Ep 1. The Rub (Beginnings -- 1933)

In episode 1 of Country Music season 1, titled "The Rub (Beginnings -- 1933)", viewers are taken on a journey through the early history of country music. The episode starts by exploring the origins of this genre, which emerged in the 1920s from a fusion of various musical traditions, including folk, blues, gospel, and hillbilly.

The episode opens with a focus on the Carter Family, a group that played a significant role in the early days of country music. Viewers learn about the family's deep roots in traditional Appalachian music and the impact they had on shaping the genre's sound and style. The episode takes a closer look at their hit song "Can the Circle Be Unbroken," a track that became an iconic song of the Great Depression.

From there, the episode moves on to explore the legacy of Jimmie Rodgers, a country music pioneer often referred to as the "father of country music." Through his unique blend of yodeling, blues, and folk, Rodgers forged a new sound and paved the way for artists like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard.

Viewers are also introduced to the "Singing Brakeman," Vernon Dalhart, who in 1924 recorded the first million-selling country music song, "The Wreck of the Old 97." Dalhart's success helped establish country music as a profitable commercial enterprise, paving the way for future artists to make a living from their music.

Throughout the episode, viewers also gain insights into the social and cultural context of early country music. The Great Depression, World War II, and the dust bowl all had a significant impact on the development of the genre, as musicians turned to music as a form of comfort and escapism during difficult times.

The episode also explores the role of radio in spreading country music across the country, with radio stations like WSM in Nashville playing a pivotal role in broadcasting live performances and giving artists a platform to connect with audiences.

Overall, episode 1 of Country Music season 1 sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of the genre's fascinating history. Through archival footage, interviews with experts and historians, and performances by some of the biggest names in country music, viewers are transported back in time to the birth of a uniquely American art form.