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.
Country Music screening post show discussion.
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled â€A Team.â€
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song.
Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith.
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Take a behind the scenes look at the making of Country Music.
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Featured artists marvel at the artistry and genius of Johnny Cash.
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
So-called “hillbilly music†reaches new listeners and launches its first stars' careers.
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
So-called “hillbilly music†reaches new listeners and launches its first stars' careers.
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan sit down with NHPBS and reminisce about how they met.
Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan sit down with NHPBS and discuss the art of great storytelling.
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
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.
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.