Country Music
Hear the remarkable stories of the people and places behind a true American art form.
“The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)
S1 Ep1 | 1h 51m 29s
So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.
“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
S1 Ep2 | 1h 52m 49s
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
S1 Ep3 | 1h 53m 15s
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
“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 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.
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
S1 Ep6 | 1h 51m 17s
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
“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.
“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.
PBS Previews: Country Music
25m 41s
Meet the filmmakers and go behind the scenes of Country Music, coming to PBS this fall.
Country Music: Live at the Ryman Concert
1h 54m 41s
Join a lineup of celebrated artists for a concert celebrating the film by Ken Burns.
Episode 2 Preview | “Hard Times”
S1 Ep2 | 30s
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken:” Country Music’s Anthem
S1 Ep2 | 3m 26s
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
Betty Johnson: The Johnson Family Singers 1930s
S1 Ep2 | 3m 43s
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
Episode 3 Preview | “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”
S1 Ep3 | 30s
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
S1 Ep3 | 3m 13s
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
S1 Ep3 | 8m 34s
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
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.
John McEuen: Earl Scruggs’ Banjo Style
S1 Ep3 | 5m 35s
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
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
Episode 4 Preview | “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
S1 Ep4 | 30s
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Elvis: The Hillbilly Cat
S1 Ep4 | 8m 1s
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
S1 Ep4 | 8m 45s
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
S1 Ep4 | 3m 34s
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
Johnny Cash: Poet Performer
S1 Ep4 | 12m 5s
Featured artists marvel at the artistry and genius of Johnny Cash.
The Bryants and “Rocky Top”
S1 Ep4 | 1m 43s
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
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.
Music Row’s A Team
S1 Ep5 | 10m 7s
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled ”A Team.”
The Artistry of Merle Haggard
S1 Ep5 | 3m 45s
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
Marty Stuart’s Mandolin
S1 Ep8 | 1m 56s
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
Johnny Cash: His Legacy
S1 Ep8 | 5m 19s
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.
Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
S1 Ep8 | 1m 43s
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.
A Look Ahead
30s
What's next for director Ken Burns? Country Music is coming this fall. #CountryMusicPBS.
Marty Stuart on Country’s ‘Mother Church’
1m
Musician Marty Stuart explains how the “Grand Ole Opry” became the heart of Nashville.
Rosanne Cash Reflects on ‘I Walk the Line’
30s
Rosanne Cash tells the story of one of her father’s biggest hit songs.
Get a sneak peek at the remarkable people and places behind a true American art form.
Brenda Lee Reminisces About Patsy Cline
30s
Country legend Patsy Cline takes young singing sensation Brenda Lee under her wing.
Charlie Daniels Meets Itzhak Perlman
30s
Charlie Daniels discovers that country and classical are closer cousins than he imagined.
Dolly Parton Explains Country Music’s Appeal
20s
Dolly Parton explains the wide appeal of her favorite kind of music.
Jeannie Seely Reflects on Women’s Representation
30s
Jeannie Seely on how the way women were represented in Country songs was changing.
Loretta Lynn Describes Her Songwriting Philosophy
30s
Coal miner’s daughter Loretta Lynn describes her songwriting philosophy.
Rhiannon Giddens Inspired by Powerful Women
30s
Rhiannon Giddens explores the compelling stories and powerful women of '90s country music.
Wynton Marsalis Discusses Black Country Musicians
30s
Black musicians were welcomed into country music before they were accepted by whites.
Marty Stuart on the Mystery of Songwriting
30s
The divine inspiration behind the songs of the “Hillbilly Shakespeare:” Hank Williams.
Trailer
30s
The history of an American art form. Country Music, a new Ken Burns film. Sept. 15 on PBS.
Trailer | PBS Previews: Country Music
30s
Meet the filmmakers and go behind the scenes of Country Music, coming to PBS this fall.
Trailer #2
30s
Watch Trailer #2 of Country Music, a new Ken Burns film. Tune in or stream Sept. 15 8/7c.
The Tradition Continues | PBS Previews: Country Music
2m 40s
Behind the Scenes | Country is affecting and being affected by other styles of music.
