Most PBS stations air John Lennon's Jukebox Wednesday as part of Great Performances. It originally was shown in March in England as part of the South Bank Show (and it was produced by Initial, part of Endemol which is best known for creating Big Brother).

During the mid-60s, John Lennon had a portable jukebox with 41 45s he took on tour. The documetary shows his handwritten listings of the songs (including mistakes and cross outs) and features his voice (taken from radio interviews) talking about some of the songs and the Beatles.

There are interviews with some of the people who were responsible for the songs in the jukebox including The Isley Brothers, Ritchie Barrett, Bobby Parker, Delbert McClinton, Gary "U.S." Bonds, Bruce Channel, Fontella Bass, John Sebastian of The Lovin' Spoonful, Donovan, Steve Cropper of Booker T. & The MGs, and Leiber & Stoller. Sting also provides commentary about some of the songs (Ringo and Paul wouldn't agree to be interviewed, but some of the musicians who played with the Beatles might have been a better choice).

The website has a list of the songs (along with a brief bios of some of the performers) and an excellent essay by Ed Ward who does pieces on rock history for Fresh Air.

The documentary seems too short at just under an hour. I wanted to hear more of the music. A 2 CD set with some of the songs came out in England and is available as an import and it is possible to get much of the music other places (a discography would be a good addition to the website).

The website says the documentary isn't available on video or DVD, so it might be a good idea to record it (though most stations will repeat it over the next few years).