Watch Country Music Volume 1

Country Music Volume 1 is an epic and exhaustive 8-part documentary series that profiles the history of country music. Directed by Ken Burns, this documentary explores the origins, cultural significance and evolution of country music. Burns masterfully weaves together historical footage, interviews with prominent country musicians and industry leaders, and musical performances to create a truly comprehensive view of the genre.

The first episode of the series, titled "The Rub (Beginnings - 1933)", sets the stage for the rest of the series. It highlights the humble beginnings of country music, tracing its roots to the British Isles and Africa. The episode then takes viewers through the early recordings of country music, explaining how it was born out of the Great Depression and a need to escape the hardships of the times. The episode also touches on how the music genre was rejected by the mainstream media and why it eventually found a home on the radio.

The second episode, titled "Hard Times (1933-1945)", dives deeper into how the Great Depression and World War II impacted country music. The episode profiles prominent musicians like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, who helped shape the genre during this period. The episode also explores the impact that radio and the Grand Ole Opry had on country music during this time.

The third episode, titled "The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)", examines the explosion of country music in the post-war era. The episode takes a closer look at the contributions of Hank Williams, who is considered one of the greatest country music artists of all time. The episode also explores how country music began to reflect the struggles and values of the working class.

The fourth episode, titled "I Can't Stop Loving You (1953-1963)", showcases how country music evolved during the time period when rock and roll dominated the airwaves. The episode highlights the rise of Patsy Cline and her contributions to country music. The episode also profiles how country music began to be used for political purposes during this time.

The fifth episode, titled "The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968)", explores how country music reflected the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. The episode profiles artists like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, who expressed the feelings of the working class during this time. The episode also explores how country music became more diverse during this time, as African American artists began to enter the scene.

The sixth episode, titled "Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (1968-1972)", examines how country music continued to grapple with the social and political struggles of the time. The episode highlights the rise of political country music and the anti-war movement. The episode also profiles how the rise of feminism impacted country music during this time.

The seventh episode, titled "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)", explores how country music continued to evolve during the 1970s and 1980s. The episode profiles how outlaw country music became popular during this time and how female artists began to gain more recognition in the industry. The episode also showcases the impact that the Nashville sound, which emphasized slick production over the traditional twang of country music, had on the genre.

The final episode, titled "Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)", takes a closer look at how country music became more mainstream during the 1980s and 1990s. The episode profiles how country music went through a period of commercialization during this time and how artists like Garth Brooks helped popularize the genre beyond its traditional demographic. The episode also examines the influence of the media on country music during this time.

Overall, Country Music Volume 1 is a comprehensive and insightful documentary series that profiles the history of country music. Audiences will learn about the genre's humble beginnings, its evolution over the decades, and its cultural significance. The documentary also provides a great opportunity for fans of country music to dive deeper into the genre's rich history.