All You Need Is Love: The Story of Popular Music

Tony Palmer introduces his landmark series.

Ragtime holds an unexpectedly profound place in the history of music, and it can be said to have laid the cornerstone of American popular music.

Widely misunderstood and often maligned by lovers of pop music, this episode explores the links between Jazz and American popular music.

Unquestionably American, pop music has a profound debt to blues. This episode explores the tumultuous history of blues from its New Orleans origins to its current state.

With in depth interviews with musical giants such as Liberace, the garish history of Vaudeville music is explored along with its place in popular culture today.

The commodification of music is a contentious issue for listeners and creators. This episode explores the commercialization of music, and the influence of capitalism on the current state of music.

The modern American musical - in film form or on stage - borrows and expands on many genres. A musical and narrative performance full of spectacular showmanship, the musical's place in history is explored in this episode.

Tony Palmer explores the slippery origins of swing music in this episode of All You Need Is Love: A History Of Popular Music.

The raw honesty and danceable beats of rhythm and blues drew executives by the flock. During segregation in America, this form has a fascinating and intensely influential relationship with white American pop culture.

Maligned by the rock and pop industries, country music nonetheless command a place in the history of popular music. From the settlement of the west to the powerhouse of Nashville, this episode explores its deep and compelling history.

Youth and rebellion are inextricably linked to rock music of the 60s. More than a aesthetic, its music has a strong influence over culture and politics. In this powerful episode, Tony Palmer explores the role of music as protest, and propaganda.

With a wide array of influences, rock and roll often evades definition. It's influence however, cannot be denied, sparking fiery debate from its inception. Featuring Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, and Elvis Presley,

No musical group has had as profound an impact on pop music as The Beatles. Tony Palmer's groundbreaking documentary gives us an intimate look at one of the most influential groups in musical history.

Tony Palmer takes us through the riots, the power, the inspiration, and the chaos of The Rolling Stones era music and the infamous San Francisco concert at the Fillmore.

Tony Palmer takes us through the riots, the power, the inspiration, and the chaos of The Rolling Stones era music and the infamous San Francisco concert at the Fillmore.

David Bowie, Kiss, Elton John - with these musical giants came a transformation of rock and roll. Slick costumes, garish theatricality, and extensively produced sounds contrast the raw sounds that had previously dominated the airwaves.