Up Next
Back to Show
Country Music
The First Major Mexican-American Country Music Star
Johnny Rodriguez grew up in South Texas, 90 miles from the Mexican border. He loved mariachi and was drawn to the country music songs of Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Merle Haggard. Singing in English and Spanish, Rodriguez would have 15 consecutive Top 10 hits and become the first Mexican-American to be a major country music star.
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:50:53
Visit Memphis during the era of rockabilly, and see how Patsy Cline rises to stardom.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:15
Meet the country stars of post-war America, including the Hillbilly Shakespeare.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:49
Nashville transforms into Music City as America falls for singing cowboys and Texas Swing.
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:29
So-called “hillbilly music” reaches new listeners and launches its first stars’ careers.