Arena: American Epic

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Arena

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The gold standard for arts documentaries, from 1975 to the present day. A cultural map of the world’s greatest artists and musicians, as captured by exceptional film-makers.

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Robert Redford

Bernard MacMahon

Anthony Wall

Allison McGourty

Duke Erikson

T Bone Burnett

Jack White

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Arena: American Epic: Episode 2: Blood and Soil

Part 2: Blood and Soil

Episode 2

Episode 2: Blood and Soil

American Epic

Blood and Soil

BBC Four - Arena, American Epic, Blood and Soil

The second episode explores gospel, the songs of the coal mines and the Delta blues.

Series telling the stories of the pioneers of American roots music. The second episode explores gospel, the songs of the coal mines and the Mississippi Delta blues.

This episode takes a look at the stories of those early music pioneers whose names have largely been forgotten. 

In the small South Carolina town of Cheraw, Elder Burch held lively church gatherings which inspired young musicians - including jazz giant Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie's autobiography cites Burch and his sons as direct inspirations; it is no exaggeration to say that modern music would not look the same without Burch's early influence. 

The programme takes a look at the gritty songs and musicians that came from the coal mines of Logan County, West Virginia - The Williamson Brothers, Dick Justice and Frank Hutchinson. The hellish conditions of the coal mines inspired them to find a way out, through their music. 

Finally we head to the home of the blues - the Mississippi Delta, where Charley Patton captured the sounds and struggles of life in the cotton fields. Patton's significance cannot be understated; he is widely considered the most influential musician in the birth of blues, teaching some of the best blues artists that followed including Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson and Honeyboy Edwards.

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Music: Country

Music: Folk

Music: Jazz & Blues

Series of documentaries telling the stories of the pioneers of American roots music.

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Arena

American Epic

Episode 2: Blood and Soil

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