Country Music by Ken Burns

Original version

BBC Four

BBC 4

Documentaries

Music: Country

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Hear the remarkable stories of the people and places behind a truly American art form.

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.

Explore the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the twentieth century. The series, directed by Ken Burns, features never-before-seen footage and photographs, plus interviews with more than 80 country music artists. No-one has told the story this way before.

Series 1

BBC Four HD

Ken Burns

Country Music by Ken Burns: Series 1: I Can't Stop Loving You (1953-1963)

I Can't Stop Loving You (1953-1963)

BBC Four - Country Music by Ken Burns, Series 1, I Can't Stop Loving You (1953-1963)

Johnny Cash and Elvis emerge in Memphis and Patsy Cline rises to stardom in Nashville.

In Memphis, Sun Studios' budding artists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley ushered in the era of rockabilly, while Patsy Cline showed off Music City's smooth new Nashville sound.

In Memphis, the confluence of blues and hillbilly music at Sun Studios gave birth to rockabilly, the precursor of rock and roll. Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash were at the forefront. 

In the recording studios of Music City, country music’s twang was replaced by something smoother - the Nashville sound. Patsy Cline became one of its biggest stars before her untimely death.

Country Music by Ken Burns: Series 1

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Explore the history of a uniquely American art form: country music. From its deep and tangled roots in ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings to its worldwide popularity, learn how country music evolved over the course of the 20th century. The series, directed by Ken Burns, features never-before-seen footage and photographs, plus interviews with more than 80 country music artists. No-one has told the story this way before.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Country Music by Ken Burns

Series 1

I Can't Stop Loving You (1953-1963)

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four