Ken Burns’ Country Music Now Streaming

With the release of the new Ken Burns documentary, “Country Music,” streaming services are adding tons of country music content to their libraries. Here’s where you can find it.

Introduction

Ken Burns’ Country Music is now streaming! This epic 16-hour documentary tells the story of country music from its humble beginnings in the rural South to its rise as a national phenomenon. Featuring more than 100 interviews and performances, the series chronicles the evolution of the music and its impact on American culture.

Whether you’re a country music fan or just a history buff, this series is sure to entertain and enlighten. So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and enjoy!

The History of Country Music

You can now watch Ken Burns’ eight-part documentary series, Country Music, on Netflix. The series chronicles the history of one of America’s most popular genres, from its roots in the southeastern United States to its contemporary incarnations. If you’re a fan of country music, or if you’re curious about its history, this series is a must-watch.

Early beginnings

The origins of country music are often debated. Many scholars believe that it began in the southern United States, specifically in the Appalachian Mountains, in the early 1920s. Other experts believe that country music has its roots in various folk traditions, including Celtic and Anglo-American ballads.

Whatever its exact origins, it is clear that country music has always been a blend of different musical styles and influences. In the early days of country music, artists borrowed heavily from other genres, including blues, jazz, and (of course) folk music. Over time, country artists began to develop their own distinctive sound, characterized by a twangy guitar and a heart-felt lyrical style.

By the mid-20th century, country music had become one of America’s most popular genres. Today, it continues to be one of the most popular genres in the world, with fans all over the globe.

The influence of radio

In the early 1920s, country music was introduced to a wider audience through radio broadcasting. The first national network broadcasts began in 1923 on the National Barn Dance radio program out of Chicago, which soon became one of the most popular shows in America. These early broadcasts were mostly focused on promoting square dances and other live events, but they also began to feature recordings of popular music. Over time, more and more recorded music was played on the radio, and country music became one of the most popular genres.

In 1927, the first commercial country music recording was released, and it featured the fiddle playing of Eck Robertson. This recording helped to spread country music even further, as it could now be heard by people all over the country. Soon after, a number of different artists began to release their own recordings, and country music became one of the most popular genres in America.

The influence of television

The publication of Country Music: A Cultural and Stylistic History in 1997 coincided with the country music industry’s shift to Nashville, TN. This migration was made possible by the increasing influence of television in country music. Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, the genre’s most important live venue, began airing on television in 1955. The following year, “Ozark Jubilee” became country music’s first network television show. These programs helped to spread country music’s popularity beyond its traditional base in the southeastern United States.

The rise of country music as a commercial force began in the 1960s with the “Nashville Sound,” a more polished style of country music that appealed to a wider audience. This new sound was popularized by artists such as Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves, and Loretta Lynn. Country music became increasingly mainstreamed in the 1970s with the advent of “outlaw country,” a subgenre that rejected the Nashville Sound in favor of a grittier, more traditional style. Artists such as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings were at the forefront of this movement.

In the 1980s and 1990s, country music underwent another stylistic shift away from its traditional roots. The “ Urban Cowboy ” movement brought country music into the mainstream once again, with artists such as Garth Brooks achieving crossover success with both country and pop audiences. Since then, country music has continued to evolve, incorporating elements of rock , R&B , and hip-hop . Today, it is one of America’s most popular genres.

The influence of the internet

The internet has played a major role in the development of country music. The earliest days of the genre were defined by songs that were passed down from generation to generation, and the internet has made it easier than ever for these songs to be shared. Today, there are countless country music websites, forums, and social media groups dedicated to discussing the genre and sharing new music.

The internet has also made it easier for country artists to reach a wider audience. In the past, artists would have to rely on radio airplay or touring to promote their music, but nowadays they can simply upload their songs to streaming services or create their own websites and social media accounts. This has allowed many lesser-known artists to gain a following that they wouldn’t have otherwise had.

The Music of Country Music

Released last year, Ken Burns’ documentary Country Music is now streaming on PBS. The film explores the history of the genre from its roots in the American South to its present day popularity. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in country music, the film provides a fascinating look at the evolution of this American art form.

The artists

While a number of different artists have shaped country music over the years, there are a few that have been particularly influential. Ken Burns’ Country Music spotlights some of the most important performers in the genre, including:

The Carter Family – One of the earliest and most significant groups in country music history, the Carter Family was comprised of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter. They were known for their beautiful harmonies and for popularizing songs like “Wildwood Flower” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

The Stanley Brothers – The Stanley Brothers were another immensely influential early country music group. Comprised of brothers Carter and Ralph Stanley, they were known for their stunning bluegrass harmonies and for hits like “Oh Death” and “Man of Constant Sorrow.”

