Arts Aug 10 Jennifer Hudson plays her idol Aretha Franklin in ‘Respect’ By Lindsey Bahr, Associated Press
Arts Apr 22 Publisher pauses release of new Philip Roth biography The publisher of a new, bestselling biography about Philip Roth has temporarily halted the book's shipping and promotion as its author, Blake Bailey, faces multiple allegations of sexual harassment and abuse. By Hillel Italie, Associated Press
Arts Apr 08 Watch 7:31 Biographer Robert Caro on why it’s taking decades to fully capture LBJ Robert Caro is one of the nation’s preeminent biographers, known for meticulous research and taking his time with a subject. Indeed, he began his massive series "The Years of Lyndon Johnson" in 1977, but its final volume won't be published… By Jeffrey Brown, Anne Azzi Davenport
Arts Oct 24 Watch 8:17 The uncommon mastermind behind Mona Lisa’s smile Leonardo da Vinci’s inquisitive spirit defined the quintessential “renaissance man.” The master artist, scientist and inventor is now the subject of a new biography by Walter Isaacson, who has profiled geniuses including Benjamin Franklin and Steve Jobs. Isaacson and Judy… By PBS NewsHour
Apr 03 Watch 5:30 How Michelle Obama’s upbringing shaped her White House priorities By PBS NewsHour In “Michelle Obama: A Life,” veteran political journalist Peter Slevin tackles a different side of politics by examining how the first lady’s life story influenced her priorities in the White House. Gwen Ifill sits down with the author to discuss… Continue watching
Dec 25 Watch 7:19 How Pope Francis’ upbringing shaped his role as reformer By PBS NewsHour From his simple lifestyle to his active engagement in diplomacy, Pope Francis has distinguished himself as the leader of the Catholic Church. Jeffrey Brown talks to Austen Ivereigh, author of a new biography, “The Great Reformer,” about the ways the… Continue watching
Nov 12 The modern music industry was shaped by a man you’ve never heard of By Ashira Morris Ralph Peer popularized the genres of country, blues, jazz, gospel and Latin. His story begins in the era of the wind-up crank cylinder and ends in the age of color television and is told in the new book, "Ralph Peer… Continue reading
Dec 25 Watch Writer Jay Parini considers how people experience God through the story of Jesus Writer Jay Parini considers how people experience God through the story of Jesus… Continue watching