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“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)

Season 1 Episode 3 | 1hr 53m 14s

See how the bluegrass sound spreads in post-war America, and meet honky-tonk star Hank Williams, whose songs of surprising emotional depth are derived from his troubled and tragically short life.

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.
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
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.