American Masters Season 5 Episode 6 John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen

John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen is a fascinating episode of American Masters season 5 that delves into the life and career of John Hammond, a legendary music producer who discovered and mentored some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen, Hammond had an unparalleled ability to recognize and nurture talent, and this episode tells the story of how he did it.

The episode begins with a look at Hammond's early life and his love for music. Born into a wealthy family in 1910, Hammond was exposed to jazz at an early age and quickly became enamored with the genre. He would often sneak out of his family's mansion to attend jazz clubs in Harlem and became a regular at the Savoy Ballroom, where he befriended some of the greatest musicians of the day.

After attending Yale University, Hammond landed a job at Columbia Records in 1931, and it wasn't long before he made his first major discovery: Bessie Smith. Despite the fact that Smith was considered washed-up by many, Hammond saw her talent and potential and convinced Columbia to sign her. He produced some of her most famous recordings, including "Downhearted Blues," and helped revive her career.

Throughout the episode, we see how Hammond continued to discover and nurture talent over the years, including Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and of course, Bruce Springsteen. We hear from many of the musicians themselves, as well as from Hammond's friends and family, who paint a vivid picture of the man behind the music.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is the way it explores Hammond's commitment to civil rights and social justice. Hammond was a fierce advocate for racial equality and used his position in the music industry to promote Black artists and fight against segregation. He was even responsible for convincing Carnegie Hall to desegregate in 1939, when he organized a concert featuring Count Basie and Billie Holiday.

Throughout his life, Hammond remained deeply committed to music and to the musicians he worked with. He never cared about money or fame; he simply wanted to find and promote great music. This episode is a fitting tribute to his legacy and a testament to the power of music to bring people together and effect change.

Overall John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen is an insightful and entertaining episode of American Masters that highlights the life and work of one of the most influential music producers of the 20th century. Whether you're a fan of jazz, blues, or rock and roll, there's something here for everyone, and the stories and music are sure to leave you feeling inspired.