Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands | Full Documentary | American Masters | PBS

Official website: to.pbs.org/48022X4 | #AmericanMastersPBS
Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.
Watch on your local PBS station, the PBS App, online, and here on KZbin through September 1, 2024.
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: to.pbs.org/2QbtzhR
This program is made possible by viewers like you. Please support your local PBS stations: pbs.org/donate
Subscribe to the American Masters channel for more clips: bit.ly/1JmUCu5
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite American Masters films: www.pbs.org/americanmasters
FOLLOW AMERICAN MASTERS:
Facebook: / americanmasters
X: / pbsamermasters
Instagram: / pbsamericanmasters
TikTok: / pbsamericanmasters
FOLLOW PBS:
Facebook: / pbs
X: / pbs
Instagram: / pbs
TikTok: / pbs
Shop: www.shop.pbs.org/
___________________________________
Now in its 38th season on PBS, American Masters illuminates the lives and creative journeys of those who have left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape-through compelling, unvarnished stories. Setting the standard for documentary film profiles, the series has earned widespread critical acclaim: 28 Emmy Awards-including 10 for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series and five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special-two News & Documentary Emmys, 14 Peabodys, three Grammys, two Producers Guild Awards, an Oscar, and many other honors. To further explore the lives and works of more than 250 masters past and present, the American Masters website offers full episodes, film outtakes, filmmaker interviews, the podcast “American Masters: Creative Spark,” educational resources, digital original series and more. The series is a production of The WNET Group.

[@RLU-wt8vi]

I am an elderly white woman. I have always been ashamed of the hypocrisy of that generation. Adults who have the audacity to go to church on Sunday yet behave like bigots during the week. Children have no concept of racism, it is TAUGHT to them. Listening to Ms. Anderson's voice, even through a documentary, brought me to tears. She was beautiful.

[@velardez2002]

There are people who “PRAY” on Sunday and then PREY on Monday !

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

It's no different today..or better...they just pray to different gods and are still hypocrites...that's people dear.

[@amyrojas3298]

Yes. I agree. How can one call themselves a Christian and be filled with hate. It is contradictory. Her voice was so beautiful. Just beautiful. ❤

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

@@amyrojas3298 who hated her? Her voice is beautiful.

[@sherranballoons7455]

God Bless You….

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

I attended her Farewell Concert on November 24, 1964 at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis. I still have the program! I was 13 years old at the time; now I'm 73.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

Oh my goodness, how very lucky you were. Thank you for sharing

[@LALACHANEL07]

That is amazing!!! Thank you for sharing❤

[@kimcham9949]

❤

[@tc_is_me]

Wow. That is such a treasure !

[@DoctorJoanieTool]

Wow -at UM!!!

[@cherih.6370]

I did my 3rd grade book report on Ms Anderson. I fell in love with her music after that, even as a 3rd grader. I was so proud of that report. I got an A, too!

[@2011birch]

Well done & what a great choice.

[@cinnamonstar808]

congrats on your A

[@illadelp28]

I learned the story of Marian Anderson as a child in school, but as an adult, that story has so much more depth. I’m so pleased that she got her flowers while she could still smell them. What a beautiful soul. May she rest in peace; she truly deserves it.

[@margaritataylor8743]

I live in Oregon. We had the privilege of having James DePriest as the first black conductor of the Oregon Symphony. Being a violinist and black, it was a very proud period for me. I have a picture of us together after a performance. He was a wonderful conductor during his time with the symphony. He was Marians nephew.

[@notlih11]

A voice that one hears once in a hundred years, and a spirit and personality that bless us just as rarely.

[@felinefokus]

Beautifully written 💙💫

[@52daa]

What a magnificent human being. America was so lucky for her to be alive and be who she was . God Bless Her!

[@frana.4086]

My mother was a fan and presented Marion Anderson with roses when she sang at her college!

[@gretchenking5952]

I had no idea. I knew of Marian Anderson and her great singing abilities but had no idea how much of a global impact she had. She was truly a statesman. Bravo to PBS for this wonderful, in-depth documentary. I'm so proud.

