“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953) | PBS SoCal

“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)

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Country Music

“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)

Episode 3 | 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.

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Full Episodes

Country Music

"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)

Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.

Country Music

“The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)

New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.

Country Music

“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)

Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.

Country Music

“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)

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

Country Music

“The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)

So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.