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“The Hillbilly Shakespeare” (1945 – 1953)
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.
Episode Clips
Ralph Stanley: The First Song Mother Taught Me
The late Ralph Stanley plays a banjo tune and describes his playing technique.
Hank Williams: The Songwriter and Performer
Featured artists discuss the genius and singularity of Hank Williams, Sr.
The Carter Scratch, Travis Picking, Doc Watson
Randy Scruggs exhibits the playing styles of Maybelle Carter, Merle Travis and Doc Watson.
Don Maddox: The Most Colorful Hillbilly Band in the World
Don Maddox, Jean Shepard, and Marty Stuart swap stories about the Maddox Brothers and Rose
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