Leonard Bernstein: An American Life was created by CultureWorks for the WFMT Radio Network, and was heard on 300 stations around the country last fall. It included interviews with John Adams, Marin Alsop, Betty Comden, John Corigliano, Adolph Green, Bobby McFerrin, Hal Prince, Mary Rodgers, Mstislav Rostropovich, Stephen Sondheim, and other figures from the worlds of classical music and theater. It was narrated by actress Susan Sarandon; Bernstein's letters were read by his daughter Jamie Bernstein.

In its citation, the Peabody Board said that the documentary was "a brilliantly produced account of Leonard Bernstein's life, career, and music.... It composes an audio symphony on the theme on an American musical giant."

The Peabody Awards are administered by the University of Georgia. They recognize "distinguished achievement and meritorious service by radio and television networks, stations, producing organizations, cable television organizations, and individuals." The awards will be presented at a ceremony in New York on May 16.