Ep 10. Remember This

For Great Performances season 50 episode 10 titled "Remember This," the focus is on the American Songbook and the iconic music that helped shape the nation's culture. Viewers will be treated to a night of classic standards and unforgettable performances from some of the biggest names in music.

The episode is set on the 50th anniversary of the original American Songbook concert at Lincoln Center, which featured performances by some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. This time around, present-day stars pay tribute to those icons, accompanying themselves on the piano or backed by a live orchestra.

The evening kicks off with Broadway legend Christine Ebersole performing "The Man I Love" and "Embraceable You," evoking the glamour of old Hollywood. Next up is jazz icon Kurt Elling, whose stirring rendition of "Skylark" highlights his vocal range and improvisation skills.

Singer and actress Sutton Foster dazzles with her playful take on "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "Anything Goes," and jazz singer Gregory Porter belts out "I Loves You, Porgy" with raw emotion. Actress and singer Rosanne Cash gives a heartfelt rendition of "Long Black Veil," a classic country ballad that was written by her father Johnny Cash.

The show features plenty of memorable duets as well. Tony Bennett and Diana Krall team up for a sultry rendition of "The Best Is Yet to Come," while Cecile McLorin Salvant and Aaron Diehl combine forces for a lively "Sweet Georgia Brown." Broadway powerhouses Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell bring down the house with their duet of "To Build a Home."

Throughout the show, the performers pay tribute to the countless songwriters who created the classic tunes that have become part of the American Songbook. Everyone from George Gershwin and Cole Porter to Leonard Bernstein and Irving Berlin gets their due, with anecdotes and history lessons interwoven between the performances.

The episode ends on a high note with a group performance of "There's No Business Like Show Business," featuring all of the evening's performers. It's a fitting celebration of the enduring power of the American Songbook and a showcase of the incredible talent that keeps these songs alive.

Overall, "Remember This" is a night of music that will transport viewers back in time to a golden era of music while also celebrating the enduring appeal of these classic standards. Whether you're a fan of jazz, Broadway, or country music, there's something for everyone in this unforgettable concert experience.