In this series, renowned pianist Jools Holland travels through the USA in search of the roots of jazz, blues, soul and rock’n’roll. In each programme he visits a historically significant building in a different city and talks to fellow musicians, historians and other interested parties to build up a picture of how a particular music has developed, and to explore the communities that grow up around those musics today.

And because it’s Jools, he can’t turn down the opportunity to play a bit as well!

In this second episode Holland flies to Nashville to visit RCA Studio A. In the 1950s and early 60s under the leadership of Chet Atkins, Studio A was the place where modern day country music was invented; recently restored & re-opened it is now run by producer Dave Cobb and is home to the multi-million selling artist Chris Stapleton.

In the cavernous room Jools meets Dave Cobb and the man they call the soul of Nashville, musician & historian Marty Stuart, and some of the new young stars attracted to the city like the band Midland & Australian actress and singer Clare Bowen, star of the TV series “Nashville”.

We also hear from Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley and Keith Urban, and there’s live music from Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves & a special rockabilly rave up with Jools and an all-star band!

Image: Neon street sign in Nashville (Credit: Mark Hagen/BBC) Show less