Access to this video is a benefit for members through
Up Next
Back to Show
Watch Preview
Country Music
“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
Season 1
Episode 3
See how the bluegrass sound spreads in post-war America, and meet honky-tonk star Hank Williams, whose songs of surprising emotional depth are derived from his troubled and tragically short life.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:55:40
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:21:01
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:55
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:55:47
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:30
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:54:53
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:54:27
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:07
So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:54:03
Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
Unlock with PBS Passport
2:19:24
Witness a vibrant era in country music, thanks to mainstream crossovers and a new sound.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:17
Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:54:09
New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.