When Ken Burns releases a documentary, it's a big deal. When the subject is country music, it's an even bigger deal, especially around here.
To celebrate, and to promote, the Sept. 15 release of the "Country Music" eight-part series on PBS, local affiliate WTCI-TV Channel 45 has created promotional spots featuring six local people in the industry talking about how important the genre is to them.
The spots debuted Thursday and will air at various times on the station. They will also be shown during a special local preview screening/party at Songbirds Guitar Museum on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. The party will include a performance by The Dismembered Tennesseans, a Chattanooga bluegrass band founded in 1945.
Featured in the promotions are Roger Alan Wade, Tom Morley, Laura Walker, Ken Hicks, Angel Snow and James Rogers. The 30-second spots depict the locals discussing how important country music has been in their lives.
"I'm too lazy to work and too nervous to steal, so country music just fit my stride," says singer/songwriter Wade.
If you go
› What: An Evening of Country Music reception and preview screening of Ken Burns’ “Country Music”› When: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5› Where: Songbirds Guitar Museum, 35 Station St.› Admission: $75› Online: www.wtcitv.org
"Country is the soundtrack to our lives," Walker says in her spot. "I couldn't dream of my life without my music. It's everything to me."
Burns' 16-hour series features a number of country music luminaries like Vince Gill and Dolly Parton talking about the history of the genre and its importance to their lives. Featured are segments on such past stars as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and George Jones.
The series also will be available via online streaming with special viewing privileges provided to station members and sponsors.
Contact Barry Courter at 423-757- 6354 or bcourter@timesfreepress.com.