Passport
Country Music
Episode 1 | 'The Rub' (Beginnings – 1933)
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.
Ken Burns tells the vivid and complex history of country music – from its roots in ballads, hymns and the blues to its mainstream popularity – and invites us to meet the unforgettable characters and storytellers who made it “America’s Music.”
PBS Wisconsin brings Burns’ panoramic view closer to home, offering up nine “Country Music Minutes” with historian Bill C. Malone introducing us to Wisconsin artists who made and continue to make an indelible imprint on this shared songbook.
Stream the entire “Country Music” docuseries here, or take a minute with our “Minutes” below and sing along with our diverse catalog of national and local and public media country music content.
Country Music | Stream the Whole Series
Ep 1 | 'The Rub' (Beginnings – 1933)
So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.
Ep 2 | 'Hard Times' (1933 – 1945)
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Ep 3 | 'The Hillbilly Shakespeare' (1945 – 1953)
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Ep 4 | 'I Can’t Stop Loving You' (1953 – 1963)
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Ep 5 | 'The Sons and Daughters of America' (1964 – 1968)
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Ep 6 | 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken?' (1968 – 1972)
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Ep 7 | 'Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?' (1973 – 1983)
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Ep 8 |'Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’' (1984 – 1996)
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Wisconsin Country Music Minutes
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Bill Miller
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the life and work of Wisconsin-born Bill Miller, a Grammy Award-winning flautist, guitarist, singer and songwriter whose work often celebrates his Native American heritage and his Christian faith.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Bluegrass
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the legacy of bluegrass music in Wisconsin, highlighting the work of artists like Jerry Wicentowski, Mark Hembree, and Art and Stephanie Stevenson.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Cris Plata
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the life and music of Cris Plata, a South Texas native who moved to Wisconsin in the 1960s and forged a music career filled with the sounds of Tex-Mex, rock ‘n’ roll and country.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Felice Bryant
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the work and legacy of Wisconsin-born songwriter Felice Bryant, who along with her husband Boudleaux, wrote some of the biggest songs in country music and shaped the sound of the Everly Brothers with their work.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Dave Dudley
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the life and work of Wisconsin-born country singer Dave Dudley, an artist whose work emphasized working-class experiences highlighted by his classic trucking song, “Six Days on the Road.”
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Eddie Rivers
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the life and work of Wisconsin-born steel guitarist Eddie Rivers, who would help shape the Western Swing sound of Asleep at the Wheel.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Goose Island Ramblers
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the Goose Island Ramblers, a Southern Wisconsin trio with a “Polkabilly” sound and an entertaining stage show.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Les Paul
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the work of Wisconsin-born guitarist and musical inventor Les Paul, an internationally known jazz musician who began his career as a country entertainer in Wisconsin.
September 9, 2019
Wisconsin Country Music Minute: Pee Wee King
Historian Bill C. Malone discusses the life and work of Wisconsin-born accordionist and songwriter Pee Wee King, who co-wrote “The Tennessee Waltz,” an international country hit.
PREVIEWS: COUNTRY MUSIC | A FILM BY KEN BURNS
PBS Previews: Country Music
Meet the filmmakers and go behind the scenes of Country Music, coming to PBS this fall.
Episode 2 Preview | 'Hard Times'
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Episode 3 Preview | 'The Hillbilly Shakespeare'
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Episode 4 Preview | 'I Can’t Stop Loving You'
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Episode 5 Preview | 'The Sons and Daughters of America'
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Episode 6 Preview | 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken?'
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Episode 7 Preview | 'Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?'
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Episode 8 Preview | 'Don’t Get Above Your Raisin''
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
African Americans and Country Music
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me
Follow the country music superstar’s journey from segregated Mississippi to Nashville.
Singer Rhiannon Giddens taps America’s deep musical roots
Rhiannon Giddens sits down with Jeffrey Brown.
Carolina Chocolate Drops
The 2011 Grammy winners throw down old-time music with a brand-new line-up.
In Performance at The White House
Educational Workshop: Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker talks to kids and performs at the White House Educational Workshop
Women and Country Music
Rhiannon Giddens Inspired by Powerful Women
Rhiannon Giddens explores the compelling stories and powerful women of ’90s country music.
Reba McEntire on women in country and returning to her roots
Reba McEntire on women in country music and returning to her roots
Jeannie Seely Reflects on Women’s Representation
Songwriter Jeannie Seely talks about how the way women were represented in country songs was changing.
Shunned by country radio, female artists fight to be heard
Shunned by country radio, female artists in Nashville are looking to break through
Wisconsin Life
Paco Fralick
Rhinelander musician Paco Fralick learns that it’s never too late to follow his dreams.
Modern Cellist
Kim Souther is a classically trained cellist who is now making a unique genre of music.
KC Williams
Milwaukee musician KC Williams forges a career from country music to the classroom.
Wiscon-Sing
David HB Drake is a folk singer with a unique history program called “Wiscon-Sing.”
Follow Us