Ep 3. American Music

Narrated by host Derek Waters, "Drunk History" is a comedy show that features inebriated celebrities recounting stories from history. In season 2 episode 3, titled "American Music," viewers are treated to an episode celebrating the evolution of American music through the drunken retellings of its most important players.

The episode starts with a hilarious monologue by comedian Kyle Kinane, who sets the stage by proclaiming that "America's past is like one big drunk history lesson in and of itself." Kinane drunkenly narrates the story of "The Star-Spangled Banner," a song that went from being written as a drinking song to becoming the national anthem of the United States.

The first featured drunk historian is comedian Jen Kirkman, who tells the story of the infamous jazz musician and singer Billie Holiday. Kirkman's rambling and slurred narration is paired with reenactments that showcase Billie's tragic life. The segment is equal parts funny and heartbreaking, as the drunk Kirkman tries to convey the historic importance of Holiday's music despite her own lack of eloquence.

Next up is musician and actor Jack Black, who tells the story of Elvis Presley's infamous performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Black's passionate (and drunken) retelling of the events that led up to and followed Presley's appearance on the popular variety show is hilarious - especially when paired with actor Bob Odenkirk's over-the-top performance as Sullivan himself.

The episode takes a decidedly more serious turn with the next segment, which features comedian Jen D'Angelo telling the story of Hollis "Flash" Lashley, a veteran who returned from serving in Vietnam only to face racism and police brutality from the LAPD. D'Angelo's slurred narration contrasts starkly with the emotionally charged retelling of Lashley's story, which highlights the importance of protest songs in American music.

Finally, the episode ends on a lighter note with actor and comedian Mark Gagliardi's telling of the creation of the hit song "YMCA" by the Village People. Gagliardi's drunken narration is paired with whimsical reenactments that perfectly capture the vibe of the disco era.

Overall, "American Music" is a hilarious and poignant episode of "Drunk History" that celebrates the rich history of American music while reminding viewers of the struggles faced by those who created it. The narrators' drunken slurring only adds to the show's charm, making it an entertaining and educational watch for history buffs and music lovers alike.