Extras
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken:” Country Music’s Anthem
Featured artists discuss this special song's meaning to Americans.
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken:” Country Music’s Anthem
Episode 2 Preview | “Hard Times”
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Episode 2 Preview | “Hard Times”
Betty Johnson: The Johnson Family Singers 1930s
Betty Johnson discusses growing up in a family band of six.
Betty Johnson: The Johnson Family Singers 1930s
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose
Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
Episode 3 Preview | “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Episode 3 Preview | “The Hillbilly Shakespeare”
John McEuen: Earl Scruggs’ Banjo Style
John McEuen discusses Earl Scruggs' innovations on the banjo.
John McEuen: Earl Scruggs’ Banjo Style
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
Mel Tillis talks about how he dealt with a stutter by singing.
Mel Tillis: Learning to Talk Through Singing
Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
Friends and admirers share memories of "the Cline."
Patsy Cline: Tough Edges, Big Heart
Brenda Lee reminisces about the songwriters Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.
The Bryants and “Rocky Top”
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 4 Preview | “I Can’t Stop Loving You”
Featured artists remember Elvis Presley and discuss his unique role in American music.
Elvis: The Hillbilly Cat
The late Merle Haggard discusses his songwriting and other artists discuss his impact.
The Artistry of Merle Haggard
Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Episode 5 Preview | "The Sons and Daughters of America"
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Written by Mel Tillis
Mel Tillis tells the true story behind his hit song.
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” Written by Mel Tillis
Episode 6 Preview | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Episode 6 Preview | “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
Tom T. Hall tells the story of how he came to write his famous song.
“Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine”
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 7 Preview | "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?”
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
The songwriters, producer, and fans discuss this classic song's genesis and significance.
"He Stopped Loving Her Today:" The Story Behind the Song
Johnny Cash: Following the Gospel
Rosanne Cash and John Carter Cash and the Oak Ridge Boys discuss Johnny Cash's faith.