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American Songcatcher
Tracing the roots of American music from its cultured past to artists playing it forward, folk musician, musicologist and host Nicholas Edward Williams takes listeners on a unique documentary-style po...
60 avsnitt • Längd: 50 min • Månadsvis
Om podden
Tracing the roots of American music from its cultured past to artists playing it forward, folk musician, musicologist and host Nicholas Edward Williams takes listeners on a unique documentary-style podcast experience. Dive into the stories of centuries-old Traditional songs and migrants who carried their musical heritage here, and uncover the lives of pioneers and integral musicians who created and shaped styles such as Bluegrass, Ragtime, Jazz and Swing, Country, Gospel, Blues, Old-Time, and the Folk music that’s derived from it all. Here’s to the songs of old, may they live on forever. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/support
The podcast American Songcatcher is created by Nicholas Edward Williams. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Avsnitt
WNC Roots Music History LIVE!
17 november 2024 |
45 min
Back in July of 2024, I had the pleasure of bringing the first LIVE American Songcatcher podcast experience to the historic Graham County Courthouse in Robbinsville, NC. This time, I can't edit out all of my stumbles.
The multimedia presentation traverses Western North Carolina music history starting with the native Cherokee, first settlers and immigration, African American influence on Appalachian music, and short stories of obscure and well known musicians from North Carolina. Attendees had visuals of photos and videos that you'll have to experience at the next live episode. The very end features a short concert with history behind a few songs that come from North Carolina.
This presentation was made possible by Graham County Travel & Tourism
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
ANNOUNCEMENT // ReString Appalachia
23 oktober 2024 |
3 min
ReString Appalachia
www.americansongcatcher.com/ReStringAppalachia
ReString Appalachia is an initiative by American Songcatcher to get instruments that were lost due to Helene back in the hands of musicians throughout Appalachia. This effort is supported by over 125 roots musicians, including Bela Fleck, Rhiannon Giddens, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more, as well as several non profits, instrument makers, venues, festivals, actors, visual artists and media outlets.
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It's been nearly a month since Helene brought unfathomable devastation to Appalachia. I've honestly never been so consumed with grief after a natural disaster. I have countless memories of performing, camping and hiking... so many good times throughout Appalachia over the last 15 years. I got married in Swannanoa. I almost moved to both Brevard and Asheville. I also have dozens and dozens of dear, talented friends throughout East TN, WNC, SC, North GA, and FL. It's been hard to embrace that it'll never be the same, that so many are suffering.
Words fell short in a time like this. Action speaks, and I had to do something.
So, through the American Songcatcher network, I've been quietly building an initiative that will put instruments back in the hands of those who lost them due to the storm. The exact, or comparable instrument.
This effort is called ReString Appalachia.
Whether you're a professional, or picking for the love of it, the importance of continuing the living tradition of Appalachian music culture is paramount, and American Songcatcher aims to keep it that way.
Over the next month, you're going to see 100's of musicians, non profits, venues, festivals, actors, artists and media outlets post about ReString Appalachia.
If you, or someone you know lost an instrument due to Helene, if you have instruments to donate, or if you are seeking a tax-exempt donation to help us cover the costs, please visit the link in the show notes.
American Songcatcher will be back very soon with a very special live episode on Western North Carolina music history.
Thank you for listening. Here's to the songs of old, may they live on forever.
www.americansongcatcher.com/ReStringAppalachia
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS3:E7 // Frankie & Johnny
22 september 2024 |
35 min
For Platform Distribution:
Today on the program, we’re proud to present the story behind the most widely recorded murder ballad in American history, the true St. Louis story of "Frankie and Johnny." Johnny’s real name was Albert, and though the phrase "He was doin’ her wrong” has been the constant refrain, the depiction of Frankie Baker has always been one of a vengeful murderess - rather than murder in self defense - and she fought nearly her entire life to change that narrative. For over 100 years, the song has continued to be recorded with many false depictions, and in this story, you’ll hear how it all unfolded and became such a hallmark murder ballad in American music history.
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Credits: Ryan Eastridge - Research, Writing
Teddy Chipouras - Editing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
References:
“A Brief History of St. Louis.” City of St. Louis.
Cellania, Miss. “The Story Behind ‘Frankie and Johnny.’” Mental Floss. May 3, 2016.
Demain, Bill. “Ten Days in a Madhouse: The Woman Who Got Herself Committed.” Mental Floss. May 2, 2011.
Edwards, Bill. “Rags and Pieces by Scott Joplin, 1895-1905.” June 6, 2009.
“‘Frankie’ of Famed Song Dies at 75.” Stockton Evening and Sunday Record. January 10, 1952.
“Frankie and Johnny (1966).” IMDB.
“Frankie and Johnny (1991).” IMDB.
Huston, John. Frankie and Johnny. 1930.
John, Finn J. D. “’Johnny’s’ Frankie lived in P-town, hiding from song.” Offbeat Oregon History website. April 1, 2021.
Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries & University Museums. “Frankie and Johnny, or, You’ll Miss Me in the Days to Come.” The Lester S. Levy Sheet Music Collection.
Kloppe, Adam. “Tom Turpin’s Rosebud Café.” Here’s History Podcast. October 16, 2023.
Knox, Martha. “Words on Woodcuts” blog. March 26, 2016.
Lomax, John A., Lomax, Alan. American Ballads and Folk Songs. The Macmillan Company, New York. 1934. pgs. 103-110.
Morgan, Stacey. Frankie and Johnny: Race, Gender, and the Works of African American Folklore in the 1930s. University of Texas Press. 2017. pg. 20.
“Murder Ballads (A Visit to a Bad Neighborhood part 2).” Riverside Blues Society.
New York Public Library for The Performing Arts, Archives and Manuscripts. “Jack Kirkland papers, 1928-1969.”
Oswald, Charles J.; Kurres, Richard. “It’s Frankie and Albert Instead of Frankie and Johnny.” Lakeland Ledger. May 29, 1975.
Polenberg, Richard. Hear My Sad Story: The True Tales that Inspired Stagolee, John Henry, and Other Traditional American Folk Songs. Cornell University Press. 2015.
Richardson, Ethel Park; edited and arranged by Sigmund Spaeth. American Mountain Songs. Greenberg Publishing, New York. 1927. pgs. 38, 107.
Sandberg, Carl. The American Songbag. Harcourt Brace & Company. 1927. pgs. 73-75.
Slade, Paul. “It’s a Frame-Up: Frankie & Johnny.”
Slade, Paul. Unprepared to Die: America’s Greatest Murder Ballads and the Stories that Inspired Them. Soundcheck Books LLP, London. 2015.
“Soundtrack: ‘Frankie & Johnny.’” Our St. Louis History. April 20, 2018.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 24, 1995. pg. 39.
Talkin' Blues // John McCutcheon
18 augusti 2024 |
62 min
Today, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Grammy-nominated folk singer, storyteller, humanitarian, author and multi-virtuoso-instrumentalist John McCutcheon. During his five-decade career, John has released 44 albums spanning an eclectic catalog of ballads, historical songs, children's songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer dulcimer instrumentals, and even symphonic works. He is regarded as a master of the hammered dulcimer, and is also proficient on many other instruments including guitar, banjo, autoharp, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, and jaw harp, and has received six Grammy Award nominations for his children’s songs. I got to know a bit of John’s story early on, his evolution as a preservationist and what its been like to be an ambassador for as long as he has, what he’s up to these days, and of course some geeking out on music history. Enjoy!
More on John:
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
S3:E6 // Sam Cooke
24 juli 2024 |
34 min
Today on the program, we present the story behind the Father of Soul, Sam Cooke. Growing up in the church, Sam knew he wanted to be a singer by the time he was five years old. There was a magnetic and infectious quality to this young Gospel singer, and he knew he was destined for bigger things than singing sacred music. The risk he took in becoming a pop singer was massive, but it produced the first records of what is now known as Soul music. Sam also was a pioneer when it came to being savvy about the music business, owning his own publishing company, negotiating contracts, and creating a container to nurture up and coming soul singers. At the height of the civil rights movement, and the pinnacle of his career, Sam’s life was cut short. Here is his story.
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Credits: Jonah Nordeen - Research, Writing
Teddy Chipouras - Editing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, Editing, Recording and Distribution
References:
Campbell, L. E. (2013, February 16). Jesus Gave Me Water. Archive. Today.
DeCurtis, A., Henke, J., & George-Warren, H. (Eds.). (1992). The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll: The definitive history of the most important artists and their music (3rd ed). Random House.
Guralnick, P. (2005). Dream boogie: The triumph of Sam Cooke (1st ed). Little, Brown.
James, E., & Ritz, D. (2003). Rage to survive: The Etta James story (2. ed). Da Capo.
Ritz, D. (2022). Sam Cooke. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
Robinson, L. (1964, December 31). Tragedy-Filled Life of Singer Sam Cooke. Jet, XXVII(13), 56–65.
Runtagh, J. (2021, January 21). Why Mystery Still Shrouds Singer Sam Cooke’s Shooting Death Nearly 60 Years Later. People.
Documentaries:
Two Killings of Sam Cooke - Netflix
The Sam Cooke Story. (2018, July 15). YouTube.
Wharton, M. (Director). (1996). Legend [Documentary]. Amazon Prime.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBonus // Southern Songs and Stories
6 juli 2024 |
28 min
Today on the program, through our host public radio station WNCW in Spindale, NC, we’re sharing one of our favorite cultural podcasts, called Southern Songs and Stories, a documentary series about the music of the American south and the artists who make it. The show is based in western North Carolina and the surrounding Appalachian and foothill regions, covering a wide array of musicians and bands, documenting the current music of the South and the story of how it came to be, put together by host and producer Joe Kendrick.