[@cinnamonstar808]

Many untold stories of American History; The education boards across the USA is shameful. The volume of redact 🇺🇸 Americana history will take another 245 years to be retold. **most of this information is retold from grandchildren who are re-telling the stories, such as Eleanor Roosevelt descendants. I live in Florida. USA history = redacted🤭

[@stevenrowson4339]

What a talented lovely woman.

[@kittyblak393]

Omg, I cried throughout this amazing documentary, such a beautiful life and lived to her 90s and died peacefully 🥰⚘️

[@paulinemccarthy8355]

Waiting for the amazing Marion Anderson Biopic ❤

[@rarejourneys]

This would make a great movie, especially with the love story between her and Orpheus woven through

[@tomekajohnson1711]

Me too. Think Audra McDonald would be stellar

[@manueldavidson1398]

What an amazing, beautiful, very talented and dynamic woman. Marian Anderson was just an incredible human being who paved the way forward for all of the amazingly talented Black woman artists of today. This was such a great documentary by PBS.❤❤❤

[@zinaallen9856]

I absolutely agree!👏🏽

[@bjbaccus5]

I'm 76. My mom bought me a season ticket when I was in the 3ed grade and in Dayton, Ohio at Memorial Hall, I was privileged to see and listen to Marianne Anderson in person. At that time I fell in love with classical music.

[@kishawolson7679]

WOW she was so beautiful, elegant and classy inside out ❤

[@malakcanvas]

Such a blessing to be able to hear her voice! May she rest well. 🤍🕊

[@sherranballoons7455]

I have to watch this again and again. Sometimes in life when we get stuck there’s always away out!!!

[@anthonyhutchins1441]

Privileged to see this amazing documentary film about this beautiful consummate artist, am humbled. Sincerely. Thanku so much!

[@lilatravelpartners]

Brilliant

[@JaySmith-mz7vg]

She was such phenomenal woman!

[@captainnima]

Amazing girl and woman. Graceful too. I loved her statement "If she could do it, so could I." Every little girl and boy needs to say that.

[@sherranballoons7455]

Yess!!!

[@sandriagutierrez2605]

My takeaway from this story, is the the wonderful tenacity of a human being who has received of God a gift, and a talent, that no matter the opposition’s, and naysayers, they continue stalwart, determined, and driven to continue, no matter what! Bravo to Miss Marion, and all such like her!

[@cvan1075]

I am not surprised she refused to drop out of school to be a maid all alone in Boston and be in a vulnerable position to learn to sing !

[@malakcanvas]

💯 right!

[@sassymedea3065]

A legend!

[@daoistdansah54]

Powerful chronicle of a great Woman Luminary.

[@loraineebomah9678]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🏆💯💯💯💯⭐️⭐️⭐️🌹⭐️👸🏽

[@rarejourneys]

This was a masterpiece

[@deirdreyearwood3383]

Ms. Anderson was clearly a glorious person. Beautiful voice, beautiful poise. Thank you Mam. It was a pleasure to learn of your story, continue to rest peacefully ❤

[@traceyf4842]

Just absolutely beautiful! What an amazing voice! Everybody have a wonderful, blessed day!🤗

[@aaliyahwhite7984]

So happy I came across this amazing story!

[@sherranballoons7455]

Me too!!!

[@manymoonstraveled]

I’m so sad I never knew anything about her. Beautiful lady with a beautiful voice. Thank you for sharing 😊❤🙏🏼

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

A voice that comes along once in 100 years

[@user-wi8hj5dq9f]

This biography on ms Anderson was so tastefully done

[@judyduerr7612]

Outstanding! What a pleasure to hear her singing and to learn about her. A glass-ceiling breaker, using grace, going where she needed to go for acceptance and sharing her tremendous gift.

[@sandrawright9003]

This was absolutely Beautiful. Between being overwhelmed with tears, because her voice just touched me so. I truly enjoyed her story. ❤

[@dcurtis53]

I was in awe when I met her; she was given an award at the 1976 Philadelphia Convention of my Fraternity - Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. It felt like meeting the grandmother I never knew.

