See how what was first called "hillbilly music" reaches new audiences through phonographs and radio, and launches the careers of country music's first big stars, the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
Watch as Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. The genre grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II as America falls in love with singing cowboys, Texas Swing and the Grand Ole Opry's Roy Acuff.
See how the bluegrass sound spreads in post-war America, and meet honky-tonk star Hank Williams, whose songs of surprisingly emotional depth are derived from his troubled and tragically short life.
Travel to Memphis, where Sun Studios artists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley usher in the era of rockabilly. Ray Charles crosses America's racial divide by recording a country album. Patsy Cline shows off Music City's smooth new Nashville Sound.
See how country music reflects a changing America, with Loretta Lynn speaking to women everywhere, Merle Haggard becoming "The Poet of the Common Man" and audiences looking beyond race to embrace Charley Pride.
Learn how country music responds to a nation divided by the Vietnam War, as Army captain turned songwriter Kris Kristofferson sets a new lyrical standard, and artists like Bob Dylan and the Byrds find a recording home in Nashville.
Country music enters a vibrant era of new voices and attitudes. Dolly Parton crosses over to mainstream success and becomes the most famous woman in country music. In 1980, she achieved an entirely new level of national stardom when she joined Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the hit Hollywood movie, Nine to Five. George Jones and Tammy Wynette seemingly live out their songs' tragic lyrics. Hank Williams, Jr. emerges from his father’s shadow. He performs his father’s song beginning at age 8, debuts on the Opry at 11 singing "Lovesick Blues," and records an album of Hank Sr.’s hits at 14; as soon as he turned 18 he dropped his mother as a manager. [Note: In some regions, this episode is titled "Music Will Get Through (1973–1983)".]
Though no longer on country radio, Bluegrass still has a core of avid fans. Marty Stuart tours with Lester Flatt and sometimes with the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe. Back in his home state of Texas, Willie Nelson discovers a music scene in Austin, where a mixture of hippies and rednecks seem to get along and welcome offbeat artists like Nelson whose music becomes a hit. Ricky Skaggs has deep Bluegrass credentials, but his time with Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band inspires him to experiment with a sound combining the acoustic instruments of a string band with something more electric. Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings launch the “Outlaw” movement, and Emmylou Harris bridges folk and rock with country music in a way that influences a new generation of artists.
Neotraditional country artists such as George Strait, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire and the Judds keep country music true to its roots. Plus, the rise of superstar Garth Brooks and the return of Johnny Cash to the industry he helped create.
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A special preview of the series. Meet the filmmakers, go behind the scenes, and enjoy exclusive clips from the films.
Join celebrated musicians for a concert celebrating the series. Hosted by Burns and featuring performances and appearances by Dierks Bentley, Rosanne Cash, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart, Dwight Yoakam and more.
