Lavender Country
After Stonewall, Patrick Haggerty wanted to give the gay community anthems of their own and created the first gay country music album, Lavender Country.
Episode 8 Preview | "Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’”
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?”
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?”
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 Song Into Outer Space
At the end of each of the over one hundred interviews, the filmmakers asked a final question: if you could send one song into outer space to represent country music, which song would it be and why? Here’s a compilation of some of the answers they received.
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
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.
Music Row's A Team
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.
Marty Stuart's Mandolin
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.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Written by Mel Tillis
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.
Johnny Cash: His Legacy
Friends and family discuss Johnny Cash's return to simple songwriting and record-making and his legacy and impact.
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
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.
Marty Stuart: Back to the Source
Marty Stuart reminisces about a quiet moment he had to himself listening to Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family.
The Artistry of Merle Haggard
The late Merle Haggard discusses his approach on songwriting and Loretta Lynn, Kathy Mattea , Vince Gill Marty Stuart and more discuss his legacy.
Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
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.
Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
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.
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Randy Scruggs demonstrates the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson and discusses the unique features of Watson's banjo.
Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, from 1960-1992. During those 32 years, he captured images of nearly every country star of note, from Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff to Garth Brooks and Emmylou Harris. Along the way, his photographs revealed the changes and continuities in the music he loved and the people who made it.
Country Places
Hear Country Music’s featured artists and filmmakers dive deeper into the different sounds of country, from the sounds coming from Texas to Nashville and Bakersfield, California. Explore the unique insurance company origins and expansion of the Grand Ole Opry and more.
Kenny Rogers on "The Gambler"
Kenny Rogers discusses his hit single, "The Gambler," in an outtake from Ken Burns's series, "Country Music."
Elvis: The Hillbilly Cat
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
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