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Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story

Season 35 Episode 4 | 1hr 23m 55s

After more than 30 years as the colorful bandleader of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, master trumpeter Doc Severinsen continues to defy nature well into his 90s with a grueling schedule of touring, performing and teaching. Trace the life and groundbreaking career of the unstoppable musical icon, revealing his personal trials and underscoring a remarkable journey of inspiration.

Aired: 04/01/21
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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Paul Mooney reflects on the mechanics of stand-up and his role as Richard Pryor's best friend.
Phyllis Diller reflects on how her comedy was a response to years of “take my wife” jokes.
Lily Tomlin speaks about her time on Laugh-In and how she developed her characters.
Jeff Foxworthy discusses regionalism in comedy and why "redneck" is a state of mind.
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Joan Rivers speaks about her experience as a female comic in the early 60s.
Conan O’Brien speaks about his style of late night and his reason for doing comedy.
Discover the work of New York photographer Corky Lee in his own words.