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 48s
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
S1 Ep3 | 1h 53m 14s
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
S1 Ep4 | 1h 50m 52s
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 8s
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
S1 Ep6 | 1h 52m 54s
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 21m 1s
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 55m 40s
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Spanish Version | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
S1 Ep14 | 1h 52m 55s
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
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
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
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
Air Date: 09/15/19
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
Betty Johnson: The Johnson Family Singers 1930s
S1 Ep2 | 3m 43s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
Episode 3 Preview | “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”
S1 Ep3 | 30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
S1 Ep3 | 3m 13s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
S1 Ep3 | 8m 34s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
S1 Ep3 | 3m 17s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
John McEuen: Earl Scruggs’ Banjo Style
S1 Ep3 | 5m 35s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
S1 Ep3 | 7m 24s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
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
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Elvis: The Hillbilly Cat
S1 Ep4 | 8m 1s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
S1 Ep4 | 8m 45s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
S1 Ep4 | 3m 34s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
Johnny Cash: Poet Performer
S1 Ep4 | 12m 5s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Featured artists marvel at the artistry and genius of Johnny Cash.
The Bryants and “Rocky Top”
S1 Ep4 | 1m 43s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-14
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
Episode 5 Preview | “The Sons and Daughters of America”
S1 Ep5 | 30s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Music Row’s A Team
S1 Ep5 | 10m 7s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled ”A Team.”
The Artistry of Merle Haggard
S1 Ep5 | 3m 45s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
Episode 6 Preview | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
S1 Ep6 | 30s
Air Date: 09/23/19 | Rating: TV-14
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
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
S1 Ep6 | 2m 59s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
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
Air Date: 09/24/19 | Rating: TV-14
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
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
S1 Ep7 | 11m 57s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-14
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
Air Date: 09/25/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Marty Stuart’s Mandolin
S1 Ep8 | 1m 56s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
Johnny Cash: His Legacy
S1 Ep8 | 5m 19s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.
Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
S1 Ep8 | 1m 43s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.
A Look Ahead
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19
What's next for director Ken Burns? Country Music is coming this fall. #CountryMusicPBS.
Marty Stuart on Country’s ‘Mother Church’
1m
Air Date: 09/15/19
Musician Marty Stuart explains how the “Grand Ole Opry” became the heart of Nashville.
Rosanne Cash Reflects on ‘I Walk the Line’
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Rosanne Cash tells the story of one of her father’s biggest hit songs.
Extended Trailer
2m
Air Date: 09/15/19
Get a sneak peek at the remarkable people and places behind a true American art form.
Brenda Lee Reminisces About Patsy Cline
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
Country legend Patsy Cline takes young singing sensation Brenda Lee under her wing.
Charlie Daniels Meets Itzhak Perlman
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
Charlie Daniels discovers that country and classical are closer cousins than he imagined.
Dolly Parton Explains Country Music’s Appeal
20s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
Dolly Parton explains the wide appeal of her favorite kind of music.
Jeannie Seely Reflects on Women’s Representation
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
Jeannie Seely on how the way women were represented in Country songs was changing.
Loretta Lynn Describes Her Songwriting Philosophy
30s
Air Date: 02/01/19 | Rating: NR
Coal miner’s daughter Loretta Lynn describes her songwriting philosophy.
Rhiannon Giddens Inspired by Powerful Women
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
Rhiannon Giddens explores the compelling stories and powerful women of '90s country music.
Wynton Marsalis Discusses Black Country Musicians
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
Black musicians were welcomed into country music before they were accepted by whites.
Marty Stuart on the Mystery of Songwriting
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: NR
The divine inspiration behind the songs of the “Hillbilly Shakespeare:” Hank Williams.
Trailer
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-PG
The history of an American art form. Country Music, a new Ken Burns film. Sept. 15 on PBS.
Trailer | PBS Previews: Country Music
30s
Air Date: 06/14/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Meet the filmmakers and go behind the scenes of Country Music, coming to PBS this fall.
Trailer #2
30s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-PG
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
Air Date: 07/13/19
Behind the Scenes | Country is affecting and being affected by other styles of music.
Country Places
5m 1s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Explore the origins of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sound and more.
A Family Business
4m 53s
Air Date: 07/13/19
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
Air Date: 07/13/19
Get a glimpse of the filmmaking process, from research to writing to editing and more.
Why Country Music
4m 29s
Air Date: 07/16/19 | Rating: TV-PG
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.
The First Major Mexican-American Country Music Star
2m 43s
Air Date: 09/15/19
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
Air Date: 09/15/19
Wynonna and Naomi Judd ease mother-daughter tensions by making music together.
Dwight Yoakam Brings Swagger Back to Country Music
2m 32s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Dwight Yoakam brings swagger back to country music and claims the term "hillbilly."
Garth Brooks Takes the World by Storm
2m 42s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Garth Brooks Takes the World by Storm: "Friends in Low Places."
