I just overheard on the radio that you have another series beginning soon on PBS. Yet again, and thankfully, it is of great interest to me, music.

Specifically, Country Music. Truth be told I wouldn’t consider myself a fan of the most recent incarnation of Country Music. But, when you are talking about the roots and the evolution of this genre. Now, as an adult, you are speaking to me.

Tues. Sept 10th

This documentary along with all your other documentaries which include Baseball, Lewis and Clark, The Vietnam War, The Roosevelts, and The West just to name a few. The list of movies, short films, and other documentaries you have done include topics such as historical events, people, families, legislation, and the justice system. Your films bring history to life, as well as, paint a realistic and honest picture of America.

During my almost 40 years on this planet I have been able to view the majority of your documentaries for free as they aired on PBS. All I can say is;

Thank you

Thank you for accidentally or intentionally becoming the official video archivist and documentarian of much of our American History. Also, a special thanks to Peter Coyote for being a great voice for some of your films.

Mon. Sept. 30th

Two weeks after the premiere I’ve seen a little bit of a few episodes. I know it’ll probably take me multiple years to complete. But I look forward to it.

I grew up listening to Johnny Cash as a kid. He was my grandfather’s favorite singer and songwriter. Honestly, as a kid I wasn’t a fan. That was old people music. The first taste of Country Music that I enjoyed were The Outlaws. I loved Waylon’s guitar, Willie’s voice, and Junior singin in my living room every Monday Night.

In my early 20’s I quickly came back to Johnny when my grandfather gave me a cassette that had a ton of good songs. “I still miss someone” was the first song that made me cry because it hit so close to home. I like to tell everyone the next song was “There you go” and it dried my tears but it wasn’t. However, it was on that cassette.

But it all worked out,

that girls is now,

my wife.

Thanks gramps

Because of my grandfather and his love of music and service to our Country, I appreciate the history of our Country and it’s music. The stories they share, the mixture of races, religions, and genders that have made this Country and it’s music. From the hollers and the hills in Appalachia, to the sharecropper fields in the South. From The Dust Bowl Refugees to the migrant fields of California.

First recorded in Bristol Tennessee. Country Music has traveled from sea to shinning sea and then back to Tennessee. From the front porch, to the fairs, in the dance halls, on stage at the Ryman, now up and over the Cumberland River to the newer Grand Ole Opry.

I’m not the foremost expert on any music genre, let alone Country. I know I love it’s roots in the blues and bluegrass. Not to mention it’s connection to this country and it’s history. But, what sets it a part are the lyrics.

If you write the truth,

If you’re writing about your life,

It’s gonna be Country,

Loretta Lynn from your documentary

Rumor has it you don’t cover the last 25 years.

Whatever the justification is on that,

I appreciate it.

Can’t wait to see and hear your documentary over the next year or so.

Thanks again.

Ken