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Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns - Season 1

Series: Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns

4.8

(428)

Episodes

Rating

TV14

Year

2019

Language

English

Publisher

PBS

About

Ken Burns's eight-part, 16-hour documentary series, COUNTRY MUSIC, chronicles the history of a uniquely American art form, focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created it.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. 01-The Rub (Beginnings -1933)

After centuries of percolating in America's immigrant and racial mix, particularly in the American South, what was first called "hillbilly music" begins reaching more people through the new technologies of phonographs and radio.

2. 02-Hard Times (1933 -1945)

During the Great Depression and World War II, country music thrives and reaches bigger audiences. Gene Autry sets off a craze for singing cowboys, Bob Wills adapts jazz's Big Band sound to create Texas Swing, and Roy Acuff becomes a star.

3. 03-The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945 -1953)

Country music adapts to the cultural changes of post-war society. Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs transform string band music into Bluegrass. Out of the bars comes a new sound and songs about drinking, cheating, and heartbreak: Honky Tonk.

4. 04-I Can’t Stop Loving You (1953 -1963)

In Memphis, the confluence of blues and hillbilly music at Sun Studios gives birth to "rockabilly," the precursor of rock and roll. Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash are at the forefront. Nashville has become Music City USA.

5. 05-The Sons and Daughters of America (1964

During a time of upheaval, country music reflects the changes in American society. Loretta Lynn performs songs that speak on behalf of women. Charley Pride becomes a country star. Merle Haggard becomes the "Poet of the Common Man."

6. 06-Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1968-1972)

With the Vietnam War intensifying, America is more divided than ever. Country music is not immune to the divisions. Kris Kristofferson abandons his military career, becomes a writer whose lyricism sets a new standard for country songs.

7. 07-Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (197

Defining country music is debated as never before, and the argument sparks a vibrant era. Dolly Parton crosses over to mainstream success. Willie Nelson finds creative freedom in Texas. Emmylou Harris influences a new generation of artists.

8. 08-Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’ (1984 -1996

As country music's popularity skyrockets, the genre confronts the question of whether it can also stay true to its roots. The success of the "New Traditionalists"-Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, the Judds, and Dwight Yoakam-suggests it can.

Extended Details

SeriesCountry Music: A Film by Ken Burns

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Ken BurnsDirector

Julie DunfeyWriter

Peter CoyoteActor