This episode features a niche style, born from the long lineage of hymns and gospel songs that has been informing so many genres of American music since as early as the 18th century. Gospel music has tremendous depth and width, and here, the story focuses on one of its many branches, a little known tradition thriving in places like Washington D.C. and Charlotte, NC: the trombone shout band.
Links:
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS3:E5 // Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
4 juni 2024 |
46 min
Today on the program, we’re proud to present the story behind the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills. One of the most influential and iconic bandleaders and musicians of the 1930’s-1950’s, Bob came from a humble life of a poor sharecropping family, and was deeply influenced by old time and breakdown fiddle through his Texas state champion family of fiddlers in his father and uncle. Bob also loved all the turn of the century and 1920’s black music, and this confluence of cultures would help him create the craze that became Western swing, and the details of his journey to get there will surprise you.
Story by Brent Davis and Nicholas Edward Williams
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Story Credits:
Brent Davis - Research, Writing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing editing, recording and distribution
Homecoming: Reflections on Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, 1915-1973, Charles R.
Townsend.
The Life and Times of Bob Wills
Country Music, an Illustrated History, Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns.
Country Music, a PBS documentary by Florentine Films, Ken Burns, director; Dayton Duncan,
writer.
Life and Times of Bob Wills (TNN)
The Country Music Pop-Up Book, by the staff of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Hag: The Life, Times, and Music of Merle Haggard, Marc Elliot.
Talkin' Blues // Charlie Hunter
20 april 2024 |
60 min
Today, I’m sharing a conversation I had with GRAMMY-NOMINATED American guitarist, composer, producer and bandleader Charlie Hunter. He first came on to the scene in the early 1990s, and simultaneously plays bass lines, chords, and melodies, on custom seven and eight-string guitars, as featured in trios and quintet projects, as well as Garage-A-Trois. Notably, Charlie is also a student of ragtime guitar, using the true two finger technique pioneered by Arthur Blind Blake and very different from what he’s known for. We talked about Charlie’s upbringing in a musical family, finding his own path, the groove and authenticity, all things Blind Blake, and as usual, we geeked out on some music history. Enjoy!
Charlie's Links:
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
S3:E4 // Bascom Lamar Lunsford & A Living Tradition
21 mars 2024 |
53 min
Today, we proudly present something a little different on American Songcatcher. Instead of the usual documentary podcast-style piece, this is a compilation of field recordings I did in Buncombe and Madison Counties just outside of Asheville, NC. Considered the mecca of the long held traditions in ballad singing and old-time mountain music, this area is also home to the “Minstrel of the Appalachians”, one of the most important yet lesser-known figures in folk and old time music, Bascom Lamar Lunsford - who was born on this day 142 years ago.
Over the last year, I was fortunate enough to visit North Carolina several times, to visit with Bascom’s old home and talk with head of the non-profit that now owns it, perform at the annual Lunsford Festival at Mars Hill University, and witness the return of filmmaker David Hoffman, who first filmed Bascom in the 1964, and was coming back to visit the area for the first time in the nearly 60 years since. This is a window into a living tradition.
GoFundMe for Bascom's Home Restoration (for the Pondering Bascom non-profit)
Documentaries mentioned:
Music Makers of the Blue Ridge - David Hoffman (1965)
Madison County, North Carolina - Where Music History is Alive (2023)
Special thanks to:
Support Educational Programming:
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS3:E3 // Mississippi Fred McDowell
25 februari 2024 |
40 min
Today on the program, we present the story of the father of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues, Mississippi Fred McDowell. From humble beginnings, Fred was inspired from the likes of Charley Patton, his neighbor Eli “Booster” Green and the sounds he gathered from guitarists in Memphis, Mississippi and the Delta, and defined the often overlooked nuances of the blues. Like many of the great Southern pre-war blues guitarists born around the turn of the century, Fred was “discovered” by Alan Lomax in 1959, and continues to inspire slide guitarists to this day, despite not being a household name in the blues realm.
Watch the full documentary “Shake Em On Down”
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Credits: Ryan Eastridge - Research, Writing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
References:
Shirley Collins Book | Alan Lomax Book | Laurence Cohn Book | UdiscoveredMusic |Allmusic| MS Blues Trail | KUNC | Mt. Zion Memorial Fund | John Szwed Book | Musicians Guide | Commercial Appeal | “Shake Em On Down”
S3:E2 // Shady Grove
21 januari 2024 |
30 min
Today on our program, we present the story of one of the most iconic American Folk songs, born from the lineage of 16th century ballads brought by immigrants from the British Isles, “Shady Grove”. Often used in both dance and courtship, the timeless melody was the backbone for countless ballads and folk songs that made their way into North America and took root in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountain ranges. To date, “Shady Grove” has been estimated to have amassed over 300 stanzas since it was first sung in the Cumberland Plateau region of Eastern Kentucky in the mid-nineteenth century. Story by Ryan Eastridge.
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Credits:
Ryan Eastridge - Research, Writing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
References:
Discography of American Historical Recordings | LOC | “Songs and Rhymes from the South.” Journal of American Folklore | Tunearch.org |Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia | Ship History | English Broadside Ballad Archive
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS3:E1 // John Hartford
27 december 2023 |
43 min
Happy release day! Today on our program, we’re delighted to release the first episode of Season 3, diving into the life of renowned songwriter, riverboat pilot, folklorist, song collector, music historian, accomplished fiddler and banjoist, clog & shuffle dancer, storyteller and consummate entertainer, John Hartford. One of the most brilliant yet lesser-known musicians of the last century, John was the key figure in redefining Bluegrass and American roots music for future generations, the unofficial father of “newgrass”, who had a life that was anything but ordinary.
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Credits: Ryan Eastridge - Research, Writing
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution
References:
Rolling Stone | Art Menius | Fretboard Journal | JohnCowan.com | Mike Bub Interview | AllMusic.com | No Depression | The Bluegrass Situation | Official Website
LOCAL FOCAL // The Pine Barrens Folk Music
29 oktober 2023 |
25 min
Today, we proudly present the sixth installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists around the country to share unique and lesser-known musical history. Our narrator today is Joe Makoviecki (mackavecky) who brings to the surface a near century-old lineage, the story of New Jersey's own first family of folk music, The Ridgeways, who settled in a territory deep in South Jersey known as The Pine Barrens, and whose music faded into obscurity for several decades until recently.
Merce Ridgeway - Library of Congress
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution
Joe Makoviecki - Narration, Research
LOCAL FOCAL // Swamp Pop with Dustin Dale Gaspard
27 augusti 2023 |
24 min
Today, we proudly present the fifth installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists around the country to share unique and lesser-known musical history. Our narrator today is Dustin Dale Gaspard, a 9th generation cajun who comes from the deep, deep South, the Acadian region of Louisiana. Dustin shares the very unique history of the genre Swamp Pop, with detailed context of the cajun heritage it was born out of. Let’s head to the swamp.
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution
Dustin Dale Gaspard - Narration, Research
LOCAL FOCAL // Cowboy Song Collector Jack Thorp
8 juli 2023 |
19 min
Today, we proudly present the fourth installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists around the country to share unique and lesser-known musical history. Our storyteller is cowboy & poet Andy Hedges, who hails from Lubbock, TX and is doing his part to keep the old cowboy song traditions alive. Andy takes us back to the late 1800’s, in the vast Western plains to the first collector of cowboy songs, a roving Easterner by the name of Jack Thorp, who printed the first book of Folk Songs, titled Songs of the Cowboys in 1908, forever changing the scope and trajectory of western and cowboy music.
In March 1889, Jack Thorp, a born-to-privilege Easterner who had grown into a leather-tough, saddle-wise trail hand, decided to track down the words to songs about cowboy life from cowboys singing in cow camps, at chuck wagons and line camps, in saloons—anywhere he could find them, mostly in New Mexico and Texas. His course proved crucial to the evolution of cowboy culture and the publication of his Songs of the Cowboys, the first collection of folk songs in America in 1908.
Andy’s Podcast “Cowboy Crossroads”
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution
Andy Hedges - Narration
LOCAL FOCAL // The Other Side
28 maj 2023 |
60 min
For our third installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, we present the following audio-rich piece - described as "sound painting" - brought to you by Muddy Boots Radio, a podcast that I only recently came into contact with by way of its creator, Tenali Hrenak. This particular episode honored a legend of radio from Grass Valley, CA - Mikail Graham. A composer, performer, producer, music promoter, advocate, consultant and beta tester for numerous pro-audio and MIDI companies. He was with the community radio station KVMR since its inception in the 1970s. For decades, he produced a radio show called The Other Side, and for many years he put on a yearly event called Night of Giving, which helped raise money for the Hospitality House, a shelter for the un-housed. He also produced the album Loafer's Glory for folk legend Utah Phillips. To say that he was influential to that region of California is an understatement.
As Tenali put it:
"With Mikail’s passing on July 12th, 2022, several of us regular contributors to The Other Side were tasked with producing a series of final shows, a send-off episode, to our dear friend. Mikail and I both loved the 1960s anthology series The Twilight Zone. So with that in mind, I whipped up an episode - aptly titled See U On The Other Side - that cut-up some dialogue from the episode Kick the Can, which I felt captured Mikail’s carpe diem and playful spirit. And, of course, I decorated the playlist with an assortment of Tweeners and songs that I’m sure he’d love and that hopefully honor the legacy he leaves behind."
Enjoy this experience of sound, titled “See U On The Other Side (Side A)” from the Muddy Boots Radio podcast.
