Country Music
Explore the history of a uniquely American art form
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.
Support for the local broadcast and Country Music Day Event in Keene provided by C&S Wholesale Grocers, inc.
Funding for Country Music was provided by Bank of America, the Annenberg Foundation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Belmont University, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Rosalind P. Walter and by members of ‘The Better Angels Society,’ including: The Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Schwartz/Reisman Foundation, the Pfeil Foundation, Diane and Hal Brierley, John and Catherine Debs, the Fullerton Family Charitable Fund, the Perry and Donna Golkin Family Foundation, Jay Alix and Una Jackman, Mercedes T. Bass, Fred and Donna Seigel, Gilchrist and Amy Berg, James R. Berdell Foundation, David Bonderman, Deborah P. and Jonathan T. Dawson, Senator Bill and Tracy Frist, Susan and David Kreisman, Rocco and Debby Landesman, Lillian Lovelace, John and Leslie McQuown, Mindy's Hope Foundation, the Segal Family Foundation, Michelle Smith. Major funding was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.
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Post Screening Discussion - Celebrating Country Music
Country Music screening post show discussion.
TV Schedule
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the rub (beginnings -1933)
Country Music
Monday, 6/12 at 1:30 P.M. on EXPLORE -
hard times (1933 -1945)
Country Music
Monday, 6/19 at 1:30 P.M. on EXPLORE -
the hillbilly shakespeare (1945 -1953)
Country Music
Monday, 6/26 at 1:30 P.M. on EXPLORE -
i can't stop loving you (1953 -1963)
Country Music
Monday, 7/3 at 1:30 P.M. on EXPLORE
Music Row's A Team
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled â€A Team.â€
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
Marty Stuart's Mandolin
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
"Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," Written by Mel Tillis
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.
The Artistry of Merle Haggard
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
"Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine"
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song.
Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith.
The Song Into Outer Space
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.
Johnny Cash: His Legacy
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.
Spanish Version | "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'"
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Country Music: Behind the Scenes
Take a behind the scenes look at the making of Country Music.
The Bryants and "Rocky Top"
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
John McEuen: Earl Scruggs' Banjo Style
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Betty Johnson: The Johnson Family Singers 1930s
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken:" Country Music's Anthem
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Johnny Cash: Poet Performer
Featured artists marvel at the artistry and genius of Johnny Cash.
Elvis: The Hillbilly Cat
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
"The Rub" (Beginnings - 1933)
So-called “hillbilly music†reaches new listeners and launches its first stars' careers.
"Hard Times" (1933 - 1945)
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
"I Can't Stop Loving You" (1953 - 1963)
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
"The Hillbilly Shakespeare" (1945 - 1953)
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" (1968 - 1972)
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
"The Sons and Daughters of America" (1964 - 1968)
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
"Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" (1973 - 1983)
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
"Don't Get Above Your Raisin'" (1984 - 1996)
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Spanish Version | "The Rub"
So-called “hillbilly music†reaches new listeners and launches its first stars' careers.
Spanish Version | "Hard Times"
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Spanish Version | "The Hillbilly Shakespeare"
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Spanish Version | "I Can't Stop Loving You"
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Spanish Version | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Spanish Version | "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?"
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Spanish Version | "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?"
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Working Together - Celebrating Country Music
Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan sit down with NHPBS and reminisce about how they met.
Good Storytelling - Celebrating Country Music
Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan sit down with NHPBS and discuss the art of great storytelling.
Episode 3 Preview | "The Hillbilly Shakespeare"
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Episode 7 Preview | "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?"
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Episode 4 Preview | "I Can't Stop Loving You"
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Episode 2 Preview | "Hard Times"
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Episode 8 Preview | "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'"
Learn how "New Traditionalists" like George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds help country music stay true to its roots. Witness both the rise of superstar Garth Brooks and the return of an aging Johnny Cash to the industry he helped create.
Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.