Country Music

Episode 2 Preview | “Hard Times”
S1 Ep2 | 30s

Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.

Episode 3 Preview | “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”
S1 Ep3 | 30s

Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.

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.

“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.

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

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.

The Artistry of Merle Haggard
S1 Ep5 | 3m 45s

The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.

“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.

"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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The Tradition Continues | PBS Previews: Country Music
2m 40s

Behind the Scenes | Country is affecting and being affected by other styles of music.

A Family Business
4m 53s

Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.

Why Country Music
4m 29s

The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.

Trailer | Country Music: Live at the Ryman Concert
30s

Join a lineup of celebrated artists for a concert celebrating the film by Ken Burns.

A Look Ahead
30s

What's next for director Ken Burns? Country Music is coming this fall. #CountryMusicPBS.

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.

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.

Rosanne Cash Reflects on ‘I Walk the Line’
30s

Rosanne Cash tells the story of one of her father’s biggest hit songs.

Extended Trailer
2m

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.

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.

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.

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 #2
30s

Watch Trailer #2 of Country Music, a new Ken Burns film. Tune in or stream Sept. 15 8/7c.

Country Places
5m 1s

Explore the origins of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sound and more.

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."

Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
18m 37s

Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.

Country Music: Behind the Scenes
13m 2s

Take a behind the scenes look at the making of Country Music.

The Song Into Outer Space
33m 23s

Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.

The Song Into Outer Space
33m 23s

Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.