Watch The Winding Stream

The Winding Stream is a documentary film directed by Beth Harrington that tells the story of the Carter Family, a legendary country music group that shaped the genre in the early 20th century. The film explores the history of the Carter Family and their influence on American music culture through the eyes of the family members themselves and other musicians who have been inspired by their work.

The Carter Family is considered to be one of the most iconic groups in country music history. Comprised of A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and her cousin Maybelle, the group formed in the 1920s and quickly gained popularity with their unique blend of Appalachian folk music and gospel tunes. Their songs dealt with themes of love, heartache, and the struggles of everyday life, and their simple yet haunting melodies resonated with millions of people across the country.

The Winding Stream takes viewers on a journey through the early days of the Carter Family, beginning with A.P. Carter's travels throughout the Appalachian region in search of new songs to record. Through archival footage and interviews with family members, the film delves into the personal lives of the Carters, including their relationships with one another and the obstacles they faced as they pursued their music careers.

The film also explores the legacy of the Carter Family and their impact on the country music genre. Through interviews with musicians such as Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash, and George Jones, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the Carter Family's significance in shaping the sound of American music. The film also features performances by modern-day artists who have been influenced by the Carters, including John Prine, Sheryl Crow, and Kris Kristofferson.

In addition to chronicling the history of the Carter Family, The Winding Stream also offers a glimpse into the broader social and cultural context of the time. The film addresses the struggles of the Appalachian region in the early 20th century, including poverty and isolation, and shows how the music of the Carter Family served as a source of hope and inspiration for people throughout the region.

Overall, The Winding Stream is a poignant and inspiring documentary that pays tribute to one of the most influential musical groups of all time. Through its thoughtful depiction of the Carter Family and their impact on American music culture, the film offers insight into the power of music to bring people together and inspire change.

The Winding Stream is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 89.