RJ Curtis, Country Radio Seminar: Country Music by Ken Burns: "This film is intoxicating and addictive."

What's your reaction been to the "Country Music" documentary by Ken Burns?

RJ: This film is intoxicating and addictive. It's the book I can't put down; an obsession. I'm glued to every word, fascinated by the images on screen, and mesmerized by the artists they recruited to help weave together these historical mile markers of Country music. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of the entire series, which I binged the weekend before it debuted. Now, I'm watching each segment again in real time, and it's just as powerful.

A lot of this history I already knew, but this dives even deeper. I've been a part of this format for 40 years and, obviously, love everything about it. Watching this series, I have fallen in love with Country music all over again and developed a much more profound appreciation for it. I think anyone who earns even a small living as part of this genre should be required to watch it and probably own a copy of it.

What's the feedback been like in Nashville (from the music/radio industry)?

RJ: I think pride is the best word I can think of. I mean, this is Ken Burns we're talking about; everyone respects his work, his style of telling stories and sharing important parts of U.S. history. For him to even entertain the idea of devoting eight years and countless hours of work into the music we all love has tremendous impact. Nashville feels this film is also telling its story - there are so many images of the city, Lower Broadway, and of course, the Ryman [Auditorium].

Marty Stuart is quick to point out on more than one occasion that Nashville has always had its business act together when it came to music. That's an important fact many people outside our business may not know, but one that the Nashville music community is very proud of - and rightfully so.

If the artists are the stars of the show, from the very earliest days radio is the engine that fueled so much of the growth. What stands out about the iconic call letters and the barn dance shows that are brought to life in the film?

RJ: Radio, and the growth of the phonograph, really fueled Country music's growth and helped make it mass appeal. To me, the many barn dance shows show us what America was really like in the '30s and '40s and what Americans sought out as entertainment, and also show somewhat of a social structure for their lives. It was a much simpler time, of course.

Even though radio was a very new medium in the '30s, owners not only quickly figured out how to make it a viable business (selling insurance policies, flour, etc) but also how they could bring people together as a community, whether it was on the early, flame-throwing clear channel stations that reached large segments of the country, or on a local level too. The music was a common denominator, as was the lifestyle and the belief system that was an important subtext or theme of Country music. It's funny how much of what I just described is still true when it comes to radio - it has the power and the ability to bring people of similar beliefs together and unite them.

Ken Burns describes Country music as being about “universal stories and universal truths.” That really sums up its appeal, doesn't it?

RJ: It really does. And so does Harlan Howard's quote about “three chords and the truth.” There's a quote I've heard Ken Burns recite during his recent TV interviews, and it comes directly from the film. Legendary Jazz musician Charlie Parker was standing in front of a jukebox, playing one Country song after another, when his friends came up and asked him why he was listening to so many Country songs. He replied, “It's the stories, man. It's the stories.” That's really all we need to remember.

Radio is always looking for new ways to tell its story. Hard to beat the publicity of an eight-night Ken Burns film on PBS. How does Country radio build on the momentum and awareness that this series is generating?

RJ: I think - and hope - that radio is already seizing this opportunity and urging its listeners to tune in. And they have an opportunity to discuss this series on the air and to emphasize the nearly 100-year staying power of the genre. It hasn't, and isn't, going anywhere anytime soon.

Also, as I said earlier, the magnitude of Ken Burns taking on this topic, and absolutely nailing it on so many levels, makes it impossible for any naysayers out there to summarily dismiss Country music - as many people do. The mere mention of the words “Country music” cause some to wave the hand and tune out. As someone who accidentally fell into this format, I understand that to some degree. But, ANY music fan, ANY fan of history, ANY fan of this American history has to stand back and take notice. Country music doesn't need to be validated, but to see it examined so thoroughly like this raises its legitimacy to a level never recognized before.

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