Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Ken Burns
Oct 18, 2019
Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentarian known for his deep dives into American history, discusses his latest series on country music. He reveals the genre's storytelling power and highlights the significant contributions of women like Dolly Parton. Burns explores the cultural intertwining within country music, emphasizing its diverse influences and emotional depth. He also introduces his online platform Unum, which curates historical narratives, and shares insights on the technological evolution of documentary filmmaking and hints at exciting upcoming projects.
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Dolly Parton's Inspiration
- Ken Burns was surprised he hadn't explored country music sooner, calling it a "Russian novel" of a century.
- Dolly Parton, from poverty, modeled her look on the "town trollop," intersecting with camp and high art.
Country Music's Diverse Roots
- Country music, unlike its categorization, connects to various genres like blues, jazz, R&B, and rock.
- Its founding stars, Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, represent a diverse blend of influences.
From Benton to Country Music
- Ken Burns's film on Thomas Hart Benton ended with Benton's death after painting "Sources of Country Music."
- This painting became the opening for Burns's "Country Music" documentary.