Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...: Episodes & News

VIDEO: Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones & John Mellencamp

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Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones & John Mellencamp
Paid | iTunes
Length: 16:57:34
Aired: 2/4/2009

The "guitar pull" is said to have started in Johnny Cash's living room in Tennessee, with writers and musicians like Kris Kristofferson, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan taking turns playing their songs for the Man in Black and his guests. Some years later, Elvis gathers a stellar group for a "guitar pull" of his own - and it includes a couple of people who were at the original gatherings in the Cash home, namely American songwriting royalty, Kris Kristofferson and Cash's daughter, Rosanne. Rounding out the group are the golden-voiced Norah Jones (who brings along a "new" song co-written by none other than Hank Williams) and American rock superstar John Mellencamp, who strips his music (old and new) down to the bare essentials. If not exactly a hootenanny, this star-studded edition of Spectacle is a showcase for - and an embarrassment of riches of - the craft of songwriting, from some of the best-known (and loved) tunes of the past 40 years to brand-new, previously-unheard compositions. watch

VIDEO: James Taylor

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James Taylor
Paid | iTunes
Length: 08:54:54
Aired: 1/21/2009

James Taylor epitomizes the term "singer-songwriter", and in this rare, in-depth interview, he sheds light on the various influences that have shaped his music over the past 40 years or so. With a guitar readily at hand throughout the hour, Taylor shifts easily and engagingly from conversation to performance mode, playing some of his best-known songs ("Fire and Rain", "Sweet Baby James") and some of his favorites by other writers, including Carole King and George Jones. Elvis joins James in song a couple of times, to charming effect. The intimate conversation includes the very personal (Taylor's upbringing, family and occasional struggles with personal demons) and, naturally, the very musical (influences, collaborations and inspirations). Throughout it all, the pure, sweet James Taylor voice that has seduced music fans for four decades now remains a thing of beauty and comfort. watch

VIDEO: Renee Fleming

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Renee Fleming
Paid | iTunes
Length: 09:11:59
Aired: 12/24/2008

One of the truly exceptional voices in the world is front and centre when Elvis welcomes Renée Fleming to Spectacle for a compelling and eclectic program of conversation and music. Renowned internationally for her dynamic operatic and recital performances and recordings, the revered American soprano proves to be disarmingly funny and candid about life as a diva, telling hilarious inside-opera stories and providing detailed insight into the rigors, demands and sacrifices involved in taking the human voice to the unnatural (but exhilarating) levels required in opera. Ms. Fleming also generously demonstrates her range and versatility as a performer, singing one of Puccini's most gorgeous arias, a jazz piece with guitarist Bill Frisell and even an old Appalachian folk standard. And on top of all that, opera fan Rufus Wainwright turns up to pay his respects and sing something special for Renée! watch

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Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

Human Target
9/8c Fox
Sunday's sneak preview of this new thriller gave us a good idea how Christopher Chance operates, such as finding a novel way to get off a high-speed train without the benefit of, say, stopping. Tonight he takes to the skies (what's next, the sea?) when unidentified goons are after an anonymous computer hacker who's privy to a critical piece of information. And faster than you can say "all in a day's work," a routine flight for our hero means flying upside down after the plane catches on fire.

Read on for previews of Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., Modern Family, Being Erica and The Human Spark. read more

Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010

Nip/Tuck
10/9c FX
The three-week hiatus between "seasons" is over, and Christian and Sean head into their homestretch with the first of the final episodes before the series wraps in March. As things stand, Christian and Kimber are married, and the boys have won an award from their alma mater, the University of Miami. As they head back East to accept it, flashbacks recall their college years. It might not surprise you that their personalities were pretty well-formed even then.

Read on for previews of the People's Choice Awards, Cougar Town, Modern Family, Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... and Ugly Betty. read more

Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009

A Home for the Holidays with Faith Hill
8/7c CBS
Adoption is a subject that is close to Faith Hill's heart. She was adopted as an infant and returns to host this 11th annual event to raise awareness of adoption. She is joined by fellow adoptee Michael Franti, who performs "Have a Little Faith." Also showing their support are native Oklahoma superstars Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire. Other performers include Mary J. Blige and Shakira. In addition to the musical performances, the hour highlights stories about children who have been adopted and those who are still waiting to join a loving family.

Read on for previews of Dog the Bounty Hunter, Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..., Biography and Christmas at Belmont 2009. read more

Tonight's TV Hot List: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009

Top Chef: Las Vegas
10/9c Bravo
The heat turns up to the highest levels in the conclusion of the two-part Season 6 finale. In last week's cook-off for wine connoisseurs in Napa Valley, Jennifer created the feast with the least and was eliminated. That leaves our Final 3 maestros of meals — talented fan favorite Kevin Gillespie and the head-butting Voltaggio brothers, Bryan and cocksure Michael. It'll be the real meal deal when they plate up their final culinary creations, after which one of them will be crowned the winner.

Read on for previews of New Adventures of Old Christine, Glee, Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009 and Spectacle: Elvis Costello With.... read more

Tonight's TV Hot List for Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009

The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306
8 pm/ET HBO2
For years, Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles wondered why he alone was with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. By the end of this stirring, Oscar-nominated 2008 documentary, you'll hear Kyles' conclusion. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, the film tells the story of King's support for the strike by the city's sanitation workers, and shows footage of what turned out to be the last of his many memorable speeches.

Read on for previews of Lost, American Idol, Spectacle and Top Chef: New York. read more

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Full Episode
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In this special episode, host Elvis Costello excuses himself from the proceedings when his...
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Bill Clinton discusses Elivis' influence in his life.
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Premiered: December 03, 2008, on Sundance Channel
Rating: None
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Premise: Candid conversations and musical performances featuring influential artists and personalities.

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