Season 1
Country Music
An expansive -- if not always deep -- history of the genre as seen through Ken Burns' expert eye, Country Music works as both a crash course for new listeners and a refresher for old-timers.
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Critic Ratings: 3297%
Audience Score
User Ratings: 35Where to watch
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Episodes
"Hillbilly music" reaches new listeners through phonographs and radio, launching the careers of country music's first big stars -- the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
Nashville, Tenn., becomes the center of the country music industry as it grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II.
The country stars of post-war America, including Hank Williams, whose songs are inspired by his troubled and tragically short life.
A visit to Memphis, Tenn., during the age of rockabilly with Sun Studios artists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley; Ray Charles crosses over racial borders by recording a country album; Patsy Cline rises to stardom with a smooth new sound.
Country music artists like Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Charley Pride reflect a changing America as they appeal to wide audiences.
Country music draws artists to Nashville, Tenn., as the war in Vietnam wages on; Kris Kristofferson sets a lyrical standard; Bob Dylan and The Byrds, among others, come to Nashville, Tenn., to record.
Mainstream crossovers and a new "Outlaw" sound are prevalent in country music during the years 1973-1983.
As the genre takes off, country music artists such as George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds work to keep country music true to its roots; the rise of Garth Brooks and the return of Johnny Cash.
Country Music: Season 1 Photos
Tv Season Info
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Genre:Documentary
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Network:PBS
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Premiere Date:Sep 15, 2019
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News & Interviews for Country Music: Season 1
Episodes
"Hillbilly music" reaches new listeners through phonographs and radio, launching the careers of country music's first big stars -- the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
Nashville, Tenn., becomes the center of the country music industry as it grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II.
The country stars of post-war America, including Hank Williams, whose songs are inspired by his troubled and tragically short life.
A visit to Memphis, Tenn., during the age of rockabilly with Sun Studios artists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley; Ray Charles crosses over racial borders by recording a country album; Patsy Cline rises to stardom with a smooth new sound.
Country music artists like Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Charley Pride reflect a changing America as they appeal to wide audiences.
Country music draws artists to Nashville, Tenn., as the war in Vietnam wages on; Kris Kristofferson sets a lyrical standard; Bob Dylan and The Byrds, among others, come to Nashville, Tenn., to record.
Mainstream crossovers and a new "Outlaw" sound are prevalent in country music during the years 1973-1983.
As the genre takes off, country music artists such as George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds work to keep country music true to its roots; the rise of Garth Brooks and the return of Johnny Cash.
Critic Reviews for Country Music: Season 1
Audience Reviews for Country Music: Season 1
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Oct 06, 2020I loved this. I wouldn't consider myself a modern country music fan, but as this documentary teaches you, traditional music is where most American music began and every modern genre: rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz, blues, bluegrass, Americana, and country all have the same initial roots - immigrants and slaves. From those roots grow the branches to the music we know today. Ken Burns is a master and Country Music is one of his best ever. It's brimming with interviews with living music industry professionals and archival footage that absolutely makes a story over 100 years old come to life. He emphasises the cyclical nature of the music - what's old always becomes new again. And it goes deeper than the music to the story of our country - even in the middle of 2020 election/pandemic anxiety insanity I found myself tapping my toe, singing along, or with a 100 year old classic stuck in your head. The early episodes were my favourites, but there were so many fascinating stories up through the 1970s I really felt it could have been longer. 1980-1990's+ there's not as much in-depth coverage beyond a core group and don't expect anything on anyone post Garth Brooks (which is fine by me).
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Jan 19, 2020I am not a die-hard Ken Burns fan. Too often he allows his own polemic get in the way of historical fact. This time, though, he got it absolutely right. The only flaw in this series is that it was too short, not expansive enough, large and wide as it was. It is more than the history of a music category by far; it's a history of twentieth century American culture. This is a must-see. It's funny, sad, striking, often moving emotionally, often provocative, and always entertaining. This one is a winner!
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Oct 15, 2019Detailed and interesting!
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Oct 05, 2019An absolute Ken Burns masterpiece! This film presented an historical presentation of the country music genre with magnificent beautiful cinematography and personal sentiment. We truly enjoyed every episode.
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Sep 29, 2019An Amazing documentary!
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Sep 26, 2019A spectacular look back at the history of country music and the influence of it in American history. Superb job by Ken Burns, as usual.
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Sep 26, 2019Way too much Johnny Cash. Ruined a great potential program.
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Sep 26, 2019As a live long native of Nashville, it's no surprise that Ken Burns documentary is spot on. He captures the pure essence of our "big"little town perfectly.
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Sep 25, 2019An expansive history of the genre as seen through Ken Burns' expert eye, Country Music works as both a crash course for new listeners and a refresher for old-timers. Absolutely a tremendous tremendous from Ken Burns.Fantastic educational documentary film by Ken Burns
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Sep 25, 2019Wonderful. Brought back so many memories of the songs my dad listened to and the cultural underpinnings of the music.
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