Around the Nation Roundup

Here are some of this week’s arts and culture headlines from public broadcasters around the nation:

– Tonight, on American Masters, a look at the life of Merle Haggard, who went from ne’er-do-well to country music star. Once a young inmate at San Quentin prison, Haggard says his life changed the day Johnny Cash made his famous performance.

Here’s a preview:

Watch the full episode. See more American Masters.

– Former Secretary of State (and accomplished classical pianist) Condoleezza Rice will back up reigning Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin at a performance in Philadelphia next week, according to WHYY in Philadelphia.

– Iowa Public Radio looks at how a planned development of artists lofts in Council Bluffs is part of a larger city plan to stimulate the economy.

– WCPN in Cleveland honored Harvey Pekar, who passed away last week, with remembrances and old Pekar interviews.

– In case you missed the live web-stream on June 23, you can watch the full video from a special Art:21 discussion about contemporary performance arts called ‘The Past Perfect’, featuring artists Laurie Simmons and Oliver Herring, and hosted by our very own Robert MacNeil:

Watch the full episode. See more ART:21.