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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. Tune in or Stream September 15 at 8/7c. #CountryMusicPBS
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.
For more than three decades, Ken Burns and his colleagues at Florentine Films—directors, writers, producers, editors, and cinematographers—have produced some of the most critically acclaimed and most watched documentaries on public television.
Join the Conversation
Meet the filmmakers and go behind the scenes of Country Music, coming to PBS this fall.
Dolly Parton Explains Country Music’s Appeal
Dolly Parton explains the wide appeal of her favorite kind of music.
Brenda Lee Reminisces About Patsy Cline
Country legend Patsy Cline takes young singing sensation Brenda Lee under her wing.
Jeannie Seely Reflects on Women’s Representation
Jeannie Seely on how the way women were represented in Country songs was changing.
Rosanne Cash Reflects on ‘Walk the Line’
Rosanne Cash tells the story of one of her father’s biggest hit songs.
Marty Stuart on Country's 'Mother Church'
Musician Marty Stuart explains how the “Grand Ole Opry” became the heart of Nashville.
Get a sneak peek at the remarkable people and places behind a true American art form.
Marty Stuart on the Mystery of Songwriting
The divine inspiration behind the songs of the “Hillbilly Shakespeare:” Hank Williams.
Charlie Daniels Meets Itzhak Perlman
Charlie Daniels discovers that country and classical are closer cousins than he imagined.
Rhiannon Giddens Inspired by Powerful Women
Rhiannon Giddens explores the compelling stories and powerful women of '90s country music.
Wynton Marsalis Discusses Black Country Musicians
Black musicians were welcomed into country music before they were accepted by whites.
What's next for director Ken Burns? Country Music is coming this fall. #CountryMusicPBS.
