Ep 6. Country Roots

In season 7 episode 6 of Finding Your Roots, titled "Country Roots," host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. delves into the ancestry of three famous country music artists: Clint Black, Rosanne Cash, and Trace Adkins.

With Black, Gates explores the story of his 4x great-grandfather, a musician who played for George Washington and survived the fight for independence during the American Revolution. The episode also uncovers surprising connections between Black and fellow country artist Charley Pride, as well as a poignant family story of loss during the Civil War.

Next, Gates turns to Cash's family history, which is deeply intertwined with country music royalty. The episode reveals how Cash's ancestor, a fiddler and band leader named Bob Wootton, played with Johnny Cash for nearly thirty years. Gates also uncovers a connection between Rosanne Cash and another musical icon, Elvis Presley, as well as details about her complicated relationship with her father and the Cash family legacy.

Finally, Gates explores Adkins' ancestral roots, revealing a history that spans from French Canada to present-day Louisiana. The episode examines the musician's ancestors' role in the Acadian Expulsion in 1755 and the struggles of the Cajun people to maintain their language and culture in the face of persecution. The episode also uncovers a connection between Adkins and another famous Louisianan, Huey Long.

As always, Finding Your Roots skillfully weaves together genealogy and history to tell the stories of these three talented musicians. Through exploring their family histories, the episode sheds light on the ways in which country music has been shaped by family traditions and cultural heritage, and how these musicians' ancestors paved the way for their success. "Country Roots" is a must-watch for fans of both country music and genealogy.