Country Music Season 1 Episode 8 Don't Get Above Your Raisin' (1984-1996)

In episode 8 of Country Music's first season, titled "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'" (1984-1996), viewers are transported to the era when country music was going through a drastic evolution. This is the time when classic country music artists like Merle Haggard and George Jones were being replaced by the likes of Garth Brooks and Shania Twain. The episode covers the period between the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s when country music underwent a significant cultural shift.

The episode highlights the rise of Garth Brooks, who became one of the most successful country music artists of all time during this period. Viewers will learn about his unconventional approach to country music and how his music videos and stage performances paved the way for the genre to become more mainstream. We also get to see how Brooks' success affected the rest of the genre, leading to a more diverse sound and approach to country music.

During this time, many female artists also emerged as superstars in their own right. The episode explores how women like Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, and Mary Chapin Carpenter broke through the male-dominated industry, changing the face of country music. The emergence of these female artists and their unique sound helped revitalize the genre, which had previously been dominated by male performers.

Viewers will also learn about the importance of songwriters in the country music industry, especially during this period. Songwriters like Clint Black and Allen Shamblin made significant contributions to the genre, penning some of the most iconic songs of the era. The episode takes a deep dive into the songwriting process and how it has evolved over the years.

Another important aspect covered in this episode is the role of radio in shaping the sound of country music. With the rise of country music stations across the country, DJs played a significant role in dictating what was played on the airwaves. The episode explores how DJs like Bob Kingsley and Rick Dees became household names, and how their influence helped shape the genre.

One of the more poignant moments of the episode is the story of the Highwaymen, a supergroup consisting of Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Viewers will learn about their collaborative efforts and how their friendship helped shape their music. The episode explores how these four legends came together to form a group and the impact they had on the country music industry.

Towards the end of the episode, viewers get a glimpse into how country music started to cross over into other genres like pop and rock, and how this helped make the genre even more popular. With artists like Mary J. Blige and Darius Rucker breaking into the genre, it became clear that country music was no longer the exclusive domain of white men.

Overall, episode 8 of Country Music's first season provides an in-depth look at the evolution of the genre from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. The episode covers a lot of ground and features interviews with some of the biggest names in country music history. Whether you are a long-time country music fan or just a casual listener, this episode is a must-watch.