The Appalachians -- A land shaped by the people. A people shaped by the land. The Appalachians is three-part documentary special on the history of Appalachia.

Featuring Johnny Cash in his last film interview. Also featuring Rosanne Cash, Loretta Lynn, Little Jimmy privatesens, Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs and others.

Appalachia was AmericaÕs first frontier. The pioneers brought their folkways and music from the old country. Mountain life was isolated and traditional culture was preserved. The old ballads and fiddle tunes were handed down through generations.

Appalachian mountain people are songwriters and storytellers. To tell their history, the producers use mountain songs as an integral part of the film. The lyrics tell the story of their lives, their emotions, their loves and their fears.

The story of Appalachia is about the struggle for and with the land. But through their struggles the people of Appalachia held on to their love of land and family. Music continued to be an important part of their lives, and they adapted old, traditional ballads into songs that told the story of their lives in America Ñ their triumphs and their sorrows.

Out of the culture and history, we will reveal the vivid unforgettable faces of the land and the people. The Appalachians is a portrait framed with truth, pbuttion, and respect for the Native Americans and the people who came to this land from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Africa, Mexico Ñ and virtually every other part of the world.

The film is presented by Nashville Public Television and distributed by American Public Television to PBS stations. Promotional videos to support the film were done by Naomi Judd and Marty Stuart.