WILL-TV Presents: Illinois Country
Learn more about Illinois natives such as Gene Autry's sidekick Smiley Burnette and singer Jenny Lou Carson who were both instrumental in making Illinois the first "capital of country music." We travel to southern Illinois to hear the stories of John Hartford and Uncle Tupelo; and right here in central Illinois, we learn more about the recording pioneer Jerry Milam of Golden Voice Studios and the founders of Bloodshot Records - all of whom made remarkable contributions to the genre, sometimes changing it in controversial ways. Here are the air dates on WILL-TV and public TV stations across Illinois.
Filmmaker Sarah Edwards, Producer DJ Roach, and videographer Isaac Musgrave filmed nearly 25 interviews over the course of the year bringing Illinois Country to life. In this special series, we've culled great performances, fascinating (and sometimes funny!) stories, great interviews, behind the scenes content and cool tidbits you won't see in the one hour film.
Support Illinois Country with an ongoing donation of $10 (or a one-time gift of $120) and we'll send you one of our exclusive Illinois Country shirts. Go here to make your gift.