When America enters World War II, jazz is part of the arsenal.

As the 1930's come to a close, Swing-mania is still going strong, but some fans are saying success has made the music too predictable. Their ears are tuned to a new sound - pulsing, stomping, suffused with the blues.

As the Great Depression drags on, jazz comes as close as it has ever come to being America's popular music.

In 1929, America enters a decade of economic desperation, as the Stock Market collapses and the Great Depression begins. Factories fall silent, farms fall into decay, and a quarter of the nation's workforce is jobless. In these dark times, jazz is called upon to lift the spirits of a frightened country, and finds itself poised for a decade of explosive growth.

As the stock market continues to soar, jazz is everywhere in America, and now, for the first time soloists and singers take center stage, transforming the music with their distinctive voices and the unique stories they have to tell.

Enjoy this encore presentation of the 10-part documentary JAZZ by filmmaker Ken Burns. The in-depth series, which premiered in 2001, traces the growth and development of jazz music from its beginnings to the latter part of the 20th century.

On Saturdays at 9:00 pm, beginning January 9, it’s an encore presentation of the 10-part documentary JAZZ by filmmaker Ken Burns. The in-depth series, which premiered in 2001, traces the growth and development of jazz music from its beginnings to the latter part of the 20th century.

PBS Hawaiʻi and Palama Settlement are co-hosting a free 40-minute sneak preview of Jackie Robinson, the latest documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns.

PBS Hawaiʻi will host a free preview of the latest Ken Burns-produced documentary, Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies.