Tina Turner and Dolly Parton in live concerts, a performance by Renée Fleming, a look back at Loretta Lynn’s life and songs, plus a film on dancer Twyla Tharp.
Center Stage: Women in Music and Dance
The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song
The 400-year-old history of the Black Church and its role in faith, gospel music, building community, civil rights activism, and more is presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Black Icons in Conversation: Archives of American Masters
Newly released interviews with Maya Angelou, Sidney Poitier, Dionne Warwick and more reveal personal relationships, artistry, life lessons and the ramifications of racism.
Black Women in Entertainment Who Performed on Their Terms
Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Ciceley Tyson, and Pam Grier conquered an entertainment industry complicit in systemic racism, transforming themselves and their audience.
Maria Callas’ Comeback
Note new time: Friday, January 15 at 10pm! Great Performances: The Magic of Callas centers on the opera superstar’s dramatic 1964 comeback at London’s Royal Opera House.
Holiday Spirit on THIRTEEN
December concerts, holiday and Christmas music, and a Call the Midwife special, plus a unity concert featuring Anna Deavere Smith on New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day Celebration from Vienna.
Ledisi and Nina Simone Share a Spotlight
Ledisi pays tribute to Nina Simone in her first PBS special.
John Lennon after the Beatles
Two films pay tribute to singer-songwriter John Lennon during the week he would have turned 80. Both center on his post-Beatles career and life.
Classical Music to Watch at Home
Itzhak Perlman, Scott Yoo, The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and more share their artistry and insights to classical music.
A Virtuoso’s Classical Music Discoveries
Virtuoso violinist and curious musician Scott Yoo travels the world in the series “Now Hear This” to better understand the music he plays and conducts.
Count Basie – Through His Own Eyes
The private world of the bandleader and musician from Red Bank, NJ, is revealed in this documentary special.
Broadway Musicals on THIRTEEN in June
Productions filmed by Great Performances air on select Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in June.
Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” at the Oldest Outdoor Festival in the U.S.
Great Performances: Bernstein Mass captures not only a great music-theater work by composer Leonard Bernstein, but a summertime tradition: the outdoor music festival.
The Lost Inaugural Gala for JFK: Never-Before-Seen Performances
Produced by and starring Frank Sinatra, the evening included Ethel Merman, Harry Belafonte, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Gene Kelly and more.
Black History Month at the Apollo Theater
Film screenings and performances are part of the free Open House at Apollo Theater on February 1, which kicks of Black History Month celebrations.
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