call attention to the destruction of the earth in her work.
Listen to Steve Buscemi read Mary Oliver's poem "The Fish" in this excerpt from the film.
Mary Oliver often hinted at the turmoil within her family, but sought to move past it.
Sports journalist Taylor Rooks has built her career asking athletes the questions that no one asks.
Clive Davis on his journey in the music industry.
Filmmaker Michael Sarnoski breaks down his revisionist version of the Robin Hood story.
Mike Wallace discusses the groundbreaking “60 Minutes” story on tobacco.
Actor Tyler James Williams talks about his acting process and what drives his work.