Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns meets San Quentin inmates, shares preview of new film

SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (KTVU) - Behind the walls of San Quentin State Prison, inmates met with a special visitor Wednesday, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.

Among the inmates there was Richard Richardson who is serving 47 years for a home invasion robbery in Modesto.

"For him to come here and milk him for how much knowledge he has. That's great. That's wonderful," said Richardson.

Burns stopped at San Quentin as part of a national tour promoting his upcoming 16-hour documentary on the history of country music, airing on PBS in September.

"I want them to feel part of a broad human family. And maybe being in here doesn't permit that to happen," said Burns.

Part of the eight-part series recounts how country singer Johnny Cash's 1959 performance at the prison inspired one of its inmates, Merle Haggard, who after his release from prison, went on to become an icon of country music.

Burns screened excerpts of the San Quentin portion of the documentary for about a hundred inmates.

Many were clearly moved.

"I want you to know I appreciate what you do. It gets my heart," one inmate told Burns.

"I'm not surprised by your emotion. But I am honored by it," Burns replied.

For many of the inmates, the story of Merle Haggard and his time at San Quentin has a deeper meaning, one they can carry here, and perhaps one day carry when they get out.

"He changed his life. That is something we are all trying to do," said Javier Jimenez, serving nine years for manslaughter.

"It kind of gives you a glimmer of hope if someone can be as successful as they were," said Jimenez.

Burns' meticulously researched documentaries include the Civil War, the Vietnam War and the history of baseball.

He says the story of country music is an American story he hopes will resonate with people regardless of where they are in life.

"The value of a human being does not end when you walk through the door of a place like this," Burns said.