Watch Ken Burns’ Country Music

Now playing on PBS – Don’t miss it.

A few glaring omissions:

Web Pierce, one of the biggest stars of the 50’s and 60’s if not even mentioned. 

Lefty Frizzell is only mentioned in connection with “Long Black Veil” – a late recording. His early work is omitted. He also comes up in connection with Merle Haggard who immitated him in his early years.

Jim Reeves is heard only briefly in connection with the Nashville Sound. His name is not mentioned.

Burns, true to form, dwells on social and political issues, i.e., race relations and women’s lib. Some context is good, but he gives Charlie Pride a lot of time, while leaving out other artists of that time period. Also, a lot on Johnny Cash, who does have an interesting story, but he crowds out other worthy artists for time.

Wynn Stewart is not mentioned in connection with the Bakersfield Sound – only Haggard and Buck Owens.

More gripes sure to come.