Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns
Explore the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings, to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the 20th century, as it eventually emerged to become America's music. Country Music features never-before-seen footage and photographs, plus interviews with more than 80 country music artists. The eight-part 16-hour series is directed and produced by Ken Burns; written and produced by Dayton Duncan; and produced by Julie Dunfey.
Country Music explores questions - such as "What is country music?" and "Where did it come from?" - while focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created and shaped it - from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more - as well as the times in which they lived. Much like the music itself, the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people.
No one has told the story this way before.
Country Music
Part 1: The Rub (Beginnings -1933)
See how what was first called "hillbilly music" reaches new audiences through phonographs and radio. . .
Country Music
Part 2: Hard Times (1933 -1945)
Watch as Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. . .
Country Music
Part 3: The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945 -1953)
See how the bluegrass sound spreads in post-war America. . .
Country Music
Part 4: I Can't Stop Loving You (1953 -1963)
Travel to Memphis, where Sun Studios artists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley usher in the era of rockabilly. . .
Country Music
Part 5: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964 -1968)
See how country music reflects a changing America. . .
Country Music
Part 6: Will The Circle Be Unbroken? (1968 -1972)
Learn how country music responds to a nation divided by the Vietnam War. . .
Country Music
Part 7: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973 -1983)
Witness a vibrant era in country music. . .
Country Music
Part 8: Don't Get Above Your Raisin (1984 -1996)
Learn how "New Traditionalists" like George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds help country music stay true to its roots. . .
PBS PREVIEW
Country Music
Meet the filmmakers, go behind the scenes, and enjoy exclusive clips from the "Country Music" films.
wkno-fm
Interview With Ken Burns
In this interview, recorded in March at Sam Phillips Recording Service, Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan discuss the origin of the series. . .
"Country Music" is Sponsored by:
"Country Music" is Locally Sponsored by: