Explore the remarkable stories of the people and places behind a true American art form. Tune in to WNED PBS or stream beginning Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 8pm.
Country Music
Trailer
The history of an American art form. Country Music, a new Ken Burns film. Country Music premieres Sunday, September 15 at 8pm.
About the Film
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.
(Beginnings - 1933)
Country Music
Extended Trailer
Get a sneak peek at the remarkable people and places behind a true American art form. Don't miss Episode 1 Sunday, September 15 at 8pm.
(1933-1945)
Country Music
Episode 2 Preview | “Hard Times”
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing. Don't miss Episode 2 Monday, September 16 at 8pm.
(1945 -1953)
Country Music
Episode 3 Preview | “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare. Don't miss episode 3 Tuesday, September 17 at 8pm.
(1964 -1968)
Country Music
Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America. Don't miss Episode 5 Sunday, September 22 at 8pm.
(1968 - 1972)
Country Music
Episode 6 Preview | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages. Don't miss Episode 6 Monday, September 23 at 8pm.
(1973 - 1983)
Country Music
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. Don't miss Episode 7 Tuesday, September 24 at 8pm