‎Season 1 - Apple TV

Ken Burns’s eight-part, 16-hour documentary series, COUNTRY MUSIC, chronicles the history of a uniquely American art form, focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created it.

Documentary · 2019 · 1 hr 52 min

Starring Peter Coyote , Marty Stuart

Director Ken Burns

EPISODE 1

The Rub

After centuries of percolating in America’s immigrant and racial mix, particularly in the American South, what was first called “hillbilly music” begins reaching more people through the new technologies of phonographs and radio.

50 min · Sep 16, 2019
EPISODE 2

Hard Times

During the Great Depression and World War II, country music thrives and reaches bigger audiences. Gene Autry sets off a craze for singing cowboys, Bob Wills adapts jazz’s Big Band sound to create Texas Swing, and Roy Acuff becomes a star.

49 min · Sep 17, 2019
EPISODE 3

The Hillbilly Shakespeare

Country music adapts to the cultural changes of post-war society. Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs transform string band music into Bluegrass. Out of the bars comes a new sound and songs about drinking, cheating, and heartbreak: Honky Tonk.

50 min · Sep 18, 2019
EPISODE 4

I Can’t Stop Loving You

In Memphis, the confluence of blues and hillbilly music at Sun Studios gives birth to “rockabilly,” the precursor of rock and roll. Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash are at the forefront. Nashville has become Music City USA.

51 min · Sep 19, 2019
EPISODE 5

The Sons and Daughters Of America

During a time of upheaval, country music reflects the changes in American society. Loretta Lynn performs songs that speak on behalf of women. Charley Pride becomes a country star. Merle Haggard becomes the “Poet of the Common Man.”

51 min · Sep 23, 2019
EPISODE 6

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

With the Vietnam War intensifying, America is more divided than ever. Country music is not immune to the divisions. Kris Kristofferson abandons his military career, becomes a writer whose lyricism sets a new standard for country songs.

51 min · Sep 24, 2019