Country Places
5m 1s
Explore the origins of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sound and more.
A Family Business
4m 53s
Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.
Making the Film | PBS Previews: Country Music
7m 3s
Get a glimpse of the filmmaking process, from research to writing to editing and more.
Why Country Music
4m 29s
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.
The First Major Mexican-American Country Music Star
2m 43s
Johnny Rodriguez would become the first Mexican-American to be a major country music star.
The Judds Ease Mother-Daughter Tensions With Music
3m 22s
Wynonna and Naomi Judd ease mother-daughter tensions by making music together.
Dwight Yoakam Brings Swagger Back to Country Music
2m 32s
Dwight Yoakam brings swagger back to country music and claims the term "hillbilly."
Garth Brooks Takes the World by Storm
2m 42s
Garth Brooks Takes the World by Storm: "Friends in Low Places."
Trailer | Country Music: Live at the Ryman Concert
30s
Join a lineup of celebrated artists for a concert celebrating the film by Ken Burns.
Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
18m 37s
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
The Song Into Outer Space
33m 23s
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Rosanne Cash & Marty Stuart on “Long Black Veil”
2m 15s
Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart discuss "Long Black Veil."
Holly Williams and Dolly Parton on “Coat of Many Colors”
2m 21s
Holly Williams, Naomi Judd, and Dolly Parton on "Coat of Many Colors."
Larry Gatlin, Rosanne Cash, Paul Simon on “I Walk The Line”
3m 32s
Larry Gatlin, Rosanne Cash, and Paul Simon discuss "I Walk The Line"
Dwight Yoakam & Marty Stuart on “Mama’s Hungry’s Eyes”
2m 15s
Dwight Yoakam and Marty Stuart discuss “Mama’s Hungry's Eyes"
Kathy Mattea on “The Chair”
1m 35s
“To me it’s the perfect country song… It’s brilliant!” — Kathy Mattea
Loretta Lynn & Merle Haggard on “Today I Started Loving You”
1m 52s
Various artists discuss “Today I Started Loving You Again."
Alice Randall, Holly Williams, Dolly Parton on “Jolene”
1m 21s
Alice Randall, Holly Williams, and Dolly Parton discuss “Jolene.”
Marty Stuart & Rosanne Cash on “Folsom Prison Blues”
2m
Marty Stuart & Rosanne Cash on “Folsom Prison Blues”
Jan Howard & Jeannie Seely on “I Fall to Pieces”
3m 22s
Jan Howard & Jeannie Seely discuss “I Fall to Pieces.”
Tony Brown & Rodney Crowell on “Til I Gain Control Again”
1m 42s
Tony Brown & Rodney Crowell discuss “Til I Gain Control Again”
Rodney Crowell on “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
1m 37s
Rodney Crowell discusses “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
Mel Tillis & John McEuen on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
50s
Mel Tillis & John McEuen discuss “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”
Trisha Yearwood on “She’s in Love with the Boy”
2m 29s
Trisha Yearwood discusses “She’s in Love with the Boy.”
Merle Haggard & Marty Stuart on Same Train, A Different Time
2m 24s
Merle Haggard & Marty Stuart discuss Same Train, A Different Time.
Tony Brown and Merle Haggard on “Sing Me Back Home”
2m 11s
Tony Brown and Merle Haggard discuss “Sing Me Back Home.”
Guy Clark and Songwriting
3m 7s
Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, and Emmylou Harris on Guy Clark and songwriting.
“Desperados Waiting For A Train”
2m 14s
Rodney Crowell and Guy Clark discuss "Desperados Waiting For A Train.”
Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris on “If I Needed You”
1m 47s
Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris discuss "If I Needed You."
Barbara Mandrell on “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”
2m 55s
Barbara Mandrell discusses "I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool."
Tom Hall on “Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine”
2m 31s
Tom Hall discusses "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine."
Allen Reynolds and Jessi Colter on “Dreaming My Dreams”
2m 47s
Allen Reynolds and Jessi Colter discuss “Dreaming My Dreams.”
Kenny Rogers on “The Gambler”
2m 7s
Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from "Country Music."
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