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In this digital series, New York's sweetest drag diva Peppermint tells the story of pioneering American drag artists. In the process, she demonstrates how drag is a performance art form that has thrived in this country for generations, entertaining LGBTQ+ and general audiences alike, and providing the former with an important outlet of self-expression.

Born into slavery, Swann was the first known person to identify as a “Queen of Drag.”
Crystal was a proud Black trans woman, a drag mother and, a pageant girl.
Jean Malin was one of the first openly gay performers in the Prohibition era.
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Episodes
Explores the life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist.
A father of bebop, Charlie Parker influenced generations of musicians.
Alice Waters has made it her mission in life to make sure that people eat beautifully.
Watch the full documentary on Lennon's life in New York City during the 1970s.
Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novelist Philip Roth
The first documentary about the legend behind much of the bold television of the '70s.
Today’s American food movement can be traced back to one man: James Beard.
Tyrus Wong's pioneering artwork led to iconic works like Bambi and Rebel Without a Cause.
He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings.
Follow the country music superstar’s journey from segregated Mississippi to Nashville.
Explore four-time Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally's work in theater.
Discover the art world giant whose color fields changed art history and now fetch millions
Extras
Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.
Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.
Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a deal.
Brenda Lee began working as a professional singer at just eight years old to support her family.
Quincy Jones discusses his early career, friendships and how he defines himself.
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.
Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement.
The story of a composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century.
The story of a composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century.