Michael Feinstein's American Songbook
This series is a documentary-style road trip and cultural primer with Michael Feinstein as the leader of an expedition through the history of American popular song. Viewers follow him both on stage and backstage, hear personal stories about the songwriters and entertainers he has known over a 30-year career, travel to flea markets, dig through dusty storage units, and swap treasures with fellow collectors. Rare archival audio and film footage combine to reveal the social and historical forces behind the music that helped shape the style, attitude, and self-image of America for more than a century. Filled with generous portions of live performance, this series offers both an intimate portrait of a unique entertainer, and a history of 20th century pop culture.
Michael Feinstein's American Songbook Previous Broadcasts
On The Air (Episode #303H)
KQED Plus: Sun, May 12, 2013 -- 7:00 PM
Decades ago, the Golden Age of Radio fulfilled the idol-making role in the U.S. Feinstein traces the phenomenon with archival clips of Bing Crosby, Cab Calloway, Kate Smith and others. He conducts one of the last interviews with TV and stage star Rose Marie ("Sally Rodgers" on "The Dick Van Dyke Show") and learns about her career as a child radio star. On his own radio program, Feinstein showcases virtuoso classical superstars, including violinist Joshua Bell and pianist Jeremy Denk. Finally, he discovers a lost radio program that featured Rosemary Clooney, and through digital magic performs a "new" duet with her.
Repeat Broadcasts:
- KQED Plus: Mon, May 13, 2013 -- 1:00 AM









