All You Need Is Love: The Story Of Popular Music

1977 All 1 Season

Hailed by John Lennon as “a monumental achievement”, Tony Palmer’s series traces the history and influence of popular music from its beginnings to the golden age of rock.

Genre: Documentary Series · Documentary

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17 Episodes

1 - Introduction 52 min

Tony Palmer introduces his landmark series.

2 - God's Children: The Beginnings 52 min

Tony Palmer explores the link between African music and modern American pop.

3 - I Can Hypnotise 'Dis Nation: Ragtime 52 min

Ragtime holds an unexpectedly profound place in the history of music, and it can be said to have laid the cornerstone of American popular music.

4 - Jungle Music: Jazz 52 min

Widely misunderstood and often maligned by lovers of pop music, this episode explores the links between Jazz and American popular music.

5 - Who's That Comin'?: Blues 52 min

Unquestionably American, pop music has a profound debt to blues. This episode explores the tumultuous history of blues from its New Orleans origins to its current state.

6 - Rude Songs: Vaudeville & Music Hall 52 min

With in depth interviews with musical giants such as Liberace, the garish history of Vaudeville music is explored along with its place in popular culture today.

7 - Always Chasing Rainbows: Tin Pan Alley 52 min

The commodification of music is a contentious issue for listeners and creators. This episode explores the commercialization of music, and the influence of capitalism on the current state of music.

8 - Diamonds as Big as the Ritz: The Musical 53 min

The modern American musical — in film form or on stage — borrows and expands on many genres. A musical and narrative performance full of spectacular showmanship, the musical’s place in history is explored in this episode.

9 - Swing That Music!: Swing 52 min

Tony Palmer explores the slippery origins of swing music in this episode of All You Need Is Love: A History Of Popular Music.

10 - Good Times: Rhythm and Blues 53 min

The raw honesty and danceable beats of rhythm and blues drew executives by the flock. During segregation in America, this form has a fascinating and intensely influential relationship with white American pop culture.

11 - Making Moonshine: Country Music 52 min

Maligned by the rock and pop industries, the nostalgic sounds of country music nonetheless command a place in the history of popular music. From the settlement of the west to the powerhouse of Nashville, this episode explores the deep and compelling history of the genre.

12 - Go Down, Moses!: Songs of War and Protest 52 min

Youth and rebellion are inextricably linked to rock music of the 1960s. Much more than an aesthetic window dressing, popular music has a strong influence over culture and politics. In this powerful episode, Tony Palmer explores the role of pop music as protest, and propaganda.

13 - Hail! Hail! Rock'n'Roll!: Rock and Roll 52 min

With a wide array of influences, rock and roll often evades definition. Its influence, however, cannot be denied, sparking fiery debate from its inception. Featuring Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty and Elvis Presley, this episode explores this profound genre.

14 - Mighty Good: The Beatles 52 min

No musical group has had as profound an impact on pop music as The Beatles. Tony Palmer’s groundbreaking documentary gives us an intimate look at one of the most influential groups in musical history.

15 - All Along the Watchtower: Sour Rock 53 min

Tony Palmer takes us through the riots, the power, the inspiration, and the chaos of The Rolling Stones-era music and the infamous San Francisco concert at the Fillmore.

16 - Whatever Gets You Through the Night: Glitter Rock 52 min

David Bowie, Kiss, Elton John - with these musical giants came a transformation of rock and roll. Slick costumes, garish theatricality, and extensively produced sounds contrast the raw sounds that had previously dominated the airwaves. Is glitter rock a sign of the death of rock and roll?

17 - Imagine: New Directions 52 min

Creem magazine editor Lester Bangs discusses the future of rock and roll, and the place for the aging icons of youth such as The Rolling Stones and Black Oak Arkansas. How will culture embrace them as they grow old? What place in history will the golden age of rock and roll hold?