Step into the world of Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley and delight in the Great American Songbook, the soundtrack of America.
Discover the magic behind the Great American Songbook, born from Broadway, Hollywood, and Tin Pan Alley. This series explores timeless musicals, like Fiddler on the Roof and classic Hollywood performances by legends like Fred Astaire. Experience these beloved songs as never before, enriched with captivating stories, historical insights, and behind-the-scenes lore. Accompanied by classic renditions and curated visuals, this course deepens your love for the music that shaped America’s cultural soundtrack.
LECTURES:
1. Rodgers and Hammerstein -The American Musical Heart: Explore songs from shows like The King and I, and South Pacific (including Frank Sinatra’s iconic versions) that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
2. George Gershwin -The Composer Who Did It All: Delve into Porgy and Bess and other timeless classics performed by artists such as Bobby Darin, showcasing Gershwin’s wide-ranging musical genius.
3. Stephen Sondheim - Genius of the American Musical: Discover the brilliance behind Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music with highlights like Barbra Streisand’s unforgettable performances.
4. Irving Berlin - The Musical Voice of a Nation: Celebrate songs from Annie Get Your Gun and legendary recordings by Louis Armstrong that defined American music for over a century.
John Laher, theater critic for The New Yorker, called this presentation “a home run.” Don’t miss out on this unforgettable musical journey!
James P. Jimirro is the creator and founding President of The Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video, and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He is also a leading figure in preserving the Great American Songbook through lectures, Grammy committee work, and as Executive Producer of the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company in New York.
"very interesting, he has a wealth of knowledge and conveys it very well" OLLI Patron
Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.
