In Their Own Words PBS special includes Pope Francis and Princess Diana
This summer, PBS presents three new In Their Own Words primetime specials that explore the lives and impact of some of the most intriguing figures in recent history. Combining exclusive interviews with archival footage and each subject’s own words to help tell the story, the series sheds light on these compelling personalities and examines their continuing influence.
Chuck Berry will be highlighted on July 27th with Pop Francis on July 20th and Princess Diana on August 8th. All episodes are scheduled from 8-9 pm ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video app.
Three additional specials will premiere in the fall, profiling Jimmy Carter, Elon Musk and Angela Merkel.
Berry’s incredible life story spans more than seven decades, beginning in the clubs and bars of a deeply segregated St. Louis. In 1955, his “Maybellene” rose to No. 1 on the R&B chart. It then miraculously crossed over, reaching No. 5 on the top 100 Pop chart, ultimately birthing a renaissance in popular music we now call rock and roll. To his family, Berry was a sensitive poet and devoted family man. To others, he was a demanding and difficult artist, a “diabolical genius” driven by a voracious appetite for money and a deep desire for respect and control. Abstaining from drugs and alcohol, he had a weakness for women. This episode takes a riveting ride on the Chuck Berry train, exploring the life, the legend, the music and the man. Featured are interviews with his widow, son and grandson, along with colleagues and musicians who idolize him, including Keith Richards, Robert Cray, Slash, Darius Rucker and more.
The series will stream simultaneously with broadcast and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS Video app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV and Chromecast.
