Country Style U.S.A.

1957-1960

B/W Videotape

This historic 15-minute music show took full advantage of its Nashville filming location to create an impressive collection of TV performances by the biggest country & western song stars of its era.

Over the course of the series' four year history, several personalities filled the host spot: actors Charlie Applewhite, Richard Hayes and Jody McCrea as well as recording star Faron Young who sang selections from his own huge catalog of hit songs.

The black & white program takes place on a rural stage set, first depicting a barn exterior and, in later episodes, the inside of a country store. A talented house band, dancers and the legendary Jordanaires singing group made up the small cast of regulars. Among the important footage of country superstars is Patsy Cline in her prime, great early Johnny Cash performances and Roger Miller singing and playing as part of Ray Price's band half-a-decade prior to his own headlining career.

Other guest stars include:
Marty Robbins, Webb Pierce, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Morgan, Minnie Pearl, Hank Snow, Kitty Wells, Ferlin Husky, Carl Smith, Ernest Tubb, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins, Skeeter Davis, Don Gibson, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Buck Owens

In addition to providing a wealth of hit song performances, Country Style U.S.A. never lets you forget the message of its sole sponsor with plenty of entertaining public service announcements featuring animated characters extolling the praises of enlistment in the U.S. Army. Set to a finger-snapping, almost beatnik beat, they sell phrases like "Information without obligation" in a rhythmic style that anticipates rap music.

Country Style U.S.A. Television Library includes footage of: