Ken Burns’ 8-hour documentary on PBS offers fascinating details about the legacy of American country music and its artists. Add the stunning old photos and video clips Burns has assembled and it is a real American history lesson. I recorded the entire series and am thoroughly enjoying every episode.
Most of the artists came from very humble origins in the American South and Appalachians, and their love for music pulled some out of poverty and into a world of celebrity and wealth. They defined country music as “three chords and the truth”. It was, and is, a savory stew of hillbilly, bluegrass, gospel, pop and “race” music borrowed from southern black musicians.
Most of us know that Merle Haggard was born in California to parents who moved there from Oklahoma to escape the depths of the Great Depression. We know Merle was in and out of jail for many years and was inspired to a career in country music when he saw Johnny Cash play at San Quentin. But I was surprised to learn that after his father died Haggard left home by jumping on a freight train. He was ten years old. Can you imagine a ten-year old that you know, maybe your child or grandchild, surviving on his own at that age?
Dolly Parton grew up in a one-room cabin in the Tennessee hills with no electricity or running water. She and her family, including 11 siblings, listened faithfully to the Grand Old Opry show every Saturday night on a battery-powered Philco radio. She showed remarkable song-writing and singing ability at a tender age, and when she was ten years old she was the bread-winner of her family, earning $10 every Saturday singing on a local television show. “I was on TV before my family even owned one,” Dolly said. “And I bought that one!”
The pioneers of country music had fearless determination and faith, pride in their humble beginnings, and a deep appreciation for a compelling story sung straight from the heart. I was surprised to find that for almost every country artist featured in the documentary, I have at least one song in my catalog of covers.
The good ones are made of three chords and the truth.
Tom Balek
Caution! Blind Driver