Talkin' Country

Guests Mark Jones, son of Grandpa and Ramona Jones of "Hee Haw," and Dave Smith, host of Ozark Highlands Radio discuss the first episode of Ken Burns' documentary "Country Music." The episode covers what was first called "hillbilly music" and how it reached new audiences through phonographs and radio, and launched the careers of country music's first big stars, the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.

Bob Brumley, president of Albert E. Brumley and Sons Music, Mark Jones and Dave Smith discuss the second episode of Ken Burns' "Country Music." Nashville becomes the heart of the country music industry. The genre grows in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II as America falls in love with singing cowboys, Texas Swing and the Grand Ole Opry's Roy Acuff.

Songwriter Charley Sandage and acoustic musician Tim Crouch, fiddle player for Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson and others discuss with host Bob Robbins the third episode of Ken Burns "Country Music." The bluegrass sound spreads in post-war America, and honky-tonk star Hank Williams sings songs of surprising emotional depth that are derived from his troubled and tragically short life.

Join host Bob Robbins and guests Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Roy Cash, songwriter and nephew of Johnny Cash; Bobby Crafford, drummer and manager of Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers; and Lee Anthony, former studio owner and record producer, as they discuss episode 4 of Ken Burns' "Country Music."

Host Bob Robbins, Country music artist Barbara Fairchild, best known for her 1973 hit "The Teddy Bear Song," and Roy Cash, discuss the fifth episode of Ken Burns' documentary "Country Music." The film highlights Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride.

Learn how country music responds to a nation divided by the Vietnam War, as Army captain turned songwriter Kris Kristofferson sets a new lyrical standard, and artists like Bob Dylan and the Byrds find a recording home in Nashville.

Join host Bob Robbins and guests Nathan Hunnicutt, president of the Arkansas Country Music Awards, Flap Jones and Barbara Fairchild, as they discuss Ken Burns' "Country Music" episode 7, "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" (1973-1983).

Professional guitarist Charlie White, guitarist for Wynonna Judd, and Preston Palmer, musician and owner of Palmer Music join host Bob Robbins to discuss the final installment of "Country Music." The episode features the "New Traditionalists" like George Strait, Randy Travis and the Judds, who help country music stay true to its roots.