Gathering Sounds - Tenali's New Book
Mikail Graham - The Other Side
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution
Tenali Hrenak - Production
LOCAL FOCAL // Doc Watson & Over Home
23 april 2023 |
38 min
In honor of the 35th annual MerleFest coming up this week, American Songcatcher presents a very special LOCAL FOCAL - a relatively unknown live recording from May of 1989 of North Carolina’s own Doc Watson, telling stories and singing songs passed through his family - only this show he was asked to perform without his guitar, until the very end.
This concert was part of a historical series called Over Home, which aired on the well-known WNCW radio in Spindale, NC between 1988 and 1990. The show featured Western North Carolina traditional musicians and storytellers, and variety of musical styles, such as ballad singing, old-time fiddle tunes, Cherokee oral traditions and dances, and Irish jigs and reels, ghost stories, fox hunting tales, Civil War stories, and moonshine tales.
This is unlike any of the episodes we’ve put out on American Songcatcher. There are no overdubs, no editing, just the seamless experience of Doc Watson, live, without his guitar.
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Over Home Archive - Berea College
Southern Songs and Stories Podcast
Over Home Credits:
Hosted by Sheila Kay Adams and Taylor Barnhill
Recorded by Sheila Kay Adams
Engineered by WNCW and Burr Beard - Manager
American Songcatcher Credits:Hosted and produced by Nicholas Edward Williams
LOCAL FOCAL // Last Wisps of the Old Ways
26 mars 2023 |
18 min
Today, we proudly present the first installment of the LOCAL FOCAL series, where we’re collaborating with artists to share musical stories from different locations throughout America - in celebration of the parts that make up the whole fabric of American music history.
First up, we’re bringing you the works of Derek Piotr, a folklorist and musician who’s been deep in research about a particular family of tradition-bearers from Avery County, North Carolina that have a lineage to Frank Proffitt, a key figure in Appalachian old time preservation. I was taken with Derek's story not only because by comparison, he's rather young in the immersive world of musicology, but also because of his unique interest in what's called Auto-Ethnography, which goes beyond detailed field notes and recordings, by linking the fieldwork to your own emotional life.
A few years ago, Derek curated a compilation concerning this family, Last Wisps of the Old Ways, which intertwined field recordings he made with archival recordings of the family’s lineage from The Library of Congress. Before that, he was merely preserving the legacy of his grandmother with a flip phone. His winding path to field recordings and eventually creating the Fieldwork Archive is a humbling journey.
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, Editing, Recording and Distribution
Derek Piotr - Writing, Recording, Research
ANNOUNCEMENT // SEASON 3
16 mars 2023 |
3 min
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
1. Season 3 NEEDS your financial support! Can you commit to $1 a month via Patreon? - OR - Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
2. We're changing the format next season to SINGLE STORIES released every few weeks, so we can give each story full attention, and put out content more frequently.
3. CALLING ALL WRITERS! Do you love human stories? Love music history? Do you have any writing experience? If you'd like to be a volunteer writer on American Songcatcher, email us at [email protected]
4. The first installment of our off-season series, LOCAL FOCAL will air MARCH 26! These special episodes pay homage to the parts that make up the whole fabric of American music history, featuring different presenters from around the world sharing a hyper-localized story.
5. Season 3 release date coming soon.
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, Editing, Recording and Distribution
S2:E9 // Moses Asch and Folkways Records (Part 2 - SEASON FINALE)
20 december 2022 |
75 min
This is our season finale, part two of a special audio-documentary series on Folkways Records founder Moses Asch, in collaboration with Smithsonian Folkways. Part one walked us through Moe’s childhood, teenage years, early career, the first two labels he created, bankruptcy, as well as the early years of Folkways Records. In part two, we traverse 40 years of iconic recordings with pioneering and lesser known artists, business hardships, milestones, the fledgling years of Folkways, and Moe’s death. We’ll also examine the acquisition of the massive Folkways catalog by Smithsonian, illustrate how Moe’s legacy has intertwined with the identity of American music, and highlight some of the incredible work that Smithsonian has done to preserve and expand on what Moe accomplished.
Support Independent Programming | Join the Patreon OR send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
Collaboration Credits:
Full Moses Asch interview with Arhoolie Records’ founder Chris Strachwitz
Interviewees:
Richard Carlin - Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways
Jeff Place (Smithsonian Folkways)
John Smith (Smithsonian Folkways)
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Media Credits:
Making people's music : Moe Asch and Folkways records - Peter D Goldsmith
Smithsonian | SF2 | NY Times | Redalyc | Arhoolie | Jstor.com | NPR | Routledge
S2:E9 // Moses Asch and Folkways Records (Part 1)
2 december 2022 |
62 min
Today, American Songcatcher is proud to present a special two-part collaboration with Smithsonian Folkways, going behind the curtain of Folkways Records founder Moses Asch, who was born 117 years ago on this date. This is the story of a ceaselessly stubborn Jewish immigrant with unstoppable ambition. A pioneer who had a great respect for creative artists, whether they were commercially viable or not. A provider whose work was selfless, though he was often quite difficult to work with. A visionary that would turn the record industry on its head without producing any major hits, which was just the way he wanted it. Folkways Records, “The little label that could,” changed the course of American roots music by preserving folk songs from all over the world and having a major hand influencing the folk and blues revival of the 50’s and 60’s. Moe's mission was to create an encyclopedia of sound from around the world, quite literally. Folkways released records of frog noises, poetry, train whistles, cat noises and many others in addition to covering nearly every genre of world music, spanning over 2,100 records. Learn how his collection was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution and how his legacy lives on today.
Support Independent Programming | Join the Patreon OR send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
In Collaboration with:
Full Moses Asch interview with Arhoolie Records’ founder Chris Strachwitz
Interviewees:
Richard Carlin | Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways
Michael Asch
Source Credits:
Smithsonian | Redalyc | Jstor.com | NPR | Routledge | AllPurposeGuru | Haaretz | Folkworks
Worlds of Sound: Ballad of Folkways | Documentary
Making People's Music | Book
S2:E8 // Ralph Stanley & The Hundred Year Old Voice
20 oktober 2022 |
48 min
“The boy with the hundred year old voice” Dr. Ralph Stanley grew up in the hills of Southwest Virginia during the Great Depression. He and his brother Carter were heavily inspired by The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bill Monroe, who The Stanley Brothers would feud with decades later. Radio was king, and The Stanley Brothers became a household name throughout Appalachia by merciless appearances. Hear the story of how this farmhand persisted through waves of personal and career hardships, always staying true and believing in the old-time country music he played until becoming the international patriarch of traditional mountain music.
Support THIS Independent Program:
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Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram | TikTok
Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, Editing, Recording and Distribution
Ryan Eastridge - Writing
Source Credits:
The Stanley Brothers’ Story 1969
Man of Constant Sorrow: My Life and Times
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E7 // Wack Fall The Daddy-O
12 augusti 2022 |
93 min
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - Whiskey in the Jar
Billie Holiday
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Charlie Parr
Support American Songcatcher:
Teaser:
Arguably the most popular Irish drinking song has a more unique origin than being sung at the pub, celebrating the spirit of Whiskey. She’s one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, yet her personal life was ripe with adversity from family, abusive relationships, and a war with the United States Government over a song. They blurred the lines for white and black audiences alike through the 60’s revival as a duo, yet both men’s legacies stand on their own footing. A man redefining the definitions of independent success, overcoming each obstacle thrown at him while reviving fingerpicking styles of Piedmont and Delta blues.
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Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, recording
Jack Browning - Writing
Source Credits:
Whiskey in the Jar | Irish Central | Accordeon World | Keston Primary | AV Club
Billie Holiday | Ronnie Deschepper | Downbeat | Woman Around Town | Flood Mag | Legacy | Learning English | ASU | EOnline | PBS
Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee | All About Blues | Early Blues | Keeping the Blues Alive | Arts.Gov | Blues & Country | Black History Now
Charlie Parr | Country Blues | Official | Minnesota Monthly | Erica Rivera | First Avenue | Kennedy Center | Issue Magazine
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // Seth Walker
29 juni 2022 |
44 min
Today I’m sharing a conversation I had with American roots singer and guitarist Seth Walker, who has spent the last 20 years putting out incredibly diverse records, inspired by early blues to jazz, folk, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, early country and anything else he’s been able to gobble up.
Recently mentored by the likes of Oliver Wood and the Wood Brothers, Seth just released his 11th studio record, titled I Hope I Know, a tasty, seasoned array of roots songs that navigate a host of emotions and comforts, a record I highly suggest listening to, courtesy of Royal Potato Family Records.
We talked about his unique childhood, raised among a community of Quakers, the constant evolution of self and artistry, his love for writing not just music but a recent book titled Your Van is on Fire, his newest record and the deep changes that surfaced before, during and after, and as usual, we geeked out on some music history. Enjoy!
More on Seth Walker:
Socials : Instagram | Facebook
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S2:E6 // The Man in Black (Part 3)
5 juni 2022 |
52 min
Featured in this Episode:
Johnny Cash
Teaser:
The finale of this three part series on "The Man in Black" starts in the 70’s, when Johnny’s turnaround gets traction through learning to be a father, his activism and overtly religious period, several relapses of his addiction, the fall from Columbia Records, and his rise with Rick Rubin before passing away, as well as his legacy.
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"Shine A Light" | Johnny Cash: The Life
Support Independent Programming!
Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, recording and distribution
Source Credits:
Johnny Cash: The Life | The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash | Official | Grunge | Biography | Live About | Achievement.org | Cheat Sheet | Britannica | Slate | Far Out Magazine | LA Times | Daily Mail UK | The Jamboree That Never Was | Outsider | Rolling Stone | The Boot | Taste of Country
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E6 // The Man in Black (Part 2)
1 maj 2022 |
40 min
Featured in this Episode:
Johnny Cash
Teaser:
The story of the enigmatic “Man in Black” is a vast ocean that is impossible to cover every detail. But this three part series will attempt to further explain what listeners know about Johnny Cash, debunk a few myths, and uncover fascinating moments in his life that are lesser known. In essence, we’ll be looking further behind the curtain of the legend known as JR Cash, more than exceptional movies such as “Walk the Line” have portrayed.
