PBS America UK TV Channel Freeview Channel 91 8.30pm-11pm

Part 1/8 8.30pm-11pm tonight; Parts 2-5 at 8.30pm Tuesday to Friday

Parts 6-8 at 8.30pm Monday to Wednesday next week

COUNTRY MUSIC

ABOUT THE SHOW

After centuries percolating in America’s immigrant and racial mix, particularly in the American South, what was first called “hillbilly music” begins reaching more people through the new technologies of phonographs and radio. The Carter Family, with their ballads and old hymns, and Jimmie Rodgers, with his combination of blues and yodeling, become its first big stars. Part 1 of 8.

EPISODES

1. Rub (Beginnings - 1933
   8:30PM, Monday 16 Nov
   2:00AM, Tuesday 17 Nov
   3:55PM, Tuesday 12 Nov
After centuries percolating in America’s immigrant and racial mix, particularly in the American South, what was first called “hillbilly music” begins reaching more people through the new technologies of phonographs and radio. The Carter Family, with their ballads and old hymns, and Jimmie Rodgers, with his combination of blues and yodeling, become its first big stars. Part 1 of 8.

2. Hard Times (1933-1945)
   8:30PM, Tuesday 17 Nov
   2:30AM, Wwdnesday 18 Nov
   3:35PM, Wednesday 18 Nov
During the Great Depression and World War Two, country music thrives and reaches bigger audiences. Gene Autry sets off a craze for singing cowboys, Bob Wills adapts jazz’s big band sound to create Texas Swing, and Roy Acuff, a singer on the Grand Ole Opry, becomes a star. Despite a divorce between two of its members, the Carter Family carries on, turning out songs that will become classics. Part 2 of 8.

3. Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)
   8:30PM, Wednesday 18 Nov
   2:25AM Thursday 19 Nov
   3:45PM Thursday 19 Nov
Country Music: Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)
Country music adapts to the cultural changes of post-war society. Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, and Earl Scruggs transform string band music into something more syncopated: bluegrass. Out of the bars comes a new sound with electric guitars and songs about drinking, cheating and heartbreak: honky tonk. Its biggest star is Hank Williams, a singer and songwriter of surprising emotional depth. Part 3 of 8.

4. I Can't Stop Loving You (1953-1963)
   8:30PM, Thursday 19 Nov
   2:10AM, Friday 20 Nov
   3:45PM, Friday 20 Nov
In Memphis, the confluence of blues and hillbilly music at Sun Studios gives birth to rockabilly, the precursor of rock 'n' roll. Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash are at the forefront. Nashville has become Music City USA. Patsy Cline is becoming one of its biggest stars when her life is cut short by an air accident. Part 4 of 8.

5. The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968)
   8:30PM, Friday 20 Nov
   2:05AM, Saturday 21 Nov
   3:45PM, Monday 24 Nov
During a time of upheaval, country music reflects the changes in American society. Loretta Lynn writes and performs songs that speak on behalf of women everywhere. Charley Pride becomes a country star. Merle Haggard comes out of prison to become the “Poet of the Common Man.” Johnny Cash’s life descends into drug addiction, but he finds salvation through a landmark album recorded at Folsom Prison. Part 5 of 8.

6. Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1968-1972)
   8:30PM, Monday 23 Nov
   2:25AM, Tuesday 24 Nov
   3:10PM, Tuesday 24 Nov
With the Vietnam War intensifying, America is more divided than ever. Country music is not immune to the divisions. Kris Kristofferson abandons his military career, becomes a janitor in a Nashville studio, then a writer whose lyricism sets a new standard for country songs. Bob Dylan, the Byrds, and other non-country artists find Nashville a creative place to record. Part 6 of 8.

7. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)
   8:05PM, Tuesday 24 Nov <======================== NOTE TIME
   2:10AM, Wednesday 25 Nov
   3:05PM, Wednesday 25 Nov
Country Music: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)
Definitions of country music are debated as never before, and the argument sparks off a vibrant era. Dolly Parton crosses over to mainstream success to become the most famous woman in country music. Willie Nelson finds creative freedom in Texas, and with Waylon Jennings launches the “Outlaw” movement. Emmylou Harris bridges folk and rock and country music and influences a new generation of artists. Part 7 of 8.

8. Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)
   8:30PM, Wednesday 25 Nov
   2:25AM, Thursday 26 Nov
   ?:??PM, Thursday 26 Nov
Country Music: Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)
As country music’s popularity skyrockets, the genre confronts the question of whether it can stay true to its roots. After first being turned down by every label in Nashville, Garth Brooks explodes onto the scene. An aging Johnny Cash returns to a studio with just his guitar and his unforgettable voice to record a series of albums that cements his place in the industry he helped to create. Part 8 of 8.

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