CMA Presents CRS Keynote Previewing Ken Burns Documentary “Country Music”
The Country Music Association presented a preview of the forthcoming Ken Burns-directed PBS documentary, “COUNTRY MUSIC,” at Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary keynote event on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. After introductory remarks from CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, the film’s writer and producer Dayton Duncan shared a few words about his work alongside Burns before previewing several episodes from the project. CRS Board President and CMA Board President Kurt Johnson closed the panel, speaking to attendees about how Country radio can become involved in the landmark series.
Burns and Duncan, along with longtime collaborator Julie Dunfey, spent eight years researching and producing the eight-part, 16-hour documentary, which chronicles the highs and lows of Country Music’s early days, from southern Appalachia’s songs of struggle, heartbreak and faith to the rollicking Western swing of Texas, California’s honky-tonks and Nashville’s “Grand Ole Opry.” The film follows the evolution of Country Music over the course of the 20th century as it eventually emerges to become “America’s music.” “COUNTRY MUSIC” premieres on PBS Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019.
Following the keynote presentation, CMA sponsored a welcome reception featuring a performance by CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship recipient Travis Denning.
