American Roots Music
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About
Travel back through the 20th century to explore the roots of American music and discover the pioneers of the musical forms that combined on American soil to become the most pervasive music throughout the world.
Seasons
Episodes
Miniseries
When First Unto This Country
Trace the emergence of roots music in America from its European and African origins through its maturation into American musical genres such as spirituals, blues, country and gospel. For the first time, American “folk” music is defined as scholars and music industry entrepreneurs travel throughout the nation to record authentic cultural expression through field recordings, photographs, early newsreels, and ethnographic footage. “Hillbilly” and “race” records become profitable recording industry genres that popularize regional music. The emergence of radio broadens audiences and helps the cross-fertilization of various musical forms. Explore such important turning points as the popularization of African-American spirituals by the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the birth of country music with the recording of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers by Ralph Peer, the development of the Grand Ole Opry, and the creation of gospel music by Thomas A. Dorsey with commentary by Pete Seeger, Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, Ricky Skaggs, Rufus Thomas and Keb' Mo' among many others.
This Land Is Your Land
Explore a period in which different strands of roots music become commercialized and visible through movies, television, radio and records. Concurrently, “folk music” is redefined to include newly written music for songs that often deal with social causes. Roots music is influenced by the labor movement, WWII, urban migration, progressive politics and the McCarthy era. We see how roots genres, particularly country, are evolving. From the popularization of cowboy and western music through movies and radio to the development of western swing by charismatic band leader, Bob Wills, the creation of Bluegrass by Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs and the innovations of “honky tonk” artists including Ernest Tubb, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams, country music is sprouting many branches from its roots. This episode also highlights the early folk revival with the emergence of Woody Guthrie and the recording of Lead Belly by John and Alan Lomax. Finally, we trace the origins of the blues scene in Memphis from a small radio station down in Helena, Arkansas where the blues were first broadcast to Elvis Presley's first big hit with Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup's blues song “That's All Right Mama.” Commentary in this episode is provided by Earl Scruggs, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, Arlo Guthrie, Sam Phillips, Kitty Wells and B.B. King among many others.
The Times They Are a-Changin'
Trace the continuing emergence of American roots music through a national awareness catalyzed by the folk and blues revivals. Gospel music's golden years are explored in this episode, from the Golden Gate Quartet to Rosetta Tharpe, Mahalia Jackson, and the crossover success of the Staple Singers. Urban migration from the Mississippi Delta to Chicago fosters the electrification of the blues, producing such giants as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. During this period, folk music and the blues become intertwined with youth culture and social and political causes like the Civil Rights and anti-war movements. The Newport Folk Festival presents a mixture of traditional blues, gospel and country artists with popular “folk” and protest singers of the time. Blues bands integrate and begin playing for integrated audiences, and Bob Dylan, the most prolific singer/songwriter of the generation, goes electric, causing quite a stir in the “folk” community. Commentary in this episode is provided by Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, Peter Yarrow, Pete Seeger, John Sebastian, Keith Richards, James Cotton and B.B. King among many others.
All My Children of the Sun
Explore the reassessment of diverse ethnic musics previously excluded from American “folk” music, and their inclusion in a redefined “American roots music.” This episode describes the flourishing of Cajun culture in southwest Louisiana, the popularization of tejano music in south Texas, and the evolution of Native American music forms. We round out the series by exploring the state of American roots music today - where the blues, country and gospel genres are now and where they are headed in the 21st century. Commentary in this episode is provided by Marc and Ann Savoy, Steve Riley, Flaco Jimenez, Edwin Hawkins, Robbie Robertson, Floyd Westerman, and Robert Mirabal among many others.
Where does American Roots Music rank today?
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Watch American Roots Music Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Stream American Roots Music online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A talked-about documentary series originally produced in English and released in 2001, it's earned a solid 4.2/10 from 2 viewers worldwide.
About American Roots Music
Travel back through the 20th century to explore the roots of American music and discover the pioneers of the musical forms that combined on American soil to become the most pervasive music throughout the world. Across 1 season and 4 episodes, originally airing on PBS.
Where to Watch American Roots Music Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch American Roots Music free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch American Roots Music NowWhy People Are Watching American Roots Music
American Roots Music flies under the radar but it deserves your attention. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Roots Music
Where can I watch American Roots Music online for free?
You can watch American Roots Music online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does American Roots Music have?
American Roots Music has 4 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is American Roots Music good? What's the rating?
American Roots Music holds a 4.2/10 rating based on 2 reviews — a niche pick worth checking out.
Is American Roots Music available in English?
Yes — American Roots Music was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was American Roots Music released?
American Roots Music first aired in 2001.
Do I need an account to watch American Roots Music on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch American Roots Music without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Similar Series You Might Like
If you enjoyed American Roots Music, check out Bluegrass Underground, To rustne herrer i arbeid – Et kveldsskift av og med Paus & Fjeld, Transatlantic Sessions, David Holt's State of Music, and Terra&Acqua.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch American Roots Music for free?
You can watch American Roots Music online for free on Bowood.TV. All 4 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does American Roots Music have?
American Roots Music currently has 1 season and a total of 4 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is American Roots Music about?
Travel back through the 20th century to explore the roots of American music and discover the pioneers of the musical forms that combined on American soil to become the most pervasive music throughout the world. It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is American Roots Music originally available?
American Roots Music was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was American Roots Music first released?
American Roots Music first premiered on October 29, 2001 (2001). The series has since concluded its run.
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