Part 2 presents Johnny’s rise with Sun Records, the tumultuous years of his personal life and addiction, his turnaround, and when he first cleans up his act as a star.
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Collaboration | Basic Folk Podcast
"Shine A Light" | Johnny Cash: The Life
Support Independent Programming!
Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, recording and distribution
Source Credits:
Johnny Cash: Johnny Cash: The Life | The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash | Official | Washington Post | Live About | Britannica | Town and Country | History.com | KHQA | Biography | VC Star | El Paso Times | Classic Country | Culture Trip
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E6 // The Man in Black (Part 1)
4 april 2022 |
48 min
Featured in this Episode:
Johnny Cash
Teaser:
The story of the enigmatic “Man in Black” is a vast ocean that is impossible to cover and give every detail. But this three part series will attempt to further explain what listeners may think they know about Johnny Cash, broaden the understanding of his personal life, and uncover fascinating moments in his career that are lesser known, misunderstood, or flat out wild. In essence, we’ll be looking WAY behind the curtain of the legend known as JR Cash, far more than even exceptional movies such as “Walk the Line” have portrayed.
In Part 1, we'll navigate Johnny’s childhood, teenage years, and his initial rise with Sun Records.
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Support Independent Programming
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Collaboration | Basic Folk Podcast
"Shine A Light" | Johnny Cash: The Life
Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, recording and distribution
Source Credits:
Johnny Cash: Johnny Cash: The Life | The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash | Official | Grunge | Biography | Live About | Achievement.org | Cheat Sheet | Britannica | Action 5 News
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E5 // That Bad Man
21 februari 2022 |
69 min
Celebrating Black History Month!
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Stagger Lee” (:42)
Memphis Minnie (15:45)
Lightnin’ Hopkins (29:21)
Taj Mahal (48:55)
Teaser:
This notorious murder story has been covered in more genres, by more artists and across more multi-media platforms than any other in history, while somehow remaining relatively obscure. She’s known as the queen of the country blues, and queen of the Chicago blues, though she got her start while homeless and playing on the streets full time in Memphis. One of the last links that remained of the original country blues past the folk and blues revival, this Texas bluesman’s personal life was shrouded in mystery during both pinnacles in his near 60-year career. Born of Caribbean descent, he would go on to be a liaison between cultures and sounds from all over the world, wrapping it all into a tight package that makes the blues feel like an altogether human experience.
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Collaboration | Basic Folk Podcast
"Shine A Light" | Blues Foundation
Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram
Support Independent Programming | Join the Patreon or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
Credits:
Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, recording and distribution
Jack Browning - Writer
Ryan Eastridge - Writer
Source Credits:
Stagger Lee: Missouri Life | StaggerLee.com | American Blues Scene | StLouis-mo.gov
Memphis Minnie: Black Past | Musicians Guide | 64 Parishes
Lightnin’ Hopkins: Black Past | | Texas Monthly | Udiscovermusic | THSA.org
Taj Mahal: Berklee Interview | Harlem World Magazine | Hawaii Public Radio | New York Times
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportAS Presents // Basic Folk feat. Chris Thile
2 februari 2022 |
64 min
Today on the program, I’m pleased to bring you a very special episode through American Songcatcher, sharing a wonderful podcast called Basic Folk in our feed. Now some of you may already be aware of these in-depth, honest interviews with host Cindy Howes, but I feel like the rest of you should get on board!
Sure, there are many conversational podcasts out there, but Basic Folk sets itself apart with honest and complex conversations about the human experience witnessed from an artistic angle. Cindy's questions are not only well-researched and carefully crafted, but the artists featured are among the most revered in the American roots music scene today, some of which have been covered or will be covered by this podcast, including Amethyst Kiah, Oliver Wood, Tom Rush, Alison Russell and several others.
One of Cindy and I’s favorite musicians, Chris Thile, stopped by Basic Folk several months back, and it seemed apropos to share their conversation since he was covered in Episode 1 of Season 2. Be sure to subscribe to Basic Folk wherever you get your podcasts!
We'll be back with Episode 5 in two weeks!
BF Links:
About Basic Folk:
Basic Folk is a podcast with honest conversations between musicians and Cindy Howes, a well-versed public radio host and music curator, and guest host Lizzie No, a talented singer/songwriter. Basic Folk approaches interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. This podcast fosters the folk community and showcases a genre that is often misunderstood. Basic Folk features complex conversations about the human experience witnessed from an artistic angle. Our definition of “folk” is extremely broad, so you’ll hear interviews from Amythyst Kiah, Tom Rush, The Lumineers and many more.
Basic Folk is dedicated to showcasing the best in folk and roots musicians including BIPOC musicians who have been excluded, or felt like they did not belong, in the folk world. Both Cindy and Lizzie bring unique perspectives to our honest conversations and are dedicated to changing the landscape and the gatekeepers of the folk music community.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E4 // Pioneering Women in Bluegrass and Old-Time
16 januari 2022 |
73 min
Featured in this Episode:
Jean Ritchie (:28)
Ola Belle Reed (17:48)
Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard (35:41)
Alison Krauss (55:54)
Teaser:
Her family is considered one of the wealthiest in the ballad tradition, preserving hundreds of songs from their lineage to Scotland in their home of Kentucky, and is single-handedly responsible for bringing the Appalachian dulcimer to prominence in America. Born in the mountains of North Carolina, she paved the way for both bluegrass music and old-time with her brother through their pioneering work at music parks, on the radio, and during the folk revival. They’re considered the first women to front a bluegrass band, and in their wake are generations of women thanks to their contributions. A child prodigy, she was signed to Rounder Records at 14 and now is one of the most decorated bluegrass and female musicians of all time, still turning heads today with her many collaborations.
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"Shine A Light" | Pretty Good For a Girl: Women in Bluegrass by Murphy Hicks Henry
Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram
Support | Join Patreon or send a one-time donation: Venmo // PayPal
Source Credits:
Jean Ritchie: KET | Library of Congress | NPR
Ola Belle Reed: Blue Ridge Heritage | Arts.gov | NC Pedia | SML
Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard: NY Times | Folkstreams | Official | BG Hall of Fame | Pinecone | Birthplace of Country Music
Alison Krauss: NPR | Britannica | Grammy | NY Times
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E3 // God's Golden Shore
5 december 2021 |
86 min
Season 2, Episode 3 // God's Golden Shore
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Man of Constant Sorrow” (:28)
Ma Rainey (13:08)
Bill Monroe (31:40)
Patsy Cline (51:29)
Bruce Molsky (1:08:17)
Teaser:
Thought to be rooted in the early hymns brought to America, this old-time folk song has reveled in the spotlight more than once in the roots music community, especially after being featured in the 2000 film “O’ Brother Where Art Thou.” A defining voice of the 1920’s and 1930’s, this female artist wrote the book on fashion, songwriting, and entrepreneurship while harnessing the soul of the blues in some of the earliest recordings of the genre. Dubbed the Father and creator of Bluegrass music, this mandolin aficionado learned how to weave the blues with old-time with piercing tenor mountain harmonies and blistering fast tempos. A life taken too soon, this woman’s voice epitomized country music for nearly a decade, and inspired generations of singers in her wake, even until today. A scholar, teacher and virtuosic fiddle and banjo player, he’s a quintessential “musician’s musician” and is widely considered among the premier ambassadors of America’s old-time mountain music.
Listen to my new traditional record: FOLK SONGS FOR OLD TIMES’ SAKE
Performances:
“Man of Constant Sorrow” - Traditional (10:14)
“Prove It On Me Blues” - Ma Rainey (28:26)
“In the Pines” - Traditional (47:50)
“Walkin’ After Midnight” 1:06:20
“Red Rocking Chair” | 1:20:48
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"Shine A Light" | Cultural Equity
Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram
Support Independent Programming | Join the Patreon or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
Source Credits:
Traditional: Black Deer Festival | American Songwriter
Ma Rainey: Women’s HIstory | National Museum AAH | Black Past
Bill Monroe: Folkways | Britannica | Alan Cackett | Bluegrass HOF
Patsy Cline: Grunge | Biography | Britannica
Bruce Molsky: Official | WBUR | Banjo News
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Side B
9 november 2021 |
34 min
It’s a pleasure to bring you the second half of this special short series Side A // Side B, bringing some depth to the songs from my recently released traditional record “Folk Songs For Old Times’ Sake”. Today, we’re flipping the record over, and diving in to the history behind Side B.
Side B Tracklist:
Goin’ Down This Road Feelin’ Bad (Traditional)
Saint James Infirmary (Traditional)
Midnight Special (Traditional)
Barbry Allen (Traditional)
Mississippi River Blues (Jimmie Rodgers)
Peggy-O (Traditional)
Pay Day (Mississippi John Hurt)
Vinyl Orders:
Email A[email protected]
OR
Listen on:
This episode was produced, edited, recorded and distributed by Nicholas Edward Williams.
