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Rich Hall's Working for the American Dream

Comedian Rich Hall explores the American dream and the dictum that came over with the very first pilgrims who set foot on Plymouth Rock - work hard and you will succeed.

Award-winning comedian Rich Hall explores the American dream and the dictum that came over with the very first pilgrims who set foot on Plymouth Rock - work hard and you will succeed.

With his sharp wit and acerbic insight, Rich looks at how Americans strive to achieve this dream and how it's been explored and perpetuated by politicians, industrialists, artists, writers and film-makers.

Rich also looks at the dark heart of the American dream and considers what happens when the dream turns into a nightmare, including the Great Depression of the 1930s, the boom and bust of Detroit and the modern demise of America's shrinking middle class. The land of opportunity has attracted all comers to live the American dream, and Rich Hall explains if it actually exists or if it's just a myth that's become unobtainable for Americans.

1 hour, 28 minutes

Last on

Sun 12 Feb 2023 01:00

Music Played

  • Elvis Costello

    Welcome To The Working Week

  • Ry Cooder

    The Long Riders

  • Spade Cooley & His Orchestra

    Shame On You

  • The Clash

    Career Opportunities

  • Freddie King

    Sweet Home Chicago

  • Elmore James

    Everyday I Have The Blues

  • Curley Weaver

    You Was Born To Die (Album Version)

  • Pete Seeger

    Which Side Are You On?

  • Link Wray

    Jack The Ripper (Album Version)

  • Telex

    On The Road Again

  • Ry Cooder

    Vigilante Man

  • London Festival Orchestra & Stanley Black

    Rhapsody In Blue

  • The Kinks

    Dead End Street

  • Chuck Berry

    Back in the U.S.A.

  • The Cadillacs

    Speedo

  • Smiley Lewis

    I Hear You Knocking

  • Link Wray & His Raymen

    Rumble

  • Muddy Waters

    Got My Mojo Working

  • Link Wray

    Rumble

  • John Lee Hooker

    The Motor City is Burning

  • James McMurtry

    We Can't Make It Here

  • Gil Scott鈥怘eron

    Winter In America

  • Merle Travis

    Sixteen Tons

  • Charles Bradley

    Why Is It So Hard

  • Howlin鈥 Wolf

    Down In The Bottom

  • Merle Haggard

    A Working Man Can't Get Nowhere Today

  • Lee Dorsey

    Working in the Coal Mine

  • Zager & Evans

    IN THE YEAR 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)

  • Creedence Clearwater Revival

    Fortunate Son (Willy & The Poor Boys)

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Rich Hall
Writer Rich Hall
Executive Producer Andrew Beint
Executive Producer Anthony Caveney
Producer John McCormack
Director Chris Cottam
Production Company Open Mike Productions

Broadcasts