© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes

Season 37 Episode 9 | 1hr 22m 29s

Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach, whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him.

Aired: 10/05/23 | Expires: 02/28/25
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
Learn about jazz artist Hazel Scott, the first Black American to have their own TV show.
Discover how Hazel Scott started jazzing the classics.
When Hazel Scott was accused of affiliations with communism, she was determined to clear her name.
Hazel Scott went on strike while shooting "The Heat's On," where she plays two pianos at once.
Discover the lives of those who have left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape.
These are 3 of Brenda's Lee most notable performances from Jubilee USA, also known as Ozark Jubilee.
Brenda Lee began working as a professional singer at just eight years old to support her family.
Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a deal.
Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.
Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.