Country Music
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
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Making the Film | PBS Previews: Country Music
Get a glimpse of the filmmaking process, from research to writing to editing and more.
Get a glimpse of the filmmaking process, from research to writing to editing and more.
The Tradition Continues | PBS Previews: Country Music
Behind the Scenes | Country is affecting and being affected by other styles of music.
Behind the Scenes | Country is affecting and being affected by other styles of music.
The First Major Mexican-American Country Music Star
Johnny Rodriguez would become the first Mexican-American to be a major country music star.
Johnny Rodriguez would become the first Mexican-American to be a major country music star.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Written by Mel Tillis
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.
Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith.
Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith.
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song.
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song.
The Artistry of Merle Haggard
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
Johnny Cash: His Legacy
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making.
Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had listening to Jimmie Rodgers.
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Betty Johnson: The Johnson Family Singers 1930s
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken:” Country Music’s Anthem
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
Country Places
Explore the origins of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sound and more.
Explore the origins of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sound and more.
Why Country Music
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.
A Family Business
Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.
Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.
Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
Kenny Rogers on "The Gambler"
Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from "Country Music."
Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from "Country Music."
Music Row's A Team
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled ”A Team.”
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled ”A Team.”
Johnny Cash: Poet Performer
Featured artists marvel at the artistry and genius of Johnny Cash.
Featured artists marvel at the artistry and genius of Johnny Cash.
Elvis: The Hillbilly Cat
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
Marty Stuart's Mandolin
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
Marty Stuart describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
The Bryants and “Rocky Top”
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
John McEuen: Earl Scruggs’ Banjo Style
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
The Song Into Outer Space
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.