WICHITA , Kan. — PBS has announced that Ken Burns’ Country Music will premiere Sept. 15, 2019, on KPTS.

This 16-hour documentary chronicles the history of country music, from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more.

Step back in time and journey through the compelling history of a truly American art form when Country Music, a new eight-part, 16-hour film directed by Ken Burns, and produced by Burns and his long-time collaborators Dayton Duncan and Julie Dunfey, premieres Sept. 15 through Sept. 18, and Sept. 22 through Sept. 25 at 7 to 9 p.m. and 9 to 11 CST. The series will stream on station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and PBS apps. 

The documentary, written by Duncan, who also wrote the illustrated companion book (coming from Alfred A. Knopf on September 10), 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 explores crucial questions –– “What is country music?” and “Where did it come from?”–– while focusing on the biographies of the fascinating trailblazers who created and shaped it — from the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Bill Monroe and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more — as well as the times in which they lived. Much like the music itself,  the film tells unforgettable stories of hardships and joys shared by everyday people. Trailers for the film are available here.

Kansas Country, a documentary produced by KPTS – Channel 8, will air on Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. and on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. Kansas Country is all about Kansas’ contribution to country music from the beginning until now. It’s a fast-paced, informative, and entertaining 30-minute documentary that includes interviews with stars such as Johnny Western and Logan Mize. This film includes fascinating history that explains the key role Kansas has played in the development of the country genre.

FREE PUBLIC SCREENINGS

In advance of the premieres of these films, KPTS – Channel 8 will host three, free public screenings — in Wichita, Salina, and Arkansas City — to bring attention to these important new films plus have fun! There will be country artists playing and a cash bar with light refreshments provided at each screening.

Following is the information for the Salina event.

• Tuesday
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Band & Cash Bar – Morgan Wilk & Band
• 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – Screening of Kansas Country and Country Music and cash bar
• Rolling Hills Zoo Wildlife Museum – Conference Center, 625 N. Hedville Rd.
  *Attendees are free to explore the museum at no charge.