Episodes
-
“Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” (1984 – 1996)
S1 E8 - 1h 54m
Episode 8 | Learn how “New Traditionalists” like George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds help country music stay true to its roots. Witness both the rise of superstar Garth Brooks and the return of an aging Johnny Cash to the industry he helped create.
-
“Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” (1973 – 1983)
S1 E7 - 2h 19m
Episode 7 | Witness a vibrant era in country music, with Dolly Parton finding mainstream success; Hank Williams, Jr. and Rosanne Cash emerging from their famous fathers’ shadows; and Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings launching the “Outlaw” movement.
-
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
S1 E6 - 1h 51m
Episode 6 | Learn how country music responds to a nation divided by the Vietnam War, as Army captain turned songwriter Kris Kristofferson sets a new lyrical standard, and artists like Bob Dylan and the Byrds find a recording home in Nashville.
-
“The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
S1 E5 - 1h 54m
See how country music reflects a changing America, with Loretta Lynn speaking to women everywhere, Merle Haggard becoming “The Poet of the Common Man” and audiences looking beyond race to embrace Charley Pride.
-
“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
S1 E4 - 1h 50m
Travel to Memphis, where Sun Studios artists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley usher in the era of rockabilly. Ray Charles crosses America’s racial divide by recording a country album. Patsy Cline shows off Music City’s smooth new Nashville Sound.
-
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
S1 E3 - 1h 53m
See how the bluegrass sound spreads in post-war America, and meet honky-tonk star Hank Williams, whose songs of surprising emotional depth are derived from his troubled and tragically short life.
-
“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
S1 E2 - 1h 52m
Watch as Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. The genre grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II as America falls in love with singing cowboys, Texas Swing and the Grand Ole Opry’s Roy Acuff.
-
“The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)
S1 E1 - 1h 51m
See how what was first called “hillbilly music” reaches new audiences through phonographs and radio, and launches the careers of country music’s first big stars, the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.
-
Spanish Version | “Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’"
S1 E16 - 1h 55m
A medida que la música country surge, los artistas, como George Strait, Randy Travis y los Judds, trabajan para mantener el género fiel a sus raíces. El ascenso de Garth Brooks y el regreso de Johnny Cash.
-
Spanish Version | “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”
S1 E15 - 2h 21m
Combinaciones de artistas famosos y un nuevo sonido forman parte de las tendencias que prevalecen en la música country entre 1979 y 1983.
-
Spanish Version | "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
S1 E14 - 1h 52m
La música country atrae a los artistas a Nashville, Tennessee, mientras que la guerra en Vietnam continúa. Kris Kristofferson establece un estándar lírico. Bob Dylan y The Byrds, entre otros, visitan Nashville, Tennessee, para grabar.
-
Spanish Version | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
S1 E13 - 1h 55m
Los artistas de la música country, como Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard y Charley Pride, reflejan el cambio de Estados Unidos, debido al variado público que convocan.
Extras + Features
-
Episode 8 Preview | "Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’”
S1 E8 - 30s
Learn how “New Traditionalists” like George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds help country music stay true to its roots. Witness both the rise of superstar Garth Brooks and the return of an aging Johnny Cash to the industry he helped create.
-
Episode 7 Preview | "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”
S1 E7 - 30s
Witness a vibrant era in country music, with Dolly Parton finding mainstream success; Hank Williams, Jr. and Rosanne Cash emerging from their famous fathers’ shadows; and Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings launching the “Outlaw” movement.
-
Episode 6 Preview | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
S1 E6 - 30s
Learn how country music responds to a nation divided by the Vietnam War, as Army captain turned songwriter Kris Kristofferson sets a new lyrical standard, and artists like Bob Dylan and the Byrds find a recording home in Nashville.
-
Johnny Cash: His Legacy
S1 E8 - 5m 19s
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making and his legacy and impact.
-
Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
S1 E8 - 1m 43s
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had to himself listening to Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family.
-
Marty Stuart's Mandolin
S1 E8 - 1m 56s
Marty Stuart reminisces about the time he spent in Johnny Cash's band and describes the marks and inscriptions on his mandolin and how they got there.
-
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
S1 E7 - 15m 14s
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss the genesis and significance of George Jones's hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which many consider country music's number one song of all time.
-
Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
S1 E7 - 11m 57s
Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, Marty Stuart, Don Reid and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith in God and his fellow musicians.
-
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Written by Mel Tillis
S1 E6 - 4m 18s
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song and all its famous covers. Kenny Rogers and Alice Randall share their thoughts around anti-war songs in country music.
-
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
S1 E6 - 2m 59s
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song and record producer Jerry Kennedy shares how others reacted to it.
-
Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
S1 E5 - 30s
See how country music reflects a changing America, with Loretta Lynn speaking to women everywhere, Merle Haggard becoming “The Poet of the Common Man” and audiences looking beyond race to embrace Charley Pride.
-
Music Row's A Team
S1 E5 - 10m 7s
Music row musicians discuss their days as members of the fabled “A Team,” describe the mechanics of the pedal steel guitar, and perform excerpts from some of their biggest hits – including one or two surprises.
Schedule
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.
Similar Shows
Bygone DC
History
Horatio's Drive
History
Grandpa's War Story Goes Viral
History
Women and the Vote
History
Day of Days: June 6, 1944
History
World's Greatest Cemeteries
History
History Detectives
History
My Survivor
History
Memphis Belle: Her Final Mission
History