Music | Travel
Station:
BBC iPlayer (GB)
Status:
To Be Determined
Start:
2025-10-05
Rating:
0/10 from 0 users
Country music is exploding in popularity in Britain and music fan Rob 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, is hitting the road on a round trip of 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.
There is no Next Episode of Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip planned.
S1E1 - Episode 1
Actor, comedian and lifelong music fan Rob Brydon travels through the southern states of America to mark the centenary of country music. He's on a mission to uncover the history of the genre - where it began, how it evolved and why it's experiencing a major resurgence, especially in the UK.
Rob heads to the beating heart of country music: Nashville. He explores iconic venues like the Ryman Auditorium, goes live on air at WSM Radio - home of the Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest-running radio show - and meets country stars old and new, including Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Bill Anderson and rising British talent Twinnie.
Air Date: 05 Oct 2025 00:00 (CDT)
S1E2 - Episode 2
Rob Brydon continues his musical adventure through the southern states of America, celebrating 100 years of country music. He ventures deep into the Appalachian Mountains - the birthplace of country's vibrant and diverse roots.
Diving headfirst into the local culture, he samples traditional (and once-illegal) moonshine, takes a thrilling spin around a dirt track in a stock car, and traces country music's 'big bang' moment: the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions that launched the careers of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.
Air Date: 05 Oct 2025 00:00 (CDT)
S1E3 - Episode 3
In the final leg of his journey through the southern states of America, Rob Brydon explores the rich, often-overlooked influence of black musicians on the history of country music during the genre's 100th anniversary year.
In Alabama, he meets soulful vocal trio Chapel Hart, walks in the footsteps of Rosa Parks, learns about country music pioneer Hank Williams Sr from his grandson Sam Williams, has a bite at local Montgomery institution Chris' Famous Hotdogs. In Tupelo, Mississippi, he visits the birthplace of Elvis Presley, before continuing on to Memphis for a tour of the legendary Sun Studio.
Returning to Nashville, Rob joins the 9th annual Nashville Elvis Festival - a four-day extravaganza packed with Elvis impersonators from all over the world, taking to the stage for his very own Elvis tribute. He meets country music superstar Lainey Wilson to chat about the future of country music, and finally, he steps onto the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to share the story of his journey with a live audience.
Air Date: 05 Oct 2025 00:00 (CDT)