Inside the Music

In the span of just a few years, Blondie went from a band fighting for punk cred at CBGB to international superstardom, thanks in large part to one album: Parallel Lines. What was the secret behind its success?

Artist. Activist. Philosopher. Philanthropist. Visionary. Over the last 25 years, Peter Gabriel has evolved from a gifted musician into a forward-looking ideologist and pacifist. Join him in this exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the recording of his album "Big Blue Ball." This long-gestating collaborative effort features musicians from all over the world, brought together with one united goal: to make music. See how this positive vision of globalization brought together varying philosophies, technologies, and styles to create one harmonized sound.

Hip Hop has evolved from a musical genre into one of the most influential movements of the 21st Century, affecting the way people dress, speak, and even think. Follow the journey from its birth in the Bronx in the '70s, to the time when rap, DJ-ing, break dancing, and graffiti took over New York City and defined a generation.

The history of music's greatest invention and the world's most popular musical instrument. From the early days of the Model U and Frying Pan to the guitar wars of Fender and Gibson, experience the evolution of the electric guitar through vintage footage, interviews with rock historians and rousing live performances.

John Cohen's influence is seen and heard throughout traditional American folk music. Many believe that he is the inspiration for the Grateful Dead's famous song "Uncle John's Band.

Folkways Records founder Moses Asch turned the music business model on its head. He avoided hit makers and catered to unknown musicians.

Once every decade in a small Colombian village, musicians engage in a fierce battle for the title of the Accordion King. Travel down to Colombia, and go behind the scenes of the Vallenato Kings Festival where, each April, the world's greatest accordionists assemble to perform, compete, and celebrate the squeezebox.