'Country Music' Docu Maker To Be CRS Keynoter

Country Radio Seminar and the Country Music Association have announced that writer/producer, Dayton Duncan of the new eight-part, 16-hour Country Music documentary that will premiere on PBS this fall, will appear as part of Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary (CRS 2019) keynote event. 

Ken Burns, who directed and co-produced the film with long-time collaborators Duncan and Julie Dunfey, will appear via a taped intro piece, followed by Duncan discussing the film. 

The keynote event, set for Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m., will offer attendees an exclusive first look at clips with rare footage and interviews conducted over the six years it took to produce the film.  Country Radio Seminar Board President, Kurt Johnson will conclude the panel with an overview of how radio can get involved with this landmark event.

The film chronicles the highs and lows of country music’s early days, from southern Appalachia’s songs of struggle, heartbreak, and faith to the rollicking Western swing of Texas, California’s honky-tonks and Nashville’s “Grand Ole Opry.” The film follows the evolution of country music throughout the 20th century as it eventually emerges to become “America’s music.”

COUNTRY MUSIC, explores crucial questions, “What is country music?” and “Where did it come from?” while focusing on the biographies of the fascinating trailblazers who created and shaped it — from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Bill Monroe and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more — as well as the times in which they lived. Much like the music itself, the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people. More than 100 interviews were conducted in conjunction with this project.

“Ken Burns’ documentary is a monumental celebration of the country music genre,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “CMA is actively engaging our members to participate in this landmark series, and we’re delighted to share a sneak peek of the documentary with those attending CRS.”