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“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)

Season 1 Episode 2 | 1hr 52m 48s

Watch as Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. The genre grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II as America falls in love with singing cowboys, Texas Swing and the Grand Ole Opry’s Roy Acuff.

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
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Les Leverett was the official staff photographer for The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.
Interviewees pick they would send into outer space to represent country music.
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
Explore the influence of the Carter Cash family and the theme of family in country music.
The filmmakers discuss the origins of their latest project and what they've learned.