[@eggedon6112]

What a magnificent portrayal of this Diva's life❤ I am sharing it with everyone. A talented, beautiful, courageous woman. Ahead of her time, she blazed a path for herself and others🔥🔥🔥

[@MrBarrywes]

So elegant and poised

[@sherranballoons7455]

This was such a beautiful documentary of Marian Anderson.

[@wendylee8654]

I'm telling everyone to watch this! Important!

[@All.Natural.]

This was wonderfully done! Thanks for telling her story ❤ I'm a big fan of hers and Leontyne Price

[@chupz1665]

Wow! What a voice and what a story! That was a history of the 20th century.

[@melissavancleave8686]

What a talent and beautiful person.

[@velardez2002]

Should be taught in all schools this great American story !

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

My mother was invited to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. She turned it down after hearing what they did to Marion Anderson -not allowing her to sing when they found out that she was was black

[@mascara1777]

That's true integrity!

[@whackp264]

My country tis of thee, of this WE sing! I loved that part! Wonderful documentary.

[@enriquesanchez9499]

It was worth watching this video what a legend rest well Rest well

[@MsAchampion]

I love this. It's simply beautiful. I had never heard of Marion Anderson. As I was watching this, I told my boyfriend that Marion is his ancestor because his last name is also Anderson. ❤ He said, oh yeah? I said yes. 😅 Her story is a great one, and her voice is beautiful to the ear! 🙏🏾 😊

[@funwithFred]

My father had told me about her way back when I was a little girl. He loved her voice, and also Paul Robeson.

[@americapatton9266]

What a true global hero and musical treasure who's story will continue to sustain for generations to come. We honor her on this Women's history month and beyond. It would have been a honor to meet her, and see her perform live. God sent her to bring healing and hope throughout the world through her music and with heart of service. ✍️🥲😇🙏

[@aaliyahopper07]

Thanks for, for unveiling this history, of this very important information.

[@etolerific]

Absolutely remarkable woman and documentary!!! I believe that she was and remained both a national and international treasure.

[@kittiyah9049]

Wow! What an amazing life Marian lived. That God given voice❤. Everything about her life speaks to me. Great documentary!

[@user-mt5vp9yp5b]

She's a masterpiece.... incredible talent we are Galant band of people...our culture is rich and beautiful and blessed.

[@katnip198]

Most beautiful lady with a loving soul and a God given talent. 🙏🏽

[@maryagee6934]

My first time hearing about this beautiful lady, in my classroom in sophomore years, 1956 from principal of Perdue Hill Alabama, because Mr. Patrick C.Carmichael. because he enjoyed singing opera and musical wlso too. Ms. Mary L. Agee ❤❤❤❤❤❤I 🎉🎉🎉🎉😅😅😅

[@michaeldennistooley4271]

Thank you for the music. Beautiful sister 🕊️

[@matf5593]

Quelle belle histoire magnifique et quelle femme magnifique… un talent incroyable et un cœur fort…. 尊敬ばっかし！❤

[@edouardnoisin6710]

Oui, en effet...

[@yvonneplant9434]

The main symphony hall in Philadelphia's Kimmel Center has been renamed after her. It's an incredible honor. She grew up about a 10 minute walk away from there. 🎉

[@smithconnie07]

Absolute, brilliance!!!! Bravo, Madame Marion, Bravo!!!!

[@user-bb7gk7nk3b]

Beautiful this gives me hope. Thank you.

[@sherranballoons7455]

Me too!!!

[@hatbarn3532]

Beautiful lady, beautiful voice.

[@nelsonndirangu9178]

Superb, what a gift used to the full and for mankind the way God had purposed

[@charleslowery4416]

❤❤❤❤❤ Long over due biopic🙏🏿

[@dwightlarson6449]

what a beautiful human being

[@lane8014]

Simply Beautiful program. Glad for the sharing and opportunity to watch ❤

[@sherranballoons7455]

It’s 4:07 a.m. this so touch my heart. I think God wanted me to see this awesome video about this awesome Lady!!

