The Winding Stream is a documentary film that explores the rich and complex history of the Carter and Cash families, two of the most influential forces in American music. From their humble beginnings in rural Virginia in the early 20th century to their rise to fame in country music during the 1950s and 60s, the Carters and Cashes forever changed the landscape of popular music.
The film traces the evolution of the Carter Family, beginning with Sara and A.P. Carter and their cousin Maybelle, who pioneered the "Carter scratch", a unique style of guitar playing that became the hallmark of their sound. The Carter Family's rustic, heartfelt performances of ballads and folk songs paved the way for modern country music, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists over the past century.
The film also explores the life and career of Johnny Cash, who married into the Carter family in 1968 when he wed Maybelle's daughter, June. Cash's rough-hewn, gravelly voice and outlaw image made him one of the most iconic figures in country music history, and his collaborations with his wife and her family produced some of the genre's most beloved songs, including "Ring of Fire" and "Jackson".
Narrated by actor and musician John C. Reilly, The Winding Stream includes interviews with members of the Carter and Cash families, archival footage of performances and interviews with the musicians themselves, and insights from music historians and experts. The film provides a comprehensive look at the Carters and Cashes and their influence on American music, from their beginnings in the early 20th century to their enduring legacy today.