Encore Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV + Sunday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Currently available to stream on demand with KPBS Passport!
—The Stories Behind The Songs of Country Music’s Legendary Performers—
“Iconic Women Of Country” opens up the music vaults to provide an intimate look at legendary female artists, their stories and songs, and why they’ve stood the test of time. A love letter to the women of Nashville, the program pays tribute to 14 icons of country music — Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee and more — with heartfelt stories from ten contemporary artists, including Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd and Kathy Mattea.
We got to know these legendary women through their songs — and then fell in love with them. They told stories and sang songs that spoke to their audiences — women whose lives weren’t always easy, but who could relate to the joys, heartaches, struggles and triumphs reflected in the music.
Rarely headliners, these “girl singers,” as the industry often referred to them, were usually the only female performers on the bill. “Iconic Women Of Country” puts the spotlight on their stories.
Current female country music stars reflect on each legend’s iconic song — one that comes to mind when someone says “Patsy” or “Tammy” or “Loretta.” Viewers hear stories behind the song, how it reflected the artist, why it had such an immediate impact, and why it’s lasted through the decades.
Using the songs as an entry point, the film provides a unique look at the hallmark artist along with the context and influences that made the song so popular and timely. What drove these legends to write or perform each memorable song? How did the songs reflect their own lives? What inspired them?
The film unearths stories and provides new insight through the reflections of those who have followed in the footsteps of legends and continue to sing these songs.
Original interviews, archival footage and classic recordings bring the story to life, while the fan artists — storytellers themselves — bring warmth, heart and appreciation in a personal way.
Performers featured include Pam Tillis, Suzy Bogguss, Connie Smith, Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Terri Clark, Lorrie Morgan, Kathy Mattea, Irlene Mandrell and Kellie Pickler.
“Iconic Women Of Country” includes these performances:
- Kitty Wells – “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”
- Connie Smith – “Once A Day”
- Jeannie C. Riley – “Harper Valley PTA
- Barbara Mandrell – “Sleeping Single In A Double Bed”
- Patsy Montana – “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart”
- Dolly Parton – “Love Is Like A Butterfly”
- Tammy Wynette – “Stand By Your Man”
- Brenda Lee – “Big Four Poster Bed”
- Loretta Lynn – “You Ain’t Woman Enough”
- Jean Shepard – “Second Fiddle”
- Patsy Cline – “Walkin’ After Midnight”
- Dottie West – “Country Sunshine”
- Lynn Anderson – “I Never Promised You A Rose Garden”
- Minnie Pearl – Special Subject / Comedy Routine
Watch On Your Schedule:
This program is currently available to stream on demand with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Credits:
Producer: TH Entertainment, LLC
