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“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)

Season 1 Episode 2

Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.

Watch as Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. The genre grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II as America falls in love with singing cowboys, Texas Swing and the Grand Ole Opry’s Roy Acuff.

AIR DATE 9/15/19

Ken Burns Collection

The Entire Ken Burns Collection Now Available With TPT Passport
For more than three decades, Ken Burns has been telling America’s stories. Become a TPT member and start watching now.

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Videos

  • TPT Passport
    “Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” (1984 – 1996)
    S1 E8
    “Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” (1984 – 1996)
  • TPT Passport
    “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” (1973 – 1983)
    S1 E7
    “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?” (1973 – 1983)
  • TPT Passport
    "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
    S1 E6
    "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
  • TPT Passport
    “The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
    S1 E5
    “The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
  • TPT Passport
    “I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
    S1 E4
    “I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
  • TPT Passport
    “The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
    S1 E3
    “The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
  • “Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
    S1 E2
    Now Playing
    “Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
  • TPT Passport
    “The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)
    S1 E1
    “The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)

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    About Country Music

    Explore the history of country music – from its roots in ballads, hymns and the blues to its mainstream popularity – and meet the unforgettable characters and storytellers who made it “America’s Music.” Directed by Ken Burns. Tune in or Stream September 15 at 8/7c. #CountryMusicPBS

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