Bill Moyers: The Language of Life Season 1 Episode 4

Ep 4. Some Can Sing

  • TV-NR
  • June 23, 1995
  • 56 min

In season 1 episode 4 of Bill Moyers: The Language of Life titled "Some Can Sing," the show explores the power of language through song. Host Bill Moyers delves into the art of songwriting and how it can convey emotion, personal experiences, and social commentary.

Moyers speaks with experts in the music industry, including award-winning songwriters such as Paul Simon and Mary Chapin Carpenter. They discuss what inspires them to write and how they use their songs to connect with audiences and make an impact on society. The episode also features performances from legends like Bob Dylan and contemporary singers like Iris DeMent.

The episode's central focus is on the experiences of African-American musicians and how they use their voices as a form of protest. Moyers interviews influential artists, such as Sweet Honey in the Rock and Bernice Johnson Reagon, and they discuss how music can be a tool for social change. These musicians share their experiences of oppression and discrimination, and how they channeled that energy into creative expression through song.

The show also includes a moving tribute to Billie Holiday, one of the most famous African-American jazz vocalists of all time. Moyers talks with biographer Farah Jasmine Griffin, who shares insights into the life and music of the beloved singer. The episode features a rare recording of Holiday's song, "Strange Fruit," which poignantly addresses the issue of racially motivated violence and lynchings in the United States.

Throughout the episode, Moyers underscores the power of music as a means of communication and expression. He notes that songs have a unique ability to connect with people on a personal level and evoke emotion in ways that other forms of language cannot. Whether it's through the poetic lyrics, powerful melodies, or the haunting sounds of an instrument, music speaks to something deep within us all.

Overall, "Some Can Sing" offers a compelling look at the power of language through song. It provides valuable insights into the creative process of songwriting and the ways that musicians use their voices to inspire change. Viewers who appreciate music as a form of art and communication will find this episode thought-provoking and inspiring.

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Description
  • First Aired
    June 23, 1995
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    56 min
  • Language
    English