Country Music by Ken Burns

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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

Ken Burns

Country Music by Ken Burns: Series 1: Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)

Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)

BBC Four - Country Music by Ken Burns, Series 1, Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)

How country music worked to stay true to its roots as the genre rocketed to new heights.

In the 1980s and 1990s, 'New Traditionalists' like the Judds helped country music stay true to its roots. The period also saw the rise of superstar Garth Brooks and the return of Johnny Cash.

As country music’s popularity rocketed, the genre questioned whether it could stay true to its roots. The success of ‘New Traditionalists’ like Reba McEntire and the Judds suggested it could. 

Garth Brooks overcame rejection and exploded onto the scene. And after being left behind by his label, Johnny Cash returned to a studio with just his guitar and his unforgettable voice to record albums that sold millions of copies and earnt him the respect of the industry he helped to create. Meanwhile, Rosanne Cash came out of the shadow of her father to start her own music career.

Country Music by Ken Burns: Series 1

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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.

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Country Music by Ken Burns

Series 1

Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)

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