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Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Season 39 Episode 4 | 1hr 51m 14s

Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk icon and gay rights advocate. She broke ground with “Society’s Child” (1966), a bold take on interracial love, and “At Seventeen” (1975), a searing anthem about bullying.

Aired: 06/19/25 | Expires: 07/19/25
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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Actor John Goodman talks about his work on the film, "The Big Lebowski."
Follow Sudanese musician and ethnomusicologist Alsarah as she leads Alsarah and the Nubatones.
In 1975, Bella Abzug went on the "Dinah!" show and questioned what was missing in our democracy.
While in Congress, Bella Abzug elevated feminist causes, including women's financial independence.
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug.
Actress Lily Tomlin talks about campaigning for Bella Abzug and how she was inspired to fight.
Follow the rise of politician and activist Bella Abzug. This contains on-screen ASL interpretation.