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You can watch a version of this documentary with on-screen ASL interpretation and open captions here: https://youtu.be/Ii4mnrxf4K0?si=71dXx-wf24p8T0pz
You can watch a version of this documentary with extended audio description and large open captions here: https://youtu.be/lpcr2DRivaQ
“Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future” tells the story of the African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century. Thomas Wiggins was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, he was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Billed as “Blind Tom, The Blind Negro Boy Pianist” he became the highest grossing, most ticketed act of his time. After the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863, Thomas Wiggins was fought over in the courts like a piece of property, leading to him being placed under a conservatorship until his death. In the course of his career, Wiggins earned his owners the largest fortune ever attained by a pianist at the time, the equivalent of over $32 million today.
RENEGADES is a documentary series that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities. Explore the lives of Judy-Lynn del Rey, visionary sci-fi editor; Daniel K. Inouye, Hawai’i’s first representative; Celestine Tate Harrington, champion for parents’ rights; Thomas Wiggins, pianist prodigy; and Brad Lomax, disability rights advocate. Hosted by award-winning musician and disability rights advocate Lachi. New episodes drop every Tuesday starting October 1.
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Now in its 38th season on PBS, American Masters illuminates the lives and creative journeys of those who have left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape—through compelling, unvarnished stories. Setting the standard for documentary film profiles, the series has earned widespread critical acclaim: 28 Emmy Awards—including 10 for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series and five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special—two News & Documentary Emmys, 14 Peabodys, three Grammys, two Producers Guild Awards, an Oscar, and many other honors. To further explore the lives and works of more than 250 masters past and present, the American Masters website offers full episodes, film outtakes, filmmaker interviews, the podcast “American Masters: Creative Spark,” educational resources, digital original series and more. The series is a production of The WNET Group.