[@cheryltaylor1547]

What a Blessed gift from God to the world and her culture. Opening the way for many 🙏🏿😢❤❤

[@user-wi8hj5dq9f]

How interesting Marion father said their not going sing my child death, ironically his this singing made her a legend 😊

[@cvan1075]

She was to be featured but would spend all day at the choir’s disposal and she was also a student.

[@gfjchs3n1]

Beautiful. I learned so much. Thank you Mrs. Anderson and I thank God for you using your voice to His glory. ❤

[@patrickhueyatthepodium229]

Assoluta! In music and in life!

[@SOANGIE4]

Bravo PBS! Job well done on this documentary. Black history is American history too. I love the Arts and hearing stories about contributing artists is inspiring.

[@francisbird6290]

I like to think that the spirit of Abraham Lincoln was at his Memorial to witness Marion Anderson sing !❤

[@ashleyvaughn5213]

An amazing story of living for what you love. ❤

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Marian’s voice is so unique and heavenly. I could listen all day and would probably never have another care in the world 🌹🌹🌹❤️🕊

[@antonionash7666]

I enjoyed every bit of this documentary...

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

A beautiful singer...i must look into her more...brilliant

[@mairarodriguez1525]

Thank you..❤

[@carole-vv5es]

sometimes you see someone i think that person has old soul this dear lady has an old soul

[@user-qu5bd2pf7f]

WOW! What a talented and beautiful human.

[@sandraj9993]

Amazing woman! She absolutely fought for us without selling us out! May you rest in power.

[@pbransome626]

Peace love energy light and honor to all my beautiful beloved Autochthonous Nijiis of the republic of Tartaria! She was definitely american Indian❤thats my cousin

[@agoodgurl2k]

Absolutely Spectacular! ❤

[@loriorourke2154]

Those makes me so sad and uplifted at the same time. Sad that we as white people in America lost so much talent through the years and uplifted by her grace and beauty.

[@sherranballoons7455]

Well said!!!

[@mstaun27]

Such a beautiful & powerful story and an even more beautiful and remarkable woman!

[@brutusalwaysminded]

Thanks for this! ❤

[@doriscoleman2582]

So beautiful, Marian I cry in Joy. Thank You American Masters. dlc

[@davidmolina7543]

Excellent!!!

[@kincamell2]

Gratitude

[@user-dt4je9br6o]

This lady's story is phenomenal. I wish her story could be made into a movie like Oppenheimer. People could learn so much history from that whole period in history.

[@sherranballoons7455]

WOW!! This could change the world!!!!

[@robingrant1965]

So Beautiful!🫶🏾

[@PrettyUnique90]

Beautiful

[@rosequartz7841]

Humble and peaceful ❤x

[@2011birch]

What an amazing documentary.

[@Cameo165]

Now, I'm CONCERNED. 😅😊Only my 6th grade teacher would reach me like this. June Nolen most excellent educator. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aletteabroaders7852]

Much appreciated

[@marthapapargyri4961]

Thank you for such an interesting story!

[@clarencejacksonjr.]

Amazing documentary

[@anishiafinley4627]

A BEAUTIFUL VOICE

[@sheilafort2193]

Thank you Ms.Terrell, 6 grade teacher, from back in the day... introducing the class to Marion Anderson. Listening to her... recordings, what a Great voice. 🌷

[@brendabrooks-zq2rs]

Simply Marvelous❤😊 thanks for sharing❤❤❤😊

[@loraineebomah9678]

Blacknificent once again and again❤❤❤👸🏽Diva

[@TheDarkDresser]

A dignified woman, something that's lacking in many black female celebrities today.

[@juanafgutierrez]

I am 69, and my mother (born in 1921) LOVED Marian Anderson, so I grew up listening to her beautiful voice recorded on LP played on a Heathkit stereo my father built. Thank you for this documentary and for giving her proper recognition and respect.

[@aimajeffresswood8702]

Madame Marian Anderson 🎉💚🌹💫✨💖