How did Bossa Nova start? Its commercial success came to the United States 40 years ago, when songs such as "Desafinado," "The One Note Samba," and "Girl From Ipanema" became instant hits and sold millions of copies world wide. It influenced American music and changed Brazilian music.

This two-hour program traces the impact of Brazilian music in the American music scene from Carmen Miranda in the 40's, through the contributions of artists like Tom Jobim, João Gilberto, and many others. Our documentary shows the largely ignored interconnection between America's and Brazil's music heritage through interviews, archival film, and performance clips in Rio de Janeiro, New York, and Los Angeles. It will also show that the influence has gone as far as Japan, where Bossa Nova has become cult music.