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Praise for Folk Songs For Old Times' Sake:
“I’ve got to say, I can genuinely appreciate another young folkie taking traditional tunes and truly making them their own. Nicholas’ voice sounds natural, unaffected, and without any trite attempts at emulation; rather, it seems wholly a product of his surroundings, with small nods to the phrasing and inflection that are the signatures of traditional American music. This is to say nothing of the sparse-yet-deliberate production of the songs themselves, with nothing sitting too far out front, nothing lost in the shadows, as if the listener found themselves in an empty country church with Williams simply playing to the steeple above.” - JP Harris
As always, it’s Williams’ gentle laid back soothing vocals that win you over.” - FOLK RADIO UK
"The guitar playing and vocal performance are fantastic, and I love the sparse production. I think people are gonna love this, it’s a great record.” - Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers)
“This record of well-known and well-loved folk songs is easy to like. With tasteful guitar arrangements and a voice that draws you right in, Nicholas has created recordings that roll along like a mountain stream.” - David Holt (PBS TV/Radio Host, Four-Time Grammy Winner and Banjoist for Doc Watson)
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Side A
6 november 2021 |
33 min
Since releasing the podcast, I’ve had a lot of people ask if the renditions at the end of each segment will be released, or streamable. Well I’m happy to say that over the last six months, I’ve been hard at work on a traditional record called Folk Songs For Old Times’ Sake, that is now available on all platforms, as well as limited edition vinyl. Several of these rearranged songs are traditionals, and some are from artists covered in the first season of this program. This is the first of a special two-part short series called Side A / Side B, where you can get a little scope into the history behind each of the tracks, followed by the recordings themselves, some of which are stripped, and several of which feature accompaniment in clarinet, fiddle, banjo, upright bass, harmonies, lap steel, jug sounds, harmonica and stomp box.
Side A Tracklist:
Shake Sugaree (Elizabeth Cotten)
East Virginia Blues (Traditional)
Wish I Was A Mole (Traditional)
Green Rocky Road (Dave Van Ronk/Bob Kaufman)
Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes (The Carter Family)
Railroad Bill (Traditional)
Cotton Mill Girls (Traditional)
Vinyl Orders:
Email A[email protected]
OR
Listen on:
This episode was produced, edited, recorded and distributed by Nicholas Edward Williams.
----
Praise for Folk Songs For Old Times' Sake:
“I’ve got to say, I can genuinely appreciate another young folkie taking traditional tunes and truly making them their own. Nicholas’ voice sounds natural, unaffected, and without any trite attempts at emulation; rather, it seems wholly a product of his surroundings, with small nods to the phrasing and inflection that are the signatures of traditional American music. This is to say nothing of the sparse-yet-deliberate production of the songs themselves, with nothing sitting too far out front, nothing lost in the shadows, as if the listener found themselves in an empty country church with Williams simply playing to the steeple above.” - JP Harris
As always, it’s Williams’ gentle laid back soothing vocals that win you over.” - FOLK RADIO UK
"The guitar playing and vocal performance are fantastic, and I love the sparse production. I think people are gonna love this, it’s a great record.” - Oliver Wood (The Wood Brothers)
“This record of well-known and well-loved folk songs is easy to like. With tasteful guitar arrangements and a voice that draws you right in, Nicholas has created recordings that roll along like a mountain stream.” - David Holt (PBS TV/Radio Host, Four-Time Grammy Winner and Banjoist for Doc Watson)
S2:E2 // Oh Little Liza
30 oktober 2021 |
79 min
Season 2, Episode 2 // Oh Little Liza
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Lil' Liza Jane” (:28)
Dock Boggs (11:22)
Snooks Eaglin (25:54)
Nina Simone (43:36)
Billy Strings (1:04:18)
Teaser:
Today, this song is a standard in New Orleans brass bands as well as old-time music, but its earliest iterations started as a sea shanty. His three finger-style banjo picking was directly inspired by early African American string bands, and his early recordings helped standardize nearly a dozen old-time songs from the Cumberland mountain range. Blind at age one, he’s one of the most versatile and inspirational guitarists in blues music, and one of the least known, unless you’re from New Orleans. A renowned civil rights activist, arranger, singer, songwriter and pianist who covered a broad range of genres including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel and pop. At just 29 years old, this multi-instrumentalist has taken the traditional and progressive bluegrass world in the palm of his hand, and he’s only getting started.
Listen to my new traditional record: FOLK SONGS FOR OLD TIMES’ SAKE
Performances:
“Little Liza Jane” - Traditional (9:25)
“Wild Bill Jones” - Traditional (23:04)
“Saint James Infirmary” - Traditional (39:42)
“Sinnerman” - Traditional (1:02:01)
“Walk on Boy” - Doc Watson (1:13:07)
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"Shine A Light" | Music Maker Relief Foundation
Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram
Support Independent Programming | Join the Patreon or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
Source Credits:
Traditional: Cultural Equity | Jazz Fandom
Dock Boggs: Dock Boggs - “Life in Music” | Encyclopedia.com
Snooks Eaglin’: Nola.com | Blues access | All About Blues
Nina Simone: Official Site | History Collection | Black past
Billy Strings: Rolling Stone | Acoustic Guitar | Official
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS2:E1 // Ain't Gonna Study War No More
27 september 2021 |
78 min
Season 2, Episode 1 // Ain't Gonna Study War No More
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Down by The Riverside” (00:27)
Mance Lipscomb (10:28)
Ramblin’ Jack Elliot (23:31)
Emmylou Harris (45:17)
Chris Thile (57:27)
Teaser:
After the civil war, songs such as these were created and sung from Alabama to Ohio for a perilous journey through the Underground Railroad, where the enslaved were in pursuit of their freedom. He wasn’t a bluesman as much as a songster, known for his incredibly broad catalogue of songs and his front porch philosophizing. The student of Woody Guthrie, the father of Bob Dylan, the son who ran away to become a cowboy, and America’s purveyor of folk music at 90 years old today. She’s one of the most influential female singers of the 20th century, not just in country music but folk, pop and bluegrass, and is considered an American icon Widely considered the greatest mandolin player alive today, and perhaps to ever live, his acclaim reaches far and wide through several Grammy-winning projects and over 30 albums, despite only being 40 years old.
Performances by the Host:
“Down By The Riverside” - Traditional (8:16)
“Take Me Back Babe” - Traditional (21:29)
“Roving Gambler” - Traditional (42:37)
“Angels Rejoiced Last Night” - The Louvin Brothers (55:08)
“Bury Me Beneath the Willow” - Traditional (1:13:03)
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"Shine A Light" | Arhoolie Foundation
Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram
Support Independent Programming | Join the Patreon or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
BONUS: Sitting In // Cristina Vane and Her New (Old) American Roots
29 juli 2021 |
18 min
For the final collaboration of the “Sitting In” miniseries, I’m excited to share a fantastic multi-instrumentalist, fluent in clawhammer banjo and slide blues guitar, named Cristina Vane. Born in Italy, and living many places overseas before arriving in America at 18 years old, Cristina accumulated a wealth of culture and a diverse range of songs before discovering her love for pre-war blues and the likes of the pioneers Skip James, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson and Rory Block who have all shaped her guitar technique and song catalogue. She worked at the famous McCabe’s Guitar Shop in LA, and studied finger-style guitar under her mentor Pete Steinberg before exploring country blues picking and old folk guitar styles on her own in the years that followed. She has said, “I’m essentially a rock kid who is obsessed with old music.”
Cristina just released her debut full length record on April 2nd, titled "Nowhere Sounds Lovely", and American Songwriter premiered one track titled “Badlands” adding: “Like a young Bonnie Raitt, Vane sings from both her voice and her supple, bluesy guitar playing almost simultaneously–her sound as earthen as the South Dakota landscape…”
Cristina shares a story of how she got into American Folk and Blues music outside America, and her quest to music preservation. Enjoy!
Links:
Follow Cristina on Social Media:
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Sitting In // Jody Carroll and the Newport Recordings
21 juli 2021 |
20 min
Today on the program will be my sixth guest for the “Sitting In” mini-series, Jody Carroll. Jody is a performer and songwriter who effortlessly creates bold interpretations of old Blues and American Folk music, and makes them his own improvisational musical journeys. He’s a finger-style and slide guitar master, and a soulful singer blending flavors of Blues, Folk, Mountain music, Jazz and Rock all together into a true power- packed gumbo.
Raised on Willie Nelson and AM Country Radio in the late 60’s, he’s toured with or shared the stage with legends such as Buddy Guy, Honey Boy Edwards, R.L Burnside, Johnny Winter, John Mayhall, George Thorogood, Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeski, Robert Cray, Canned Heat, Robert Earl Keen, and Sonny Landreth just to name a few. No Depression magazine says “If there is one artist who embodies roots music to it's fullest, it has to be Jody Carroll"
Jody was forever changed when he heard a collection of recordings from the Newport Folk Festival, between 1963-1965. This is a short story of his journey to and from there, enjoy.
Links:
Follow Jody on Social Media:
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Support American Songcatcher!
Join the Patreon Community for as little as $3 a month!
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Send a one-time donation via:
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Sitting In // Dylan Walshe and Ramblin' Jack Elliot
14 juli 2021 |
24 min
The fifth edition of the “Sitting In” miniseries features a new project by international touring Irish musician Dylan Walshe. Steeped in the traditions of folk, Irish, Blues, Singer-songwriter and roots music, Dylan has received wide acclaim from all over, including Dave King of Flogging Molly who has said that “The future of songwriting is safe in the hands of this man.”
This episode features Dylan’s new music podcast, The Stirring Foot, and the first 20 minutes of a conversation he had with none other than Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, who Dylan first met at Tennessee’s Muddy Roots Music Festival back in 2015. If you’re not familiar with the legendary Ramblin’ Jack, you should be. Now 90 years old, he’s been described as the "son of Woody Guthrie & the father of Bob Dylan". They talked about trips to Ireland, Europe & the UK, The Clancy Brothers, Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, Odetta, The Grateful Dead, Margaret Barry, Ewan MacColl, and Woody Guthrie. You can hear the entire show through the tags below, or by searching for “The Stirring Foot” wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoy!
Follow on Instagram
Links:
Ramblin Jack Elliott’s Official Site
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Support American Songcatcher!
