Some of the leading names in country music are on hand for this documentary shot in "Music City U.S.A." Filmmakers
Robert Elfstrom and
David Hoffman traveled to Nashville, TN, in 1969 for a country disc jockeys convention that coincided with the 44th anniversary celebration of the famed radio show the
Grand Ole Opry. Many of the biggest stars of the day appeared to greet radio staff from around the nation and perform before the
Opry's microphones, with
Johnny Cash,
Dolly Parton,
Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride,
Bill Monroe,
Earl Scruggs,
Porter Wagoner, and many others captured live on-stage. The filmmakers also interview fans on the street as well as label representatives both big and small who are promoting their product. Offering a different perspective on the Nashville music scene, we also sit in on a recording session with
Doug Kershaw and a rehearsal with the country-rock band Tracy Nelson and Mother Earth. Finally, the filmmakers also follow one Herbie Howell, a singer and songwriter from Georgia who has arrived in Nashville in search of his big break. Co-director
Elfstrom would make two other films with
Johnny Cash, the documentary
Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music and the spiritual drama
The Gospel Road. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide