CBS News Sunday Morning Season 44 Episode 36 September 5, 2021

On September 5, 2021, CBS News Sunday Morning season 44 episode 36 airs with a lineup of stories that explore different aspects of the world we live in. The program begins with a segment about how the city of Portland is trying to tackle the issue of homelessness through a program that offers tiny homes to people who are living on the streets. Correspondent Lee Cowan speaks with people who have found a sense of security and stability in these small dwellings.

Next up, correspondent Tracy Smith takes us on a journey to a place where the natural world meets the technological world. Smith visits a company that is using robots to help restore coral reefs in the Caribbean. We see first-hand how these machines are able to plant thousands of pieces of coral in a short amount of time and how this could be a game-changer in the fight to save these vital ecosystems.

We then turn our attention to a different kind of restoration as contributor Jim Axelrod brings us the story of how one man is trying to save a piece of musical history. Axelrod profiles Jonathan Ward, who is on a mission to preserve and restore vintage vinyl recordings. We learn how Ward has built an impressive collection and how he is working to make sure that these recordings survive for future generations to enjoy.

In another segment, correspondent Mo Rocca speaks with the creators of a new sound installation that aims to turn the mundane into the magical. We learn about how the project, called "Sonic Blossom," seeks to turn the sounds of everyday life into music that can be experienced by anyone who wants to stop and listen.

As the program continues, we learn about the history of the paparazzi with a segment that takes us back to the 1960s and the early days of celebrity photography. Correspondent Seth Doane speaks with legendary paparazzo Ron Galella, who captured some of the most iconic images of stars like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Marlon Brando. We also hear from modern-day photographers who have had to adapt to the changing landscape of celebrity coverage.

No episode of CBS News Sunday Morning would be complete without a story that celebrates the beauty of the natural world. In this episode, correspondent Martha Teichner takes us on a visual journey through the stunning landscapes of southwestern Utah. We see how the area's towering sandstone formations and deep canyons have inspired artists and photographers for generations.

The program wraps up with a tribute to musician Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer for the Rolling Stones who passed away on August 24, 2021. Correspondent Anthony Mason speaks with friends and colleagues of Watts, who reflect on his life and career and his enduring influence on rock and roll.

Overall, the September 5, 2021 episode of CBS News Sunday Morning is a thought-provoking and informative hour of television that offers a diverse range of stories about the people, places, and events that shape our world.