Back to Show
American Masters
Nina Bernstein and June Norton on Ella Fitzgerald
Before Ella Fitzgerald became the First Lady of Song and earned 13 Grammy Awards, she spent much of her teenage years as an orphan, finding odd jobs and, at times, living on the street. Journalist Nina Bernstein and Fitzgerald’s longtime friend June Norton discuss one of the singer’s most difficult periods.
Support Provided By
Season
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:57
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:35
Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:40:39
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:43:31
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:03
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.
54:31
El artista José Clemente Orozco (1883-1945) encabezó el movimiento muralista en México.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:29
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:12
Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez through music and the arts.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:45
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:33:44
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:29:31
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:45:01
See the world through the eyes of Nam June Paik, the father of video art.