Ep 13. Ty's One Man Band

Reading Rainbow was an American television series that ran from 1983 to 2006. The show was hosted by LeVar Burton, who was also famous for his role in the hit TV series, Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show aimed to promote reading among children by using books as a basis for each episode. The format of the show usually involved LeVar Burton reading a book, followed by an exploration of the subject matter, and finally a visit to a location related to the book.

In this episode of Reading Rainbow, titled "Ty's One Man Band," LeVar Burton reads the picture book by Mildred Pitts Walter. The book tells the story of Ty, a young boy who is passionate about music but doesn't have any instruments to play. Undeterred, Ty decides to create his own one-man band, using household items such as pots, pans, and spoons.

Following the reading of the book, the show features a segment in which LeVar Burton meets a real-life "one-man band" named Jesse Fuller. Fuller demonstrates his own unique style of music, using a range of instruments including a guitar, harmonica, kazoo, and a foot-operated bass. Burton interviews Fuller, who discusses the origins of his music and the challenges he faced as a one-man band, before performing a song for the audience.

In another segment, LeVar Burton visits a group of children who have created their own one-man bands. The children show off their homemade instruments, which include a cigar-box guitar, a broomstick bass, and a drum kit made from buckets. The children also perform a song for the audience, using their instruments and singing about the joys of playing music.

The episode concludes with a visit to a music store, where LeVar Burton meets a professional musician who demonstrates a range of real instruments, including a trumpet, violin, and piano. Burton also discusses the importance of music education for children, and how learning to play an instrument can be a great source of joy and inspiration.

Overall, "Ty's One Man Band" is a fun and engaging episode of Reading Rainbow that teaches children about the joys of music and the creativity that can come from making your own instruments. The episode encourages children to explore their own interests and passions, and to find ways to express themselves through art and music. As always, LeVar Burton is a warm and engaging host, who inspires children to love reading and learning.