Back to Show
American Masters
How Madonna May Have Been Influenced by Mae West
Madonna, Mariah Carey, Lena Dunham and other women entertainers have followed in Mae West's footsteps in various ways, including breaking taboos about sexuality. Madonna in particular, with her book called "Sex," may have been paying direct homage to West.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:55
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
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.
1:40:39
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:03
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:29
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:45
Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
1:33:44
Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
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.
1:23:43
Discover music icon Roberta Flack’s rise to stardom and triumphs over racism and sexism.