Tony Palmer explores the link between African music and modern American pop.

Ragtime holds an unexpectedly profound place in the history of music, and it can be said to have laid the cornerstone of American popular music.

Widely misunderstood and often maligned by lovers of pop music, this episode explores the links between Jazz and American popular music.

Unquestionably American, pop music has a profound debt to blues. This episode explores the tumultuous history of blues from its New Orleans origins to its current state.

With in depth interviews with musical giants such as Liberace, the garish history of Vaudeville music is explored along with its place in popular culture today.