© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Explore the history of country music – from its roots in ballads, hymns and the blues to its mainstream popularity – and meet the unforgettable characters and storytellers who made it “America’s Music.” Directed by Ken Burns.

Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Funding for Country Music was provided by Bank of America, the Annenberg Foundation, the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Belmont University, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Rosalind P. Walter and by members of ‘The Better Angels Society,’ including: The Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Schwartz/Reisman Foundation, the Pfeil Foundation, Diane and Hal Brierley, John and Catherine Debs, the Fullerton Family Charitable Fund, the Perry and Donna Golkin Family Foundation, Jay Alix and Una Jackman, Mercedes T. Bass, Fred and Donna Seigel, Gilchrist and Amy Berg, James R. Berdell Foundation, David Bonderman, Deborah P. and Jonathan T. Dawson, Senator Bill and Tracy Frist, Susan and David Kreisman, Rocco and Debby Landesman, Lillian Lovelace, John and Leslie McQuown, Mindy's Hope Foundation, the Segal Family Foundation, Michelle Smith. Major funding was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS.
Episodes
So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Extras
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.
Explore the origins of the Grand Ole Opry, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sound and more.
Meet the filmmakers and go behind the scenes of Country Music, coming to PBS this fall.
Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from "Country Music."
Guy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, and Emmylou Harris on Guy Clark and songwriting.