Hank Williams – A true country music pioneer, Hank Williams was one of the first artists to cross over into mainstream popularity. He is best known for songs like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

The Byrds – The Byrds were a rock band with country influences, and their sound helped to shape the genre of country-rock. Some of their most well-known songs include “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season).”

The songs

While country music has always been about the songs, in the last few years, it has become more focused on the stories behind them. In his new documentary film, Country Music, Ken Burns shines a light on some of the most important and influential songs in the genre’s history. Here are just a few of the many highlights from the film.

“The Wabash Cannonball” is a song that has been associated with country music since its inception. The song was originally written by Harry C. Miller in 1882 and was later popularized by both The Carter Family and Roy Acuff. In Burns’ film, country music historian Bill C. Malone describes the song as “the first great train song of American popular music.”

“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is a seminal country song written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1949. The song is widely regarded as one of Williams’ best, and its popularity has only grown in the years since his death. In Burns’ film, Music Row legend Chet Atkins calls it “a perfect piece of poetry.”

“Crazy” is a song that was made famous by Patsy Cline, but was originally written and recorded by Willie Nelson in 1961. Nelson’s version didn’t find much success at the time, but Cline’s version (recorded in 1963) catapulted her to stardom and became one of her signature songs. In Burns’ film, Nelson reflects on how gratifying it is to see one of his songs become so successful after all these years.

These are just a few of the many classic songs featured in Ken Burns’ Country Music. The film is now streaming on PBS so you can watch it anytime, anywhere.

The sound

More than any other genre, country music is about a particular place and time. And that place is almost always rural America, with its wide open spaces, its church on Sunday mornings, and its honky-tonks at night. And that time is usually the present or the recent past. This focus on the here and now gives country music its unique immediacy and sense of urgency.

But country music is also about a certain kind of feeling: a longing for simpler times, for a more romanticized version of life. This feeling is often expressed in the music itself, which has a traditional sound that harkens back to an earlier era. This sound is sometimes called the “twang” of country music, and it’s created by the use of certain instruments, like the steel guitar and fiddle, as well as by the way these instruments are played.

The Future of Country Music

Ken Burns’ new documentary “Country Music” is now streaming on PBS. The series offers a detailed look at the history of country music, from its roots in the American south to its current global popularity. In addition to featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in the genre, the series includes performances by contemporary artists who are keeping country music alive.

The rise of streaming

The future of country music seems to be moving towards a more streaming-based model, as opposed to the traditional album sales format. This is due in part to the rise of digital music consumption, as well as the fact that many country music fans are now subscribing to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Some experts believe that this shift could mean big things for the genre, as it will allow for a more direct connection between artists and fans. Additionally, it could lead to more collaboration between different artists, as well as new opportunities for marketing and promotion.

Of course, only time will tell how country music will ultimately evolve in the digital age. However, it seems clear that streaming is likely to play a major role in its future.

The decline of sales

It’s no secret that the music industry has been in decline for a number of years, and country music is no exception. According to a report from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), sales of country music have been on the decline since 2000, falling from $1.4 billion to $623 million in 2016. This trend is expected to continue, with sales projected to fall to $541 million by 2021.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline in country music sales, including the rise of digital streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, which allow users to listen to music for free (or for a monthly subscription fee). Furthermore, CDs and other physical formats are becoming increasingly obsolete, as more and more people opt to purchase their music digitally.

What does this mean for the future of country music? It’s difficult to say definitively, but it seems likely that the genre will continue to struggle in the coming years. That said, there are still many passionate fans of country music who are willing to support artists financially, whether through purchasing albums or attending concerts. And as long as there are passionate fans, there will be country musicians striving to create great art.

The popularity of live performances

Country music is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and its popularity shows no signs of waning anytime soon. One of the things that makes country music so special is the fact that it is often enjoyed live. There is something about seeing a country artist perform live that just can’t be replicated.

Whether it’s watching a small band play in a local bar or seeing one of the genre’s superstars in concert, there is an undeniable appeal to live country music. There are few things more exhilarating than singing along to your favorite songs with a group of like-minded people.

One of the reasons why country music has such a dedicated following is because of the personal connection that fans feel with the artists.Country music is often described as “storytelling set to music,” and fans can really connect with the artists who sing these songs. They feel like they know them, and this creates a strong bond between artist and fan.

This connection is often strongest when fans see their favorite artists perform live. There is something about being in the same room as someone who knows exactly how you feel that just can’t be beat. That feeling of camaraderie and connection is what keeps people coming back to live country music performances again and again.