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“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)

Season 1 Episode 3

Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.

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.

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)
  • “The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
    S1 E3
    Now Playing
    “The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
  • TPT Passport
    “Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
    S1 E2
    “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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