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Country Music: A Film by Ken Burns
Season 1
201911 episodes
Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
Episodes
- S1 E1 - The Rub (Beginnings –1933)September 14, 20191 h 52 minAfter 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E2 - Hard Times (1933 –1945)September 15, 20191 h 53 minDuring 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E3 - The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945 –1953)September 16, 20191 h 53 minCountry 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E4 - I Can’t Stop Loving You (1953 –1963)September 17, 20191 h 51 minIn 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E5 - The Sons and Daughters Of America (1964 –1968)September 21, 20191 h 54 minDuring 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.”Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E6 - Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1968-1972)September 22, 20191 h 52 minWith 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E7 - Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)September 23, 20192 h 20 minDefining 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E8 - Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’ (1984 –1996)September 24, 20191 h 54 minAs 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.Free trial of PBS Documentaries or buy
- S1 E105 - Bonus: “Will the Circle Be Unbroken:” Country Music’s National AnthemWatch on supported devicesSeptember 15, 20193minMore discussion of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”First episode free
- S1 E107 - Bonus: Elvis: The Hillbilly CatWatch on supported devicesSeptember 15, 20198minMore on Elvis and rockabilly.First episode free
Extras
Bonus
![Bonus: Dolly Parton: “Pretty Fair Maid”](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/pv-target-images/bb6d745329d69f1d100bb382ad7f6a46338ce49e1ff6ee34feb172ab22d14c59._SX720_FMjpg_.jpg)
Dolly Parton sings “Pretty Fair Maid."
Dolly Parton sings “Pretty Fair Maid."
Dolly Parton sings “Pretty Fair Maid."
Details
More info
- Content advisory
- Violence alcohol use smoking foul language sexual content
- Audio languages
- English Dialogue Boost: Medium English English Dialogue Boost: High
- Subtitles
- English [CC]
- Directors
- Ken Burns
- Producers
- Ken BurnsDayton DuncanJulie Dunfey
- Starring
- Peter Coyote
- Studio
- PBS
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