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What is Passport?
Country Music

“The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)

Season 1 Episode 1 | 1hr 51m 29s

See how what was first called “hillbilly music” reaches new audiences through phonographs and radio, and launches the careers of country music’s first big stars, the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.

Aired: 09/14/19
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.
Extras
Watch • 1:54:08
Country Music
“The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Episode: S1 E5 | 1:54:08
Watch • 1:50:52
Country Music
“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Episode: S1 E4 | 1:50:52
Watch • 1:53:14
Country Music
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Episode: S1 E3 | 1:53:14
Watch • 1:52:48
Country Music
“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:52:48
Watch • 3:17
Country Music
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Clip: S1 E3 | 3:17
Watch • 18:37
Country Music
Les Leverett: Opry Photographer
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
Clip: 18:37
Watch • 33:23
Country Music
The Song Into Outer Space
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
Clip: 33:23
Watch • 15:14
Country Music
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
Clip: S1 E7 | 15:14
Watch • 4:53
Country Music
A Family Business
Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.
Clip: 4:53
Watch • 4:29
Country Music
Why Country Music
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.
Clip: 4:29