Ken Burns’ Country Music: The Stories Behind the Songs
Contents
In his new documentary series, Ken Burns tells the stories behind some of country music’s most iconic songs. Here, he shares some of his favorite stories from the series.
The stories behind eight of Ken Burns’ favorite country songs
1. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Don Gibson
I Can’t Stop Loving You was released in 1957 and quickly became a country classic. The song is about a man who is trying to forget a lost love, but find that he can’t stop thinking about her no matter what he does.
2. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
He Stopped Loving Her Today is a sad song about a man who has lost the love of his life and can never stop loving her, even after she dies. The song was released in 1980 and quickly rose to the top of the country charts.
3. “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton
I Will Always Love You was released in 1974 and became one of Dolly Parton’s signature songs. The song is about a woman who is telling her lover that she will always love him, no matter what happens in their relationship.
4. “Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette
Stand By Your Man is a country classic that was released in 1968. The song is about a woman’s loyalty to her man, no matter what he does. Tammy Wynette’s husband, George Jones, actually wrote the song for her to sing.
5. “The Dance” by Garth Brooks
The Dance was released in 1990 and quickly became one of Garth Brooks’ most popular songs. The song is about looking back on a relationship and regretting the things that you didn’t do while you were together.
6. “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain You’re Still the One was released in 1998 and quickly rose to the top of the country charts. The song is about a couple who has been through ups and downs but are still together and stronger than ever. 7. “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw Live Like You Were Dying was released in 2004 and quickly became a country classic. The song is about living your life to the fullest and enjoying every moment because you never know when your time will come to an end. 8.”Conway Twitty’s Funeral” by Alan Jackson Conway Twitty’s Funeral was released in 2007 as a tribute to country legend Conway Twitty after his death . The song is about how death can come suddenly and unexpectedly, so we should all take advantage of every moment we have with our loved ones while we are alive
The history of country music and how it has evolved over the years
Country music has been around for centuries, evolving and changing as the years go by. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of country music and how it has evolved over the years.
Country music can be traced back to the early 1800s, when folk songs from the British Isles were brought over to the United States by immigrants. These songs were usually about love, loss, or home, and they were sung in a simple, unadorned style. Over time, these songs began to be adopted by American musicians, who added their own twist to them.
One of the earliest style of country music was known as “old-time” music. This style was popular in the early 1900s and was characterized by its simple melodies and lyrics. Old-time music often featured instruments such as fiddles and guitars, and it was often played at dances or square dances.
In the 1920s, a new style of country music emerged: honky-tonk. This style was more upbeat than old-time music, and it featured more instruments such as pianos and horns. Honky-tonk songs often had a light-hearted feel to them, and they were often about drinking or heartbreak.
As country music became more popular in the 1930s and 1940s, it began to be influenced by other genres such as blues and jazz. This led to the creation of new styles such as western swing and boogie woogie. Country music also began to be played on the radio, which helped to spread its popularity even further.
In the 1950s, a new type of country music known as Nashville sound emerged. This style was more polished than previous styles of country music, and it featured string instrumentation instead of just guitars and fiddles. Nashville sound was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and it helped to make country music more mainstream.
Today, there are many different types of country music being made by artists all over the world. Some artists have stayed true to traditional styles while others have experimented with different sounds and influences. No matter what type of country music you prefer, there’s sure to be an artist out there making it!
The influence of country music on American culture
Since its inception, country music has played an important role in American culture. The genre has been a reflection of the times, depicting the stories and emotions of rural America. It has also served as a unifying force, bringing people together despite their differences.
In recent years, country music has become one of the most popular genres in the United States. It is regularly played on radio stations across the country and its artists routinely top the charts. Yet despite its popularity, country music still retains its roots in American culture.
Many of today’s biggest stars, including Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood, got their start by singing in church choirs or performing at local rodeos. They later rose to prominence by playing small clubs and bars before eventually making it big in Nashville.
Country music has always been about storytelling. Songs like “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton and “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley tell stories that resonate with listeners from all walks of life. In a way, these songs are the modern day equivalent of the folk songs that were popular in the early days of country music.
While country music has evolved over the years, its impact on American culture remains strong. The genre continues to be a reflection of the times and a unifying force for people from all different backgrounds.
The importance of country music in the lives of everyday Americans
In his latest documentary, Ken Burns turns his lens to country music, exploring the stories behind some of the genre’s most iconic songs and the artists who made them famous. Burns showcases the music’s ability to touch lives and bring people together, illustrating how country music has always been an integral part of the American experience.
Featuring never-before-heard interviews with some of country music’s biggest stars, Ken Burns’ Country Music: The Stories Behind the Songs is a must-see for any fan of the genre. This eight-part documentary series offers a fascinating look at how country music has evolved over the years, and how it continues to play an important role in the lives of everyday Americans.