Trailer | Country Music: Live at the Ryman Concert
30s
Air Date: 09/08/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Join a lineup of celebrated artists for a concert celebrating the film by Ken Burns.
Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
18m 37s
Air Date: 09/15/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
The Song Into Outer Space
33m 23s
Air Date: 09/22/19 | Rating: TV-PG
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Country Music: Behind the Scenes
13m 2s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Take a behind the scenes look at the making of Country Music.
Jack White on “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
41s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Jack White discusses "Coal Miner's Daughter."
Rosanne Cash & Marty Stuart on “Long Black Veil”
2m 15s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart discuss "Long Black Veil."
Holly Williams and Dolly Parton on “Coat of Many Colors”
2m 21s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Holly Williams, Naomi Judd, and Dolly Parton on "Coat of Many Colors."
Dierks Bentley on “Don’t Close Your Eyes”
26s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Dierks Bentley discusses "Don't Close Your Eyes"
Darius Rucker & Harold Bradley on “Crazy”
45s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Darius Rucker and Harold Bradley on "Crazy."
Larry Gatlin, Rosanne Cash, Paul Simon on “I Walk The Line”
3m 32s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Larry Gatlin, Rosanne Cash, and Paul Simon discuss "I Walk The Line"
Dwight Yoakam & Marty Stuart on “Mama’s Hungry’s Eyes”
2m 15s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Dwight Yoakam and Marty Stuart discuss “Mama’s Hungry's Eyes"
Kathy Mattea on “The Chair”
1m 35s
Air Date: 09/15/19
“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
Air Date: 09/15/19
Various artists discuss “Today I Started Loving You Again."
Alice Randall, Holly Williams, Dolly Parton on “Jolene”
1m 21s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Alice Randall, Holly Williams, and Dolly Parton discuss “Jolene.”
Marty Stuart & Rosanne Cash on “Folsom Prison Blues”
2m
Air Date: 09/15/19
Marty Stuart & Rosanne Cash on “Folsom Prison Blues”
Merle Haggard on “I Will Always Love You”
52s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Merle Haggard discusses "I Will Always Love You"
Jan Howard & Jeannie Seely on “I Fall to Pieces”
3m 22s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Jan Howard & Jeannie Seely discuss “I Fall to Pieces.”
Garth Brooks & Tony Arata on “The Dance”
2m 49s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Garth Brooks & Tony Arata discuss “The Dance”
Producer Fred Foster on “Runnin’ Scared”
2m 42s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Producer Fred Foster discusses “Runnin’ Scared.”
Garth Brooks on “Don’t Rock The Jukebox”
1m 6s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Garth Brooks discusses “Don’t Rock The Jukebox”
Tony Brown & Rodney Crowell on “Til I Gain Control Again”
1m 42s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Tony Brown & Rodney Crowell discuss “Til I Gain Control Again”
Rodney Crowell on “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
1m 37s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Rodney Crowell discusses “I Ain’t Living Long Like This”
Kathy Mattea on “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
28s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Kathy Mattea on “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Mel Tillis & John McEuen on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
50s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Mel Tillis & John McEuen discuss “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”
Trisha Yearwood on “She’s in Love with the Boy”
2m 29s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Trisha Yearwood discusses “She’s in Love with the Boy.”
Rhiannon Giddens on “Blue Yodel Number 9”
31s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Rhiannon Giddens discusses "Blue Yodel Number 9."
Merle Haggard & Marty Stuart on Same Train, A Different Time
2m 24s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Merle Haggard & Marty Stuart discuss Same Train, A Different Time.
Alice Randall on Charley Pride’s Impact
42s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Alice Randall discusses Charley Pride's impact.
Tony Brown and Merle Haggard on “Sing Me Back Home”
2m 11s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Tony Brown and Merle Haggard discuss “Sing Me Back Home.”
Guy Clark and Songwriting
3m 7s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, and Emmylou Harris on Guy Clark and songwriting.
“Desperados Waiting For A Train”
2m 14s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Rodney Crowell and Guy Clark discuss "Desperados Waiting For A Train.”
Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris on “If I Needed You”
1m 47s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Guy Clark and Emmylou Harris discuss "If I Needed You."
Barbara Mandrell on “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”
2m 55s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Barbara Mandrell discusses "I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool."
Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall on “Elvira”
2m 38s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall discuss "Elvira."
Tom Hall on “Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine”
2m 31s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Tom Hall discusses "Old Dogs, Children, and Watermelon Wine."
Allen Reynolds and Jessi Colter on “Dreaming My Dreams”
2m 47s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Allen Reynolds and Jessi Colter discuss “Dreaming My Dreams.”
Rosanne Cash on “Tennessee Flat Top Box”
2m 2s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Rosanne Cash discusses "Tennessee Flat Top Box."
Kenny Rogers on “The Gambler”
2m 7s
Air Date: 09/15/19
Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from "Country Music."
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