Join the Patreon Community for as little as $3 a month - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Send a one-time donation via:
Venmo - https://www.venmo.com/AmericanSongcatcher
PayPal - https://paypal.me/AmericanSongcatcher
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Sitting In // Lon Eldridge and the Hawaiian Steel Guitar
7 juli 2021 |
13 min
Good people! I'm so pleased to share my fourth guest to embark on this “Sitting In” mini-series, a local legend in my neck of the woods, Chattanooga’s own Lon Eldridge. Harboring a unique blend of traditional pre-war blues, ragtime, jazz and swing, Lon has spent the last two decades evoking the styles of those who laid the framework of these genres, from the likes of Mississippi John Hurt to Robert Johnson to Blind Blake and countless other musical masters. He’s an avid collector of 78rpm records and restores old Victrola record players, and showcases his deep collection under the guise of DJ Passe. Lon’s also a member of a gypsy jazz and swing group called The 9th Street Stompers, who cull up the musical scenery of an era when the lines between swing, gypsy jazz, blues, rockabilly, and if all that wasn’t enough, he also has his own bolo tie business, Lookout Bolo Ties.
For this collaboration, Lon expanded his skills once again to celebrate the work of Hawaiian steel guitarist Pale K. Lua, who was instrumental in bringing the unique sound to America at the turn of the century, before it was adopted by blues, western, bluegrass and country music starting in the 1920’s. Lon is the only person to assemble all of Pale’s recordings and release them as a complete set. Here’s his story, enjoy.
Follow Lon:
@dj_Passe
@bolo_knee
Links:
Pale K. Lua Complete Recordings
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BONUS: Sitting In // Willi Carlisle, Ozark Folksinger
30 juni 2021 |
12 min
Hey Folks! I’m so pleased to share the 3rd act of this “Sitting In” miniseries with you, none other than the inimitable Willi Carlisle. A multi-faceted writer, performer, and instrumentalist, Willi has spent the last several years collecting folklore, playing or calling square dances, and working in the avant-garde. He’s a folksinger with a style forged in the fire of Ozark old-time, and has a masters degree in Poetry. He’s spent years in the woods with poets and old folk singers and he’s a queer-identifying storyteller whose musical stories hoot, stomp, and saunter through joys and troubles uniquely southern and timelessly true. He’s equally comfortable on banjo, accordion, fiddle, and guitar, and has earned accolades for his versatility with performances in the UK, Canada, and across the USA, appearing with acts like Dom Flemons, Mary Gauthier, Los Texmaniacs and more.
The Washington Post said that:
"Carlisle has a poetry in describing songs passed down through generations as a most precious cultural commodity, and a passion and immediacy in performing them. Both down home and brainy, [Willi] is worth seeking out."
The following is classic Willi. Short stories of the Ozarks told over a collection of sounds and from Willi’s pocket, followed by a talking’ blues piece called “Peculiar, Missouri”. Enjoy!
Follow on Instagram:
Link:
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--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Sitting In // Sparrow and The John C. Campbell Folk School
23 juni 2021 |
19 min
Hey Folks! I’m thrilled to share the second part of the “Sitting In” mini-series, where I hand over the podcast reins to some of my folky friends, so that they can share a story that ties into music preservation and play a few songs in line with their story.
My guest today is Sparrow, who along with her partner Keith, leads the Asheville, NC group The Resonant Rogues, who seamlessly weave the threads of old time, country, swing, folk and more into a beautiful tapestry that simultaneously showcases tradition and innovation. In late 2020, she was immersed in a month-long mentorship program at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, which has a fascinating history, curriculum and mission. This is a journal of her experience.
Follow on Instagram:
Links:
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Join the Patreon Community for as little as $3 a month - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Send a one-time donation via:
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportBONUS: Sitting In // Matthew Sabatella & “We Shall Not Be Moved”
16 juni 2021 |
27 min
Today, I’m delighted to share the first “Sitting In” mini-series episode with you, where I’ve handed the podcast reins over to a music preservationist and performer. First up, is a story of the African American spiritual turned protest song called “We Shall Not Be Moved”, written and spoken by Matthew Sabatella.
Matthew’s mission is to “connect people with music that is woven into the fabric of the United States”. He’s a singer, writer, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning old-time banjo player, music historian, leader of the Rambling String Band, and serves on the board of directors for Southeast regional chapter of Folk Alliance International. He’s also the founder of Ballad of America, an educational non-profit that not only provides and develops vital resources for preserving all of the songs and genres that have shaped America, but also travels to colleges and universities to give educational lectures and presentations to spread awareness of this important history directly down the generational ladder.
I can’t wait to share all the “Sitting In” episodes with you over the next several weeks, they’re all very different, entertaining and educational. Matt’s also got a great radio voice, so enjoy!
Follow on Instagram:
Links:
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Join the Patreon Community for as little as $3 a month - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Send a one-time donation via:
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // Fruition's Jay Cobb Anderson
5 juni 2021 |
76 min
Today I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Jay Cobb Anderson, co-founder of the group Fruition, who has been making big waves in the major festival circuit during the last decade with blends of traditional sounds, contemporary folk and bluegrass, and most recently the roots of rock and roll.
We talked about Jay’s busking journey, how he reached the other members of Fruition, how they developed their sound, about Bob Dylan and the wake he left for so many to dive into old music, how traditional music fits into his life today and the music he creates, some interesting stories and a few artists that I hadn’t heard of.
--
Follow on Instagram:
Jay's Musical Projects:
Fruition - https://www.fruitionband.com/home
TK and the Holy Know-Nothings - https://www.tkandtheholyknownothings.com/
Jay Cobb Anderson - https://www.jaycobbanderson.com/
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // Sierra Hull
29 maj 2021 |
56 min
Today, I’m delighted to share a talk I had with mandolin prodigy and Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter Sierra Hull. Accomplishing more in her first 28 years of life than most could over a few lifetimes, Sierra made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 10, played Carnegie Hall at age 12, then landed a deal with Rounder Records at 13. Sierra was mentored by Alison Krauss and Chris Thile, she’s collaborated with all the big hitters in bluegrass from Ricky Skaggs, to Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglass and Sturgill Simpson. Despite all those big names I threw out there, as you’ll hear Sierra could not be more humble.
In early 2020, she released her fourth critically acclaimed record “25 Trips”, an inventive piece of work revealing her profound warmth as a storyteller, building off Sierra’s bluegrass roots and venturing into entirely new terrain.
We talked about her childhood, small town living, the broad palette of music and bottomless well of traditional music, we geeked out on Tony Rice and Doc Watson, and Sierra shared r a few in depth wild stories that led her down the path she’s on.
More on Sierra Hull:
Official - https://www.sierrahull.com/
Sierra and Husband Justin Moses "Little Liza Jane" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Eg2TotshKs
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Find American Songcatcher on Instagram - https://www.Instagram.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Want to help this independent program chug along? Visit the Patreon page to find out how you can support for as little as $3 a month!
https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers
22 maj 2021 |
70 min
Today, I have the pleasure of sharing a conversation I had with Oliver Wood. Since 2004, Oliver has been the frontman of The Wood Brothers, blurring the boundaries between folk, gospel, country-soul, and blues, earning an international audience and a Grammy Award-nomination along the way. Alongside his brother Chris Wood, of Medeski Martin and Wood, as well as percussionist Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers have embodied the future of roots music, while at the same time turning it on its head.
Released yesterday, Oliver’s debut solo album, Always Smilin' reimagines his sharp songwriting, savvy guitar chops, and one-of-a-kind voice in a new light. He didn’t do it alone, as Jano Rix, Susan Tedeschi, Hiss Golden Messenger's Phil Cook, John Medeski, and several others also make appearances. Embracing the full range of his musical heritage, Always Smilin’ builds upon the blues and gospel sounds Oliver explored long before The Wood Brothers' formed, and galvanizes the roots music he's been making during the past two decades.
We talked about his long history before starting The Wood Brothers with Chris, their shared wealth of music education from their musical father, how traditional music has informed The Wood Brothers and his solo project, geek out on some unknown roots musicians and much more. Enjoy!
Listen to Oliver’s new solo record Always Smilin’ - https://oliverwoodmusic.bandcamp.com/album/always-smilin
Official Website - https://www.oliverwoodmusic.com
The Wood Brothers - https://www.thewoodbros.com
--
This interview was made possible by the community on Patreon. For as little as $3 a month, you can directly support the team behind American Songcatcher make this program all it can be.
Visit the Patreon site today and support if you have the means - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Follow AS on Instagram - https://www.Instagram.com/AmericanSongcatcher
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // David Holt
13 maj 2021 |
54 min
When I first set out with this podcast there were a few people in particular that I wanted to talk to, and today's guest is at the top of that list.
David Holt is a four-time Grammy winner, multi-instrumentalist, and for 14 years performed as a duo on banjo with the legendary Doc Watson. He’s spent his life learning, performing and telling stories of traditional American music as the host of numerous radio and television shows including: Riverwalk Jazz, Folkways, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, Fire on the Mountain, and today, David Holt’s State of Music. The PBS TV series features modern masters of American roots music who share their stories, talk music history, and collaborate with David on a few tunes. He’s hosted the likes of Taj Mahal, Jerry Douglas, Keb Mo, Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dom Flemons, and Blind Boy Paxton.
We talked about his long history, how he got into storytelling and hosting, his mentors, the time he spent with Doc Watson and a few stories, how traditional music fits in today’s culture, and what he’s doing today with State of Music. There are some moments when David is showing me photographs while he talks, so if you’d like to see the video, it’s available through Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher.
