Country Nights on BBC Four and BBC Radio 2 will delve into the rich history of country music and probe the reasons for its current resurgence with a range of new commissions that will air across BBC Radio 2 and BBC Four in November. The season will feature original contributions from the likes of Kenny Rogers, Emmylou Harris and Kacey Musgraves, as well as rare archive performances from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks.

Highlights on BBC Four include: The Heart of Country – How Nashville Became Music City USA, a historical biography of the glittering hub of Country Music that reveals the dynamic relationship between commerce and art that has defined Nashville since 1925; Kenny Rogers: The Gambler (w/t), chronicling Kenny’s remarkable rise to the top of his game and the golden era of country music he ushered in; and Bob Harris: My Nashville, in which ‘Whispering’ Bob journeys to Music City USA to find out how music has shaped Nashville and why today it’s a place of pilgrimage for musicians from all over the world.

Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four says: “The history of country music is full of incredible stories, larger-than-life characters and wonderful music. This season of programmes will offer an in-depth look at a city whose influence has spread worldwide, and provide an entertaining, original and at times surprising take on this most enduring of musical genres.”

Radio 2 will be in Nashville for the 48th annual CMA Awards, the biggest night in the country music calendar, with Patrick Kielty broadcasting live in the run-up to the ceremony, and Bob Harris presenting a round-up of highlights from the awards, including interviews with the winners and the best performances from the night. Another highlight on the network will be Brad Paisley and Friends, a unique performance recorded in front of a live audience at the BBC’s Radio Theatre in central London, in which this country superstar performs stripped back acoustic versions of his hits with the songwriters who worked on them with him. This concert will also be broadcast on BBC Four.

Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and Director, BBC Music says: “Radio 2 has been supporting country music for a long time, but it’s riding a wave of popularity at the moment with superstars like Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood selling millions of records worldwide. I’m delighted that Patrick Kielty and Bob Harris will be broadcasting from Nashville on one of the biggest days in the country music calendar, bringing some of the magic of the CMA Awards to Radio 2 listeners. I’m particularly pleased that BBC Four is joining the celebrations this year with its season of programmes on the unique relationship between Nashville and country music.”