Followed by a discussion with the director, Rita Coburn and Sandra Grymes, the niece of Marian Anderson
American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands explores the life, career, art and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer in her own words using archival interview recordings. Marian Anderson’s singing and speaking voice are heard throughout the documentary, providing new understanding of the woman behind the music.
Spotlighting Anderson’s voice and point of view, the documentary draws from 34 cassette tapes of interviews recorded in the 1950s, when she was preparing to write her memoir, “My Lord, What a Morning,” and other archival interviews. Anchored by key performances in her career, American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands shows how her quiet genius and breathtaking voice set the stage for Black performers in classical music, and a louder voice for civil rights. Additionally, with unprecedented access to the Marian Anderson Estate, the documentary draws on rare audio recordings, photographs and personal correspondence to and from family and friends, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Josephine Baker and Langston Hughes.
“Previous documentaries centered around her life without her own voice. That’s what sets our documentary apart,” said director Rita Coburn. “Marian Anderson directly discusses her personal experiences, allowing the viewer to explore history from her point of view.”
“As this warm, intelligent portrait makes so clear, Anderson’s Civil Rights achievements rarely came by way of word or deed, but by example.” –Verne Gay, Newsday
“A refreshing look at one of Black history’s greatest singers, American Masters – Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands explores the life, career, art, and legacy of the African American contralto and civil rights pioneer.” –Jared Alexander, The Grio
Rita Coburn is a Peabody and Emmy Award-Winning Director, Writer, and Producer of radio, television, and film. Beginning her career as a producer and writer for various news outlets across the U.S., Coburn went on to produce for the likes of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah Radio, Apollo Live!, and Walt Disney Productions. In 2016, “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,” which was co-directed and co-produced by Coburn, premiered at the 2016 Sundance Festival and went on to win a Peabody Award in 2017. Coburn is the director of “Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands,” which will premiere nationwide Tuesday, February 8 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS American Masters; please check your local listings.
Coburn’s value is such that she bridges the gap between generations and preserves African-American history. Through her work, she uniquely addresses topics from a multi-generational lens with a passion for impacting others through the untold stories of prominent figures and key ideals relevant to African-American culture.
Sandra Grymes is an Oak Bluffs resident and a key member of the team of her generation of cousins who have devoted themselves to preserving the rich legacy of Marian Anderson. Her professional career in New York City focused on leadership roles at national nonprofit organizations, and she is an ardent supporter of the Arts.
