"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
Episode 6 | 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.
Explore the history of country music – from its roots in ballads, hymns and the blues to its mainstream popularity – and meet the unforgettable characters and storytellers who made it “America’s Music.” Directed by Ken Burns. Episodes now streaming. #CountryMusicPBS
Country Music Episodes

“The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
S1 Ep5 | 1h 54m 9s
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.

“Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” (1984 – 1996)
S1 Ep8 | 1h 54m 3s
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.

“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” (1973 – 1983)
S1 Ep7 | 2h 19m 24s
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.

“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
S1 Ep4 | 1h 50m 53s
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.

“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
S1 Ep3 | 1h 53m 15s
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.

S1 Ep2 | 1h 52m 49s
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Country Music Extras

Episode 8 Preview | "Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’”
S1 Ep8 | 30s
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.

Episode 7 Preview | "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”
S1 Ep7 | 30s
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.

Episode 6 Preview | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
S1 Ep6 | 30s
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.

Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
S1 Ep8 | 1m 43s
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.

S1 Ep8 | 5m 19s
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.

S1 Ep8 | 1m 56s
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.

Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
S1 Ep7 | 11m 57s
Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith.

"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
S1 Ep7 | 15m 14s
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.

“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
S1 Ep6 | 2m 59s
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song.

“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Written by Mel Tillis
S1 Ep6 | 4m 18s
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.

S1 Ep5 | 3m 45s
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.

Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
S1 Ep5 | 30s
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.

Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
S1 Ep4 | 3m 34s
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.

Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
S1 Ep4 | 8m 45s
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."

S1 Ep4 | 8m 1s
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.

Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
S1 Ep3 | 7m 24s
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose

John McEuen: Earl Scruggs’ Banjo Style
S1 Ep3 | 5m 35s
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.

The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
S1 Ep3 | 3m 17s
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.