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Hard Times (1933-1945)

Country Music by Ken Burns Series 1
Episode 2 of 9

How Nashville became the heart of the country music industry during the Great Depression and World War II as America fell in love with singing cowboys, Texas swing and the Grand Ole Opry's Roy Acuff.

During the Great Depression and World War II, country music thrived and reached bigger audiences. Bob Wills adapted jazz's big band sound to create Texas swing, and Grand Ole Opry singer Roy Acuff became a national star. Despite a divorce between two of its members, the Carter Family carried on, turning out songs that went on to be classics. Nashville slowly became Music City and the centre of the growing country music industry.

49 minutes

Last on

Fri 8 Mar 2024 02:50
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four

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The Rub (Beginnings-1933)Series 1

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The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)Series 1

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:02

    Mavis Staples

    Hard Times Come Again No More

  • 00:10

    Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

    Take Me Back To Tulsa (Album Version)

  • 00:12

    Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

    New Spanish Two Step

  • 00:14

    Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

    Whoa Babe

  • 00:18

    Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

    Liza Pull Down The Shades

  • 00:21

    Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

    San Antonio Rose

  • 00:21

    Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

    New San Antonio Rose

  • 00:33

    Roy Acuff

    The Wabash Canonball

  • 00:34

    Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys

    What Would You Give In Exchange (Part 2)

  • 00:38

    Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys

    Nine Pound Hammer Is Too Heavy

  • 00:40

    Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys

    Mule Skinner Blues

  • 00:49

    The Carter Family

    Lonesome Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔsick Blues

Credit

Director Ken Burns

Broadcasts