How Julia Alvarez was inspired by the working class

Season 38 Episode 5

About the Episode

While at the Yaddo writing retreat, Julia Alvarez found herself suffering from writers block. Inspiration struck when she befriended the maids, housekeepers and cooks and heard their stories, and eventually put together her book of poetry, "Housekeeping." "I wanted to write about the lore that comes when women are talking as they're doing their housework," said Alvarez.

Aired: | Expires: | Runtime: 2m 52s

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Extras

The success of Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”

Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” written by Johnny Marx, when she was 12.

1:28
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [Extended Audio Description + OC]

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

1:00:13
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around [ASL]

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

52:55
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around (EAD + OC Trailer)

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

3:31
Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around (ASL Trailer)

Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.

2:56
3 classic songs Brenda Lee performed as a teenager

These are 3 of Brenda's Lee most notable performances from Jubilee USA, also known as Ozark Jubilee.

7:16
theRing: I Am A Renegade [Official Music Video]

Official music video for "I Am A Renegade" by theRing, the theme song for "Renegades."

2:26
When Brenda Lee eloped with her husband

Brenda Lee met her husband Ronnie Shacklett at the age of 17 and eloped with him six months later.

2:35
How Brenda Lee's collaboration with producer Owen Bradley changed the course of her career

Owen Bradley, producer at Decca Records, took Brenda Lee under his wing and became a mentor to her.

2:21
Brenda Lee had a fully formed career before even signing a contract

Brenda Lee made appearances on television, radio and live shows all before she even signed a deal.

2:30