Watch America's Musical Heritage

America's Musical Heritage is a fascinating documentary series by The Great Courses Signature Collection, featuring renowned ethnomusicologist Anthony Seeger. The show takes its viewers on a journey through the history and evolution of American music, exploring the cultural and social contexts that shaped its development.

Throughout the series, Seeger shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise on music, drawing on his extensive experience as a performer, fieldworker, archivist, and professor. He discusses the music of several key regions of America, including Appalachia, New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta, and the Southwest, highlighting the diverse musical traditions that emerged from these areas and the unique ways in which they intertwine.

The show's first episode, titled "The Roots of American Music," sets the foundation for the rest of the series by examining the musical influences that shaped American music from its earliest origins. Seeger explores the impact of African, European, and Indigenous music on American music and how these diverse sounds converged to create a truly unique and distinctly American sound.

As the series progresses, Seeger delves deeper into specific genres and styles of American music, providing insight into the origins and evolution of blues, jazz, country, and rock and roll. Viewers will learn about the musicians who pioneered these styles, including B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, Patsy Cline, and Elvis Presley, and the cultural and historical events that fueled their popularity.

The episodes are thoughtfully structured, each one focusing on a particular theme or region of American music. For instance, the third episode, "Country Music: The Ozarks," explores the rich musical heritage of the Ozarks region, which became a stronghold for traditional country music in the early 20th century. Seeger takes us on a tour of the area's legendary music venues, such as Silver Dollar City and the Ozark Folk Center, while highlighting the contributions of iconic country musicians like Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe.

Another standout episode is "Jazz: New Orleans and the Delta," which delves into the birth of jazz in New Orleans and its spread to the Mississippi Delta. Seeger paints a vivid picture of the social and cultural dynamics that gave rise to jazz, from the influence of African rhythms to the prevalence of brass bands in New Orleans. He also explores the contributions of jazz icons like Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, and Duke Ellington, and illustrates how their music continues to influence modern jazz.

The show is not only informative but also visually stunning, featuring beautiful shots of the landscapes, people, and architecture that have shaped American music. The accompanying soundtracks are also a highlight of the show, featuring performances by legendary musicians and lesser-known but equally talented artists.

Finally, Seeger's narration is both engaging and informative, making complex musical concepts accessible to viewers of all backgrounds. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is palpable, and his insights into the cultural and historical contexts of American music are invaluable.

In conclusion, America's Musical Heritage is a must-watch for anyone interested in American music or cultural history. Seeger's expert knowledge, combined with the stunning visuals and incredible soundtracks, make for an immersive and thought-provoking documentary series that is sure to delight and educate viewers.

America's Musical Heritage is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between November 29, 2019 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection