Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Masters

American Masters: 1980s Highlights

Created and launched in 1986 by Executive Producer Susan Lacy, the American Masters series set the standard for documentary film profiles. Among its first films in the 1980s were "George Gershwin Remembered," "Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul," and "James Baldwin: The Price of a Ticket." On January 21, 2014, American Masters premieres its 200th episode: "Salinger," by Shane Salerno.

Support Provided By
Season
Ballerina Boys
53:26
Discover The Trocks. Dancing on pointe shoes, these male ballerinas mix artistry and joy.
Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:39:49
The story of the author of the “The Joy Luck Club.”
Twyla Moves
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:31
Explore choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process.
A singer belts out in song during a performance.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:19
The inspiring story of six trailblazing Black women entertainers.
Artists
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:28
Explore the life of artist Keith Haring who revolutionized pop culture and fine art.
Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:02
An unvarnished look at the unlikely “Little House” series author.
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:56:29
An artful and intimate meditation on the legendary storyteller.
Mae West: Dirty Blonde
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:30
Dive into the life and career of groundbreaking entertainer Mae West.
N. Scott Momaday: Words From a Bear
1:23:25
Delve into the enigmatic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday
Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life
1:22:18
Explore four-time Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally's work in theater.
Basquiat: Rage to Riches
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:24:16
He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings.
AAPI Month
Tyrus
1:13:37
Tyrus Wong's pioneering artwork led to iconic works like Bambi and Rebel Without a Cause.
Active loading indicator