CMT Explores the Roots, Legacy and Artists of Southern Rock in 'AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: SOUTHERN ROCK' June 4 on CMT

CMT Explores the Roots, Legacy and Artists of Southern Rock in 'AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: SOUTHERN ROCK' June 4 on CMT

Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd Relive Origins, Success and Tragedies

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: SOUTHERN ROCK premieres on Saturday, June 4 at 8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT* on CMT. The CMT original 90-minute documentary explores the roots and legacy of "Southern Rock" with new interviews from artists, producers and family along with archival footage -- much of which has not been seen since the 70s. Exclusive interviews with Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Johnny Van Zant, Billy Powell, Gary Rossington, Rickey Medlocke, Judy Van Zant, Doug Gray, Donnie Van Zant, Phil Walden, Charlie Daniels, and many more including friends, managers and journalists present the definitive story, in words and music, of the development of a uniquely American music.

From the carefree anthem of the Allman Brothers' "Ramblin' Man," to the first riff of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama," Southern Rock became the soundtrack of a generation. Long before the red state/blue state divide, America's youth was interested in effecting social change and raising a little hell along the way. Bands such as the Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker and Lynyrd Skynyrd gave voice to a generation rising from the ashes of a post- Civil Rights era South and helped to elect a President who shared their reformist views.

"Saying 'Southern Rock' is like saying 'Rock, Rock.' 'Rock and Roll' was born in the South," says Allman Brothers front man Gregg Allman.

"When you trace the roots [of rock music] you'll find it's all got a Southern accent to it," comments Charlie Daniels of the Charlie Daniels Band who penned "The South's Gonna Do It (Again)" as a tribute to fellow Southern Rockers.

AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: SOUTHERN ROCK explores the paralyzing effect of Duane Allman's untimely death had on the Allman Brothers; the plane crash that killed members of Lynyrd Skynyrd; the stories behind Skynyrd's "Freebird" and "Sweet Home Alabama;" the historic importance of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; and the contribution of Southern Rock to President Jimmy Carter's election. Allman Brothers' Dickey Betts performs a never-before-heard verse of their mega-hit "Ramblin' Man."

For more information on AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: SOUTHERN ROCK, visit CMT.com. http://www.cmt.com/shows/

CMT, America's No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches 77.1 million households in the United States. Go to country music's biggest web site at http://www.cmt.com/ .

*EDITORS: AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS: SOUTHERN ROCK premieres on Saturday, June 4 at 8:00 PM Eastern; 7:00 PM, Central; 9:00 PM, Mountain ; 8:00 PM, Pacific.

Source: CMT

CONTACT: Pamela Adamson of CMT, +1-615-335-8406, or
pamela.adamson@cmt.com

Web site: http://www.cmt.com/
http://www.cmt.com/shows

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