Ep 1. Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick, Jr.

Finding Your Roots season 1 episode 1 delves into the genealogy of two famous New Orleans musicians, Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick, Jr. The episode begins by introducing host Henry Louis Gates, Jr., an acclaimed scholar and author who is also an expert in genealogy. Gates sets the stage for the show by explaining the importance of tracing one's roots and understanding how our ancestors shaped us.

The first half of the episode focuses on Branford Marsalis, a renowned saxophonist and composer who has won multiple Grammy Awards. Gates begins by showing Marsalis his family tree, which goes back several generations on both his mother's and father's side. Through archival records and personal interviews, Gates uncovers the dramatic story of Marsalis's paternal great-great-grandfather, a man named Caesar who was born into slavery and later became a successful carpenter and landowner in North Carolina. Gates also reveals that Marsalis's maternal great-grandfather was a prominent doctor who was a key figure in the struggle for civil rights in Louisiana.

As Marsalis reflects on his ancestors, he discusses the ways in which their experiences have influenced his own life and career. He notes that his great-grandfather was a trailblazer who inspired him to pursue a career in music, and he expresses gratitude for the sacrifices his ancestors made to ensure his success.

The second half of the episode shifts to Harry Connick, Jr., a singer and pianist who has sold millions of albums worldwide. As with Marsalis, Gates begins by showing Connick his family tree, which reveals a fascinating mix of European and African roots. Gates takes Connick on a journey to explore his family's past, traveling to France to uncover the story of his paternal great-grandfather, a soldier who died in World War I, and to New Orleans to learn about his maternal great-grandfather, a skilled carpenter who helped rebuild the city after Hurricane Katrina.

Along the way, Connick reflects on the ways in which his family history has influenced his music, noting that his connection to New Orleans has played a particularly important role. He also talks about the contributions of his ancestors, both past and present, to the city's rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the episode, Gates provides context and commentary, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the stories he uncovers. He also emphasizes the importance of genealogy not only in understanding the past, but in shaping the present and future. By the end of the episode, both Marsalis and Connick are deeply moved by what they have learned about their families, and they express a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of their ancestors.