Links:
PBS: David Holt’s State of Music
Follow State of Music on Instagram
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE)
24 april 2021 |
85 min
Season 1, Episode 10 // She Warbles When She Flies (SEASON FINALE)
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “The Cuckoo” (:27)
Willie Nelson - “Lucky Old Sun’” (13:30)
Jerry Garcia - “Walkin’ Boss” (31:40)
Blaze Foley - “Oval Room” (52:50)
Jontavious Willis - “Pistol Slappin’ Blues” (1:12:38)
Teaser:
This traditional tune is based off of England’s oldest known documented song, dating back to the 13th century, centered around a bird who calls in spring. He’s one of America’s most well known musicians, responsible for completely changing the face of country music, though originally, he didn’t fit in because of his odd vocal phrasing. Most know him as the laid back lead guitarist of one of the most prolific jam bands, gone too soon, but he brought more traditional songs to the fold than most folk singers. The duct tape messiah, a living obscurity from the Austin singer-songwriter scene of the 70’s and 80’s, and one of the greatest poets to be hardly known. There aren’t many young African Americans taking up pre-war blues and the original stylings of the acoustic guitar, but this infectious young man takes people back in time.
Follow AS on Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Support Independent Programming:
Join the Patreon - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
"Shine A Light":
Club Passim - https://www.passim.org/
Source Credits:
#1: OldWeirdAmerica | Anthology of American Folk Music | MamaLisa.com | Mainly Norfolk | Duke.edu
#2: Willie nelson Museum | Biography | The Famous People | The Guardian | PBS
#3: Blacklisted Journal Levity.com | Aforum.com | Variety | Rolling Stone | Living Room Candidate
#4: Rolling Stone | Official Blaze Foley Site | Wide Open Country |
#5: Official Website | The Kurland Agency | Handy Blues | The Country Blues
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // Leah Song of Rising Appalachia
16 april 2021 |
74 min
Today on the program, I have the distinct pleasure of sharing a wonderful conversation I had with Leah Song, one half of the world folk fusion group Rising Appalachia. Over the last decade, Rising Appalachia has reimagined a huge body of traditional songs to a massive audience over the seven records they’ve released since forging their musical path. We talked about how she and her sister Chloe grew up, how they will continue unpacking the musicology lessons they’ve received from their fiddle folklorist mother, how traditional music fits into their landscape of sounds, the importance of preservation, and the wild stories of how they came to be.
Leah was also kind enough to record a few videos of traditional songs for the show, and for the AS Patreon supporters. Become a part of the AS Patreon Community for as little as $3 a month to the see the videos in full, and more exclusive content here: https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Follow:
@LeahSongMusic - https://www.instagram.com/LeahSongMusic
@RisingAppalachia - https://www.instagram.com/Rising Appalachia
@AmericanSongcatcher - https://www.instagram.com/AmericanSongcatcher
S1:E9 // Twas in the Merry Month of May
13 mars 2021 |
90 min
Season 1, Episode 9 // Twas in the Merry Month of May
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Barbara Allen” (:27)
Lead Belly - “Goodnight, Irene’” (11:39)
Joan Baez - “Silver Dagger” (37:50)
Tony Rice - “New River Train” (59:35)
Colter Wall- “Diamond Joe” (1:13:14)
Teaser:
For the last 400 years, the most widely collected ballad from the British Isles is still being recorded today, born out of a unique and puzzling story. A larger than life figure, rumored to have been released from prison due to the diverse musical prowess he carried, and not only became friends with legends like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, he was one of their main influences. her supple soprano voice is one of the most distinct in any genre, she’s graced nearly every traditional ballad with it, and used it during every major civil rights movement moment of the 60’s and 70’s, and continues to do the same today. Responsible for completely altering the confines of bluegrass music, expanding the genre to breathe in folk, jazz, blues and popular music, and is one of the most highly regarded guitarists of the century. When you hear the deep, husky and timeless voice of this 25 year-old legend-in-the-making, singing folk ballads, westerns and cowboy tunes and dragging them over the plains of his home near the Canada-Montana border, it likely will never leave your memory.
Follow AS on Instagram - https://www.Instagram.com/AmericanSongcatcher
Join the Patreon - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
"Shine A Light":
Basic Folk Podcast - https://cindyhowes.net/basicfolk/
Source Credits:
#1: American Songwriter | Library of Congress | Lizlyle Blog | Native Ground
#2: Cultural Equity | NPS | Houston IA Mag
#3: GQ | Washington Post | Notable Biographies | Rolling Stone
#4: Tony Rice Story | Rolling Stone | NY Times
#5: American Songwriter | Rolling Stone | The New Yorker | The Globe and Mail
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportTalkin' Blues // Dom Flemons
26 februari 2021 |
67 min
Today on the program, I’m delighted to share a conversation I had with the Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist and preservationist Dom Flemons. Branded The American Songster from his diverse catalogue of tunes, Dom’s not just a songwriter, he’s a multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, music scholar, historian, and record collector who is proficient on banjo, guitar, harmonica, jug, percussion, quills, fife and rhythm bones.
We talked about his early life, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, music preservation and the journey to becoming a historian and musicologist. He also played a few tunes and shared some stories about a few essential folk and blues artists, and the current folk and blues revival.
Dom's Links:
Official Website - https://www.theamericansongster.com
Instagram @DomFlemons - https://www.instagram.com/domflemons
Join the AS Patreon Community - https://www.Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher
S1:E8 // Shine That Ever Loving Light On Me
10 februari 2021 |
78 min
Season 1, Episode 8 // Shine That Ever Loving Light On Me
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Midnight Special” (:39)
Memphis Jug Band - “Stealin’, Stealin’” (13:30)
Etta Baker - “Railroad Bill” (26:13)
Big Bill Broonzy - “Glory of Love” (40:55)
Charley Pride - “Roll on Mississippi” (1:01:32)
Teaser:
When the light of the train hits the cell windows of inmates at Mississippi’s infamous Parchman Farm prison, they feel a release and comfort from their captors. Find out what made jug bands so popular in the 1930’s, and the Tennessee natives at the helm of that movement. Yet another fingerpicking legend, left in obscurity until later in life, though she still managed to inspire generations of guitar players. The Ambassador of the Blues left behind a life cloaked in mystery, but this Chicago legend by way of the South left a massive mark as he carried old styles of blues through the 1950’s. For far too long country music has cast aside its African American roots, but one musician blended the color lines and became one of the most decorated country musicians of the century.
Follow AS:
Support Independent Programming:
Join the Patreon, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
"Shine A Light":
Source Credits:
#1: Vera | NAACP | WordsMusic&Stories | Smithsonian Folkways | Songfacts
#2: Jugstore | Memphis Music HOF | UCSB Library | American Blues Scene | NPS
#3: Story by Glen C Herbert - The Bluegrass Situation | Music Maker | Blue Ridge Heritage Center | OurState.com
#4: Cultural Equity | Broonzy.com | NPR | People’s World | MS Writers & Music
#5: Story by Cody Uhls - Official Website | NPR | Rolling Stone | Country Music Hall of Fame
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E7 // She's Gone With The Gypsy Davy
6 januari 2021 |
75 min
Season 1, Episode 7 // She's Gone With The Gypsy Davy
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Gypsy Davy” (:20)
Son House - “Grinnin’ in your Face” (9:02)
Merle Travis - “Nine Pound Hammer” (24:07)
Dolly Parton - “Jolene” (40:30)
Sierra Ferrell - “Elk River Blues” (59:60)
Teaser:
Who were the original gypsies, and why are so many songs sung about them? Hear the man who inspired Robert Johnson and set the standard for the Delta blues slide guitar. A boy born out of the Kentucky coal mines and creating the epitome of guitar fingerpicking styles known today as “Travis Picking”. Perhaps the most decorated country singer, philanthropist and unifying voice, a woman who has led countless other country artists and musicians for 50 years, still going strong. A young troubadour who is changing the timbre of country music, mixing it with eclectic roots while transporting listeners to another time.
Follow AS:
Support Independent Programming:
Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
"Shine A Light":
Source Credits:
#1 Contemplator | Mainly Norfolk | Lizlyle | History Today | Harvard magazine | Second hand Songs | Enacademic
#2 Louder Sound | MS Blues Trail | New World Encyclopedia | MS Writers & Musicians | Black Past | Democrat and Chronicle | George Lamplugh | Digital NEPR
#3 Story by Glen C Herbert + NY Times | Alan Cackett | Oldies
#4 Official Site | The List | PBS | Britannica | Tennessee Encyclopedia | Library of Congress | The New Yorker | NY Times
#5 Wide Open Country | WV Gazette | Saving Country Music | Official Site | Wautauga Democrat | HonkyTonkBadonkaDonk
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand
2 december 2020 |
82 min
Season 1, Episode 6 // I'll Die With That Hammer In My Hand
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “The Ballad of John Henry” (:25)
The Mississippi Sheiks - “Sittin On Top of the World” (11:09)
Pete Seeger - “If I Had a Hammer” (22:05)
Hank Williams - “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (44:32)
Tyler Childers - “Rocks, Salt and Nails” (1:05:35)
Teaser:
Was the greatest African American folklore hero based on a true story? The most popular old time and blues string band in the 30's that all started with one insanely talented family. One of the hardest working advocates and activists who spent many years carrying old songs forward and getting audiences to sing together, banned from performing by the US government. The King of Country music, who lived perhaps one of the most paradoxically tragic and successful lives ever documented in American music. A Kentucky native born in the home of bluegrass revives and redefines country music today and reclaims its soul.
