Acclaimed singer-songwriter and noted environmentalist Kathy Mattea narrates new NPT original production.
BEAUTIFUL TENNESSEE: OUR SCENIC WATERWAYS — premiering on Sunday, August 5 at 7 p.m. on NPT-Channel 8 and repeating on Thursday, August 9 at 7:00 p.m. – is a stunningly visual tour through the state’s extraordinary water resources. This new one-hour original NPT production, a follow up to 2005’s popular Beautiful Tennessee, provides a unique contextual perspective on the role that rivers and streams have played in shaping the history of Tennessee’s cities, the lives of its residents and the natural environment.
Journeying across the state from the east to west, BEAUTIFUL TENNESSEE: OUR SCENIC WATERWAYS highlights the journey of water from mountains to Mississippi, stopping at points of interest such as Laurel Falls, Doe River, Watauga Lake, Hiwassee River, Tennessee River, Ruby Falls, Burgess Falls, Rock Island State Park, Duck River, Caney Fork River, Wolf River, Hatchie River and culminating in the mighty Mississippi.
Produced by Emmy-award winning producer Will Pedigo (Living On: Tennesseans Remembering the Holocaust) and narrated by acclaimed singer-songwriter and noted environmentalist Kathy Mattea, the documentary features emblematic stories that illustrate how Tennessee’s water resources have shaped commerce, development and recreation while nurturing the state’s rich biodiversity. Highlights include a look at the redevelopment of Chattanooga’s waterfront; a visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery to explore its reliance on the purity of cave spring water; interviews with world Champion kayaker Eric Jackson, who relocated to Rock Island, TN for its unique rapids, and 86-year-old fly-fisher Shirley Caldwell-Patterson; and a glimpse at rare freshwater mussels found only in the Duck River.
Mattea narrated NPT’s 2001 production Rachel and Andrew Jackson: A Love Story.
“Water in Tennessee plays a vital role in who we are as Tennesseans,” says Pedigo. “Our Scenic Waterways provides an intimate look at some of our most spectacular rivers, waterfalls and streams. But it also takes in the bigger picture of how water shapes our lives in its statewide journey. Tennessee is truly gifted with an incredible natural beauty, and it’s really a joy to show it off.”
“With Scenic Waterways, Beautiful Tennessee joins our Memories programs and popular Tennessee Crossroads series as NPT original productions that continue to celebrate the rich diversity, beauty and history of our state,” adds NPT President and CEO Beth Curley. “They further indicate our commitment to this community and Middle Tennessee’s television viewers.”
BEAUTIFUL TENNESSEE: OUR SCENIC WATERWAYS is made possible by the generosity of Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire. For more information on NPT’s original productions, viewers can visit wnpt.org/productions.