American Epic

- Season 1

(2017)

When a music scout travels to Tennessee in 1927, he ignites not only the "Big Bang" of Country music but also the "Big Bang" of rhythm and blues.

In 1927 a sanctified preacher unites a southern town and inspires Bebop, coal-miners use music to rebel against their cruel working conditions, and a wild bluesman emancipates the Mississippi Delta.

In the 1920s, the Hopi, Hawaiians, Hispanics, Cajuns, and a once forgotten folk singer are all brought together to make records that let America hear itself for the first time.

Using the only 1920's era recording device in existence, Jack White and T Bone Burnett produce a series of recording sessions in tribute to the mostly unknown artists celebrated in the three prior episodes of this PBS documentary series.