A first-of-its-kind history, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir tells the epic story of how an all-volunteer group founded by persecuted religious outcasts grew into a multimedia powerhouse synonymous with the mainstream and with Mormonism itself. Drawing on decades of work observing and researching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Michael Hicks examines the personalities, decisions, and controversies that shaped "America's choir." Here is the miraculous story behind the Tabernacle's world-famous acoustics, the anti-Mormonism that greeted early tours, the clashes with Church leaders over repertoire and presentation, the radio-driven boom in popularity, the competing visions of rival conductors, and the Choir's aspiration to be accepted within classical music even as Mormons sought acceptance within American culture at large. Everything from Billboard hits to TV appearances to White House performances paved the way for Mormonism's crossover triumph. Yet, as Hicks shows, such success raised fundamental concerns regarding the Choir's mission, functions, and image.

A history of the Mormon faith and people as they use the art of music to define and re-define their religious identity

Dubbed "America's Choir" by President Ronald Regan, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will celebrate 75 years if continual broadcast in July 2004. From its earliest beginning, just a few months after the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, to its prestige as a world-renowned choir courted by concert halls in the most sophisticated cities across the globe, the Choir has a unique and fascinating story, now told in words and images by author Heidi S. Swinton and on film by Lee Groberg. As composer John Williams has said, "These are people who are there for the joy of music." America's Choir is their story.

Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin. As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would "bomb" Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive. Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as "Uncle Wiggly Wings" or "The Candy Bomber." Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen's small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.

The wares of the little match girl illuminate her cold world, bringing some beauty to her brief, tragic life.

Recounts the story of the historic Christmas Truce during World War I when soldiers ceased fire and exchanged gifts and holiday traditions, and includes Walter Cronkite's narration of the story.

The messages will inspire and bring hope to a nation during a very challenging period of our history. The messages will appeal to everyone from all religions and from all walks of life. Each decade is preceded by a brief introduction describing the major events and challenges of the times. The messages given many years ago are as applicable today as they were then.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir presents a program of traditional Christmas music filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah, in December 2001.

Illustrations and the text of a song show ways in which children can behave as Jesus might--with love, kindness, and consideration.