Follow:
Support Independent Programming:
Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
"Shine A Light":
Source Credits:
#1: ABAA | National Park Service | LOC | Ibiblio
#2: Document Record Store | Old Time Party | Delta Blues Gospel
#3: Michael Hayes | Histclo | Folkways | LOC | ThoughtCo
#4: Hank Williams Story | Tennessean | Hankmuseum | Grunge
#5: (Written by Glen C Herbert) + Rolling Stone | Chicago Tribune | Official Website
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E5 // I'm Just Going Over Home
2 november 2020 |
83 min
Season 1, Episode 5 // I'm Just Going Over Home
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Wayfaring Stranger” (:30)
Burl Ives - “Streets of Laredo” (11:45)
Sister Rosetta Tharpe - “Up Above My Head” (28:50)
John Prine - “In Spite of Ourselves” (44:27)
Charley Crockett- “That’s How I Got To Memphis” (1:06:40)
Teaser:
Did it come from a hymn? An old ballad? Was it born in Scotland, or America? Navigate these questions with me for one of the most enduring and well known traditional songs in Bluegrass, Folk, and Old Country music. Entrenched in the old ballads passed on to him before the age seven, a man becomes one of the most beloved preservationist folk singers. A queer evangelist and powerhouse vocalist and guitarist is named the “Godmother of Rock and Roll” influencing Chuck Berry, Elvis, and Eric Clapton. A Chicago mailman finds himself at the right place at the right time to share his timeless and instantly relatable songs, staying out of the mainstream, yet dubbed an American icon. From Texas, by way of New Orleans, a young man defines hard, transient living and grows into one of the finest true country musicians performing today.
Support Independent Programming:
Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
Follow:
"Shine A Light":
Source Credits:
#1: Jopie Bopie Blog | Manhattan Beach Music | Library of Congress
#2: Cultural Equity | Independent | Info Please | Cowboy’s Lament
#3: NPR | Richmond Mag | Girlboss | Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe
#4: Billboard.com | Rolling Stone | JP Shrine.org | NY Times | Blue Railroad
#5: Long Reads | Rolling Stone | The Guardian | Chron.com | The Boot
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E4 // Hang Your Head and Cry
5 oktober 2020 |
87 min
Season 1, Episode 4 // Hang Your Head and Cry
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - “Tom Dooley” (:27)
Blind Blake - “Diddie Wa Diddie” (12:23)
Woody Guthrie - “Ramblin Around” (23:46)
Doc Watson - “Blue Railroad Train” (49:00)
Justin Townes Earle - “Lone Pine Hill” (1:08:23)
Teaser:
A North Carolina murder ballad turned folk tale withstands the tests of time, the true story is still up for debate today. The most distinct blind guitar player to take sounds from ragtime piano and transfer it to guitar, though his life was a short mystery. A folk singer from Oklahoma becomes the voice of social justice, poverty and failed politics for generations after him. A flat picking blind Appalachian turns the guitar from a background rhythm instrument into a lead in bluegrass, country and folk music during the 60’s, and becomes a pioneer of country blues. Born in the shadow of his father, a young man rises into Americana stardom on his own from a lyrical conviction that many songwriters never acquire, another gone too soon.
Follow AS: Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Programming: Join the Patreon community, Venmo or PayPal
"Shine A Light": David Holt’s State of Music on PBS
Source Credits:
#1: True West Magazine | NPR | Kronsell.net - Legend and Facts
#2: Oldies | All About Blues | Slim Pickens & Dr. Baz
#3: WoodyGuthrie.org | The New Yorker | Texas Observer
#4: Docs Guitar | NC History | NY Times
#5: Westword | First Avenue | Rolling Stone | GQ
Talkin' Blues // Andy Cohen
18 september 2020 |
46 min
I’m so pleased to have my first guest on the podcast, the incredibly gifted multi-instrumentalist, teacher, musicologist and songster Mr. Andy Cohen. You may remember Andy from a mention in Episode 2 of American Songcatcher, as he was the mentor of my mentor, Joan Crane. Once a lead boy soaking in the shadow of Reverend Gary Davis, Andy’s been playing music for 72 years. He’s a virtuoso finger-style guitarist and pianist who has been described as “a walking, talking folk-blues-roots music encyclopedia.” He has devoted his entire life to studying, performing, and promoting traditional blues and folk music, specializing in the pre-World War II era. Country Blues Magazine says, “One thing is for sure, the boy can play. There are few people around today who had a chance to pick it all up from the old generations, get this good at it, and continue to cherish and preserve the old traditions.”
Before we started, I had a load of questions for Andy, but as you’ll hear, he holds the conversation without them. I took a backseat for this history lesson, so there’s not many words from me. Andy plays a few tunes, tells how his librarian set him on a course, about his vast knowledge of many lesser known blues artists, and shares stories about the Reverend Gary Davis that I was unaware of. Fair warning, the audio from our Zoom chat isn’t the best quality, I’m new at this.
More on Andy Cohen:
Website | Videos | Discography | Biography
Interested in supporting this independent program?
Host Links:
Nicholas Edward Williams
Facebook | Instagram | Website
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E3 // They Call The Rising Sun
4 september 2020 |
99 min
Season 1, Episode 3 // They Call The Rising Sun
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - "Rising Sun Blues" or "House of the Rising Sun" (1:37)
Bessie Smith - "Tain't Nobody's Business" (16:46)
The Carter Family - "Wildwood Flower" (40:30)
Townes Van Zandt - "Pancho and Lefty" (1:04:17)
Blind Boy Paxton - "Nobody Cares For Me" (01:22:42)
Teaser:
Was there ever a “house of the rising sun” in New Orleans or elsewhere, or was it a myth brought from the UK? Raised by her sisters in deep poverty, a Chattanooga girl rises to be known as “Empress of the Blues” right before The Great Depression, gone too soon. How did one family become responsible for making mountain and country music mainstream in America? A Texas songwriter whose life paralleled the tragically poetic songs he wrote. Today, a young man who grew up in LA transports audiences to soundscapes of the 20’s and 30’s.
Supporting independent programs!
Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
"Shine A Light":
www.BalladofAmerica.org
Source Credits:
#1: American Blues Scene | The Vintage News | LA Times
#2: My Black History | NNDB | History.com
#3: NPR | Encyclopedia Virginia
#4: Traces of Townes | Texas Monthly
#5: The Bluegrass Situation | Village Voice
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E2 // I Could Root That Mountain Down
16 augusti 2020 |
77 min
Season 1, Episode 2 // I Could Root That Mountain Down
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional | Bascom Lamar Lunsford - “I wish I was a Mole in the ground" (:27)
Mississippi John Hurt - “Spike Driver Blues” (13:50)
Reverend Gary Davis - "Slow Drag” (28:23)
Norman Blake - "Church Street Blues” (42:26)
Willie Watson - "James Alley Blues” (56:08)
Teaser:
A North Carolina mountain banjo player dubbed the "Minstrel of the Appalachians" helps create America’s first folk festivals and preserves history as one of the country's earliest song collectors. A sharecropper is discovered as one of the founding fathers of folk blues, nearly 40 years after his first recordings. A blind virtuoso has a hard upbringing, turns into a reverend, and goes on to teach generations of some of the finest guitar players. A 16 year old boy quits school to pursue music and becomes one of the most decorated guitar players in history, with wife equally as talented. After landing success with Old Crow Medicine Show, a man goes alone and discovers his path of preserving old songs.
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Join the Patreon community, or donate through Venmo or PayPal
Follow:
"Shine A Light":
Web Source Credits:
#1: Ballad of a Mountain Man | NCpedia | Blue Ridge Heritage
#2: MJH Foundation | MS Blues Trail | MJH: His Life, His Times, His Blues
#3: Cultural Equity | NCPedia
#4: The Bluegrass Situation | NPR
#5: Lyric Magazine | OCMS | Red Line Roots | Chicago Tribune
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:E1 // If She Heard My Guineas Clink
28 juli 2020 |
51 min
Season 1, Episode 1 // If She Heard My Guineas Clink
Featured in this Episode:
Traditional - "Peggy O" (:28)
Jimmie Rodgers - "Waiting For a Train" (8:01)
Elizabeth Cotten - "Shake Sugaree" (15:23)
Dave Van Ronk - "Green, Green Rocky Road" (25:40)
Gillian Welch - "Everything is Free" (35:26)
Teaser:
A traditional Scottish song survives over 300 years, traveling thousands of miles before filtering through the Appalachian Mountains and becoming a folk "pass along" tune. “The Singing Brakeman” comes alive after witnessing the yodeling of Swiss emissaries, creating the original country music sound. A woman in her 60’s falls into a household worker position for the Seeger Family, and they discover a talent left behind 30 years ago that would inspire generations of guitar players. A man who was bigger in person than the myths that followed him, personifying emotion through old songs. And a living legend, who punctures holes in hearts with her incomparable songwriting, transformed by The Stanley Brothers.
Interested in supporting this independent program?
Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal
Follow:
"Shine A Light":
GemsOnVHS
Source Credits:
#1: WhiteGum | Weeping Willow Guitar | The Jovial Crew
#2: Bluegrass Today | Official Website
#3: Folkways | Rainbow Quest
#4: The Vinyl District | Folkways | Elijah Wald | Guitar Workshop
#5: The Guardian | The New Yorker | Rolling Stone
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/supportS1:Trailer "American Songcatcher"
30 juni 2020 |
2 min
Tracing the roots of American music from its cultured past to artists playing it forward, join folk musician Nicholas Edward Williams in the audio documentary-style podcast series, American Songcatcher. Each episode uncovers the lesser-known journey behind one traditional song, followed by four stories of musicians in American roots music, up to someone carrying tradition today. From European and British isles immigrants who brought their music to Appalachia, to songs of the South: Gospel, Ragtime, Blues, Country, and the Folk music derived from it all. We’ll go behind the curtain of legends, and shine the limelight on many integral lesser-known artists who have influenced generations, such as Bessie Smith, Ola Belle Reed, Blind Blake, Odetta and Dave Van Ronk. Here’s to the songs of old, may they live on forever. Find American Songcatcher, available wherever you get your podcasts.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/americansongcatcher/support
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.