The BBC is shining a light on country music this year across radio, TV and digital with a feast of programmes and specials.
Highlights for 2025 include BBC Two series Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip, which will see Rob journey around America’s southern states to discover country music’s origins and what led to its recent global explosion.
Rob Brydon says: “I’ve always loved country music but never really delved too deeply into it. The current resurgence means it's the perfect time to head over to Nashville and find out more. I can't wait to immerse myself in this fascinating world of music.
Rob Brydon’s Honky Tonk Road Trip will air in September on BBC Two.
Country music fan Brydon, who once topped the charts with his own take on a country classic (Barry) Islands in the Stream, with Gavin and Stacey co-star Ruth Jones, will visit America’s southern states in search of the people, places and culture where country music roots run deep. He’ll be meeting the stars, hanging out with locals and immersing himself in the way of life.
It’s an entertaining, fascinating and laughter filled exploration of country music, past and present, during which Rob discovers its origins, the secrets to its longevity and what led to its recent global explosion all set against the epic backdrop of the American south.
Rob’s road trip begins in Nashville, Tennessee, which is celebrating 100 years of The Grand Ole Opry - the city’s music show that’s synonymous with country and from there he’ll be climbing in his truck and heading to Kentucky, the home of bluegrass, which has produced many legendary country artists, then into the Appalachian Mountains, where he’ll learn how British settlers brought their traditional ballads and instruments that influenced the country music sound. In Bristol, Tennessee, he’ll meet Carlene Carter, granddaughter of Carter Family founding member and country music pioneer “Mother” Maybelle Carter, before heading to meet Dolly Parton’s niece Heidi in Dollywood.
Other stops include: Alabama, where Rob plays homage to Hank Williams, whose honky tonk style made him the biggest country star of the 1940s; Mississippi, where he’ll visit Tupelo where Elvis grew up listening to country and blues and Memphis, including Sun Studios where Elvis jammed with Johnny Cash and pioneered the rockabilly sound. The adventure concludes back in Nashville, at the Grand Ole Opry, with exploration of the current sound emerging from the iconic city.
Rachel Davies, Commissioning Editor, BBC Popular Music TV says: “We’ve seen an explosion of interest in country in the past few years, so it’s a great moment to explore the history, evolution and rising significance of this genre. We’ll be bringing audiences extended coverage of the biggest moments in the country music calendar and we’re delighted that Rob Brydon will be sharing his love of the music and putting his own unique spin on a tour around the US southern states.”
Also in September on BBC Two is Rebel Country, directed by Francis Whately and produced by Janet Lee for whynow Studios and BMG.
The feature-length documentary explores a new breed of authentic stars who are rewriting the rules and challenging the culture of country music. Rebel Country explores the current tensions of race, class, poverty, gender, sexuality and creativity versus commerce and geography that are still prevalent in the United States today, while acknowledging their connection to Nashville’s rebellious roots. Artists paving the way include Jelly Roll, Blanco Brown, Breland, Lindsay Ell, Brooke Eden and Lainey Wilson. The success of rapper Lil Nas X and his 18-million-selling, country-inspired hit Old Town Road is emblematic of a seismic shift that is happening in US country music now, as is Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album, which won Best Country Album at this year’s Grammy Awards.
Rob Brydon pictured (Credit: Nick Maxted)
