One Voice: The Songs We Share

Our musical pasts create our shared musical future. American Roots explores the many cultures and traditions across our country that came together to create what we know as American popular music. Indigenous music, folk, spirituals and more, this episode celebrates this uniquely American music and how it has transcended across all boundaries.

Once deemed the folk music of working class Americans, country music has reached unprecedented popularity, both in the United States and around the globe. This episode explores this singularly American art form and its rich musical history.

Host Michelle Williams and the American Pops Orchestra perform the classic gospel tune, "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho."

Broadway and recording artist Justin Guarini & the American Pops Orchestra perform Sam Cooke's classic song, "Touch the Hem of His Garment."

Broadway star Adam Hyndman and the American Pops Orchestra perform Dolly Parton's classic song, "The Seeker."

Join Luke Hawkins ("A Cole Porter" opposite Harry Connick, Jr), Amber Iman ("Hamilton"), Alexis Michelle ("RuPaul's Drag Race"), and more. Hosted by Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller ("Beautiful: The Carol King Musical").

Drag queen Alexis Michelle and the American Pops Orchestra perform the iconic song, "I Am What I Am."

Broadway star Amber Iman and the American Pops Orchestra perform Diana Ross's standout hit from the musical "The Wiz," "Home."

Tap icon Luke Hawkins and the American Pops Orchestra perform a special arrangement of the classic tune, "It's De-Lovely."