Ep 3. Richard Rodgers: the Sweetest Sounds

Richard Rodgers: the Sweetest Sounds is the third episode of the sixteenth season of the Emmy Award-winning PBS series American Masters. This episode chronicles the life and career of Richard Rodgers, one of the most prodigious and influential composers of the 20th century, who was responsible for such iconic Broadway musicals as Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music, among many others.

Through interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage and photographs, the episode illuminates Rodgers' early years growing up in New York City, where he developed a passion for music that would drive him to become one of Broadway's greatest composers. It delves into his early collaborations with lyricist Lorenz Hart, with whom he wrote a string of hit songs such as "My Funny Valentine," "The Lady is a Tramp," and "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered."

The episode then explores Rodgers' later partnership with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, which proved to be even more fruitful and groundbreaking than his work with Hart. Together, Rodgers and Hammerstein created a new style of musical theater that emphasized storytelling, character development, and sung dialogue. Their first collaboration, Oklahoma!, revolutionized the Broadway musical and set the standard for generations to come.

The episode highlights the creation of some of Rodgers and Hammerstein's most beloved shows, such as Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music, which continue to delight audiences today. It also examines Rodgers' work outside of musical theater, including his contributions to the Hollywood film industry, where he wrote scores for movies such as State Fair and The Sound of Music.

In addition, the episode delves into Rodgers' personal life, including his relationships with his wives and his struggles with depression and alcoholism. It explores how these personal challenges affected his work and his legacy, and how he ultimately managed to overcome them.

Overall, Richard Rodgers: the Sweetest Sounds is a comprehensive and engaging look at one of the most important figures in American musical theater history. It sheds light on his creative process, his collaborations, his triumphs, and his setbacks, painting a vivid portrait of a great artist and revealing why his music continues to resonate with audiences today.