America's Music: The Roots of Country
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America's Music: The Roots of Country, produced and directed by Tom Neff

All images © by Lou Delgado. All rights reserved.

This six-hour, multi-part film series, that premiered on TBS Superstation, examined the evolution of America's most popular and enduring music form, from its origins in Appalachia to its currents preeminence across the country. The film is a comprehensive journey through the rich history of American country music as told by the performing legends of the past and the stars of today.

To tell its story, Tom Neff, the producer of the The Roots of Country, utilized interviews with the women and men who laid the foundations for the billion-dollar industry and those who are at its apex today, including luminaries such as the Judds, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette, Kitty Wells, Ray Price, Buck Owens, George Jones, Chet Aktins, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Tracy Lawrence, Lorrie Morgan, Alan Jackson, Harland Howard, Waylon Jennings, Brooks and Dunn, Marty Stuart, Joe Diffie, Grandpa Jones, Trisha Yearwood, Roy Rogers, Glen Campbell, Loretta Lynn, Ray Charles, The Mavericks, Martina McBride, Jon Vezner, Kathy Mattea, Steve Warriner, Mark Chesnut, Billy Ray Cyrus, Holly Dunn, Carlene Carter, Ronnie Milsap, Emmylou Harris, Asleep at the Wheel, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Hillman, Hank Williams, Jr., Charlie Daniels, Mickey Gilley, Freddy Fender, Randy Owen, Moe Bandy, Marty Roe, Aaron Tippin, Dwight Yoakam, Sammy Kershaw, Buck Owens, John Anderson, Bill Monroe, and many, many others.

Marty Stuart helped to promote the film before release and Kris Kristofferson narrates.

To capture the spirit of country, director Tom Neff took the Roots of Country crew all throughout the Southeast United States, Colorado, Arizona, and California. The film took over two years to film.

MUSIC     Background MIDI: "Will the Circle be Unbroken," by A.P. Carter.    (Need to use the EXPLORER browser.)
Collin Raye and Roots of Country Crew The crew traveled to Copper Mountain, Colorado, where Michael Martin Murphy holds his annual "WestFest" celebration to all things Western, including Western Music. That week Tom Neff interviewed Merle Haggard, Don Edwards, Collin Raye, Raul Malo (The Mavericks), Hal Ketchum, Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel), and others
Tom Neff and Waylon Jennings Waylon Jennings was a true Nashville maverick during the 1960's. Incredibly enough he once played with Buddy Holly, and gave up his airplane seat to Ritchie Vallens on that tragic day "the music died." Waylon was an incredible singer, man, and a cool cat to the "Roots of Country" crew. RIP Waylon, we will miss you.
	Chet Atkins One of the legendary "Gentlemen" of Nashville was guitarist and record executive, Chet Atkins. Chet gave a lecture to Vanderbilt University the day I took this photo, where he wowed audience with his guitar versatility.
TNN's "The Crook and Chase Show" Lorraine Crook and Charlie Chase were true friends to the "Roots of Country" film. I was invited back-stage often to capture in 35mm format, many of the country stars that had participated in the "Roots of Country." Lorraine and Charlie always made me feel welcome, and always asked how the filming was coming along. They exemplify Southern gentility.
	Faith Hill and Katie Haas Faith Hill and DJ and television journalist Kattie Haas in an auction setting.
Dolly Parton What can one say about the legendary Dolly Parton, that has not been said before. She gave much of her valuable time to the "Roots of Country" project. Thank you Dolly.
	Johnny Cash When I first met Johnny Cash, I said, "You look incredible Mr. Cash." He responded, "Call me Johnny, and that's what a ten thousand dollar Manuel suit makes you look like." What a scream.
Loretta Lynn and Tom Neff You can tell that everyting they say abut Loretta Lynn, that is, she's super nice, is so true in this shot of director Tom Neff and Loretta. She gives away "hugs a dozen" daily. I even got one. Yes!
	Vince Gill Former "Pure Prairie League" guitarist and singer Vince Gill displays how serious he is about his instrument. Gill almost singlehandedly restored the high lonesome tenor sound on country radio.
Rodney Crowell In 1988, Crowell's "Diamonds and and Dirt" album yielded five straight #1 hits. I captured this shot at the legendary "Bluebird Cafe," when Crowell was donating his skills and time at a concert benefiting Aids research.
	Tim McGraw and Roots of Country Crew When the "Roots of Country" crew got to Nashville in June 1993, our first shoot was a Tim McGraw picnic during Fan Fair week in Nashville.
Tracey Lawrence Tracy was a hard working guy in 1994 as his career was begining to take off. Tracy still had time to help Tom Neff capture on film his life and background. Tom and I ran into him eight months later and he was still animated to talk about the "Roots of Country" project."
	The Gatlin Brothers and Tom Neff From Left to R: Steve, Tom Neff, Larry, and Rudy Gatlin. The Gatlin's, with the help of legendary Dottie West, became huge Country celebs in the 1970's. I shot this photo at the "Crook and Chase" TNN television show.
Tom Neff and ABC television affiliate reporter in Bristol, TN and VA The first major road trip the "Roots of Country" crew took was to the birth of old-time music Bristol, TN and VA. Tom Neff is being interviewed by the local ABC television affiliate. If you have seen the Coen's film "Brother Were Are Thou," Bristol was considered a huge city to the folks who lived anywhere near there. Makes one go, "Mmmmmmmmmmm."