Country Music

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.

Kenny Rogers on "The Gambler"
2m 7s

Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from "Country Music."