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Back to: Celebrate the Work of Ken Burns
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“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
September 15, 2019
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.
Country Music
“The Sons and Daughters of America” (1964 – 1968)
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New country artists like Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride reflect a changing America.
"Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” (1968 – 1972)
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Learn what draws artists like Bob Dylan to Nashville as the Vietnam War rages.
“Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’” (1984 – 1996)
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Country music works to stay true to its roots as the genre skyrockets to new heights.
“The Rub” (Beginnings – 1933)
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So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers....
“Hard Times” (1933 – 1945)
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Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing....
“I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1953 – 1963)
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Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Hemingway
The Blank Page (1944-1961)
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Hemingway writes The Old Man and the Sea but is overcome by mental illness.
The Avatar (1929-1944)
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Hemingway, having achieved literary fame, goes to report on the Spanish Civil War.
A Writer (1899-1929)
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Hemingway moves to Paris and finds success with his second novel, A Farewell to Arms.
Muhammad Ali
Round Four: The Spell Remains (1974-2016)
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Muhammad Ali shocks the world by defeating George Foreman and becomes world famous.
Round Three: The Rivalry (1970 - 1974)
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Muhammad Ali returns from exile and twice faces his greatest rival, Joe Frazier.
Round Two: What's My Name? (1964-1970)
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Muhammad Ali is banished from boxing for refusing induction into the Army.
Round One: The Greatest (1942-1964)
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Cassius Clay rises from boastful amateur boxer to contender for the heavyweight title.
The American Buffalo
The Civil War
1865: "War Is All Hell"/"The Better Angels of Our Nature"
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Richmond falls to Grant's army, Lee surrenders, Lincoln is assassinated, and the war ends....
1864: "Valley of the Shadow of Death"/"Most Hallowed Ground"
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While causalities mount, Lincoln’s re-election chances dim.
1863: "Simply Murder"/"The Universe of Battle"
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Follow the Battle of Gettysburg, draft riots, and the first African-American troops.
1862: "A Very Bloody Affair"/"Forever Free"
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Lincoln’s war to preserve the Union transforms to a war to emancipate the slaves.
1861: "The Cause"
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Find out what caused the war, examining slavery and questions of union and states’ rights....
The National Parks
Morning of Creation (1946-1980)
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Examine the proliferation of protected lands and the protection of predatory animals.
Great Nature (1933-1945)
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Learn about the changes to the national parks during the Great Depression and WWII.
The Last Refuge (1890-1915)
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Investigate the efforts of Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and others to protect the land.
The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890)
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Examine the radical idea of creating national parks for the enjoyment of everyone.
The U.S. and the Holocaust
“The Homeless, Tempest-Tossed” (1942 - )
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As the Allies liberate German camps, the public sees the sheer scale of the Holocaust.
“Yearning to Breathe Free” (1938-1942)
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As war begins, some Americans work tirelessly to help refugees; others remain indifferent....
“The Golden Door” (Beginnings-1938)
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Reversing open borders, a xenophobic backlash prompts Congress to restrict immigration.
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