American Songcatcher

Today, I'm sharing a conversation I had with guitarist, writer, archivist, teacher and scholar Cameron Knowler, who has lovingly absorbed an archive's worth of early American guitar styles, and it shows. His self-illustrated book Guitars Have Feelings Too views flat picking as a continuation of the dance music that became bluegrass, not just virtuosic instrumental music. ⁠ ⁠ Cameron is a writer for Fretboard Journal magazine, and his new record CRK, released in April of this 2025, was heralded by Acoustic Guitar magazine, who said: "The dynamic performances, which evoke words like sensitive, nuanced, restrained, and understated, hint at a disinterest in flash for its own sake." We talked about Norman Blake quite a bit, learned about his fascinating background, and as always, geek out on some music history. Enjoy! ⁠ Official Website CRK Album Instagram ___ Support Educational Programming: Join the Patreon Community One-time donation via Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution

Today on the program, we're letting our friends at The Bluegrass Situation takeover our feed with a brand new series called "Finding Lucinda." Episode One: Introducing Finding Lucinda As we join the story, Ismay has been living and working on their family ranch for almost a decade – and they're looking for change. For several years the independent singer-songwriter has been playing in a Lucinda Williams tribute band and writing their own music. An opportunity to record an album sparks a new and different idea: to instead embark on a road trip to uncover the early days of Lucinda's music career and, hopefully, find a way forward creatively. However, they are plagued by self doubt about whether pursuing music can still be worthwhile for them. But in spite of this uncertainty, Ismay dives into research to see where a journey across the country – and further into the life and music of Lucinda – could lead. Links: Finding Lucinda on The Bluegrass Situation Facebook Instagram X Website Credits: Distributed by The Bluegrass Situation Produced and mixed by Avery Hellman for Neanderthal Records LLC Music by ISMAY and The Lake Charlatans Artwork by Avery Hellman Guests: Mary Gauthier, Wolf Stephenson, John Grimaudo, Charlie Sexton Special thanks to: Joel Fendelman, Liz McBee, Rose Bush, Mick Hellman, Chuck Prophet, Jonathan McHugh, Jacqueline Sabec, Lucinda Williams & Tom Overby About Finding Lucinda: Finding Lucinda follows a young singer-songwriter on a road trip of self discovery to trace the roots of their musical hero Lucinda Williams. Amidst self-doubt and uncertainty, ISMAY sets out from the family ranch in Northern California and travels to Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. There ISMAY meets Lucinda's early collaborators, digs through the archives to uncover hidden treasures, and visits the studios and venues where Lucinda got her start. Interviews include Charlie Sexton, Buddy Miller, and Mary Gauthier. Finding Lucinda is ultimately a story about not knowing whether you have what it takes to be the artist you want to be, and looking for answers on how to move forward anyways. It's about finding a small way to be more like your hero. Listen on The Bluegrass Situation or where you get your shows and look out for the Finding Lucinda film coming Fall 2025.

Today on the program, we're sharing our most robust and entertaining episode since beginning five years ago, honoring the king of the five string banjo, Earl Scruggs. Featuring more than 25 different voices all touched by Earl, this part narrative, part field recording feature will give you a glimpse into the life of Earl Scruggs and his story that is completely unique, informed by those who knew him and those who are holding his legacy high today. Immerse yourself in the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, and learn why it was chosen as the 2025 International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year. Special thanks to the Earl Scruggs Center and the Earl Scruggs Festival for having me this year! Have an instrument to donate? ReString Appalachia Support Educational Programming: Join the Patreon Community Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher: Instagram | TikTok Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, writing recording and distribution Jamie Tews - Research, Writing Assistance

Get your raffle ticket here! For just a moment, put yourself in the shoes of a person who plays music, whether they're professional, amateur or just getting started. Imagine what it would be like to lose the instrument that helps you understand your life, to make sense of the world. Now, imagine losing it and most of what you own during the most traumatic event of your life. Who is going to help you get music back? This is the mission of ReString Appalachia. An initiative that started with American Songcatcher after Hurricane Helene, ReString is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit who has given over 800 instruments to musicians from natural disasters in Appalachia and Los Angeles, and soon, the Texas Hill Country. You can help us accomplish this by buying a raffle ticket to win a signed, one of a kind bluegrass banjo from world renowned banjoist Béla Fleck. This fundraiser is in partnership with the Henhouse Prowlers, their nonprofit Bluegrass Ambassadors, ReString Appalachia, and American Songcatcher. Raffle ends Sept 1st! www.ReStringAppalachia.org We'll be back VERY soon with a few interviews, and we'll have a very special field recording and feature on the Earl Scruggs Music Festival and his legacy. See you next time, on American Songcatcher.

Today, I'm sharing a conversation I had with one of today's most eclectic roots musicians, Buffalo Nichols. Since his earliest infatuations with guitar, Carl, who goes by the name Buffalo Nichols has asked himself the same question: How can I bring the blues of the past into the future? A student of African traditions and its roots in the blues, as well as the black influence on "white" music in country, bluegrass, old time and folk, the depth and airy nature of his voice lends itself to all these traditions, as represented in his music. We talked about his trajectory as a musician early on, being picked up by labels, and now being independent, the misinformed music history narrative that's been pushed on all of us since the 1920's, and many things in between. Enjoy! Tour Listen Instagram Patreon ___ Support Educational Programming: Tax-Exempt Donations Join our Patreon Community One-time donation via Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution

Over the last 5 years, we have had the privilege of bringing you stories of Pioneering musicians such as Bill Monroe, Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash, Lead Belly, Dolly Parton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Pete Seeger, Jean Ritchie and so many more. However, a recently shift was forced upon the American Songcatcher program. Our distributor, Spotify for Podcasters/Creators, has taken down 1/4 of our episodes on all platforms, with more likely to follow, as they have began to crack down on the rights and usage of songs. Although this program is strictly education-based, and we don't sell products or produce any notable revenue from these episodes, they don't see what we do as fair use. It's a big blow, as over a year's worth of our work is now gone from the convenient places to listen to them. And so, our standstill for the last 5 months has been one of great pondering, and a lot of work with our nonprofit ReString Appalachia, where we have just surpassed 700 instruments given to those who had them taken away from natural disasters. It's been decided that from now on, American Songcatcher will strictly focus on traditional song history, field recordings, and interviews. We embrace our new direction, and we hope you will too. All of the episodes will be available on our website, AmericanSongcatcher.com in the next month. We'll be back with some new content soon, thank you for your patience, see you next time on American Songcatcher. __ Support Educational Programming: ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠ Join the⁠ Patreon Community⁠ One-time donations:⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, editing, recording and distribution

A few years back, we had the pleasure of partnering with Smithsonian Folkways for a special two part series on Folkways Records founder Moses Asch, who was born 99 years ago earlier this month. To honor his legacy, we combined these two pieces and re-releasing them today. We'll traverse Moe's early career, bankruptcy, and the tumultuous yet tantalizing 40 years of iconic recordings with pioneering and lesser known artists of Folkways Records. You'll find out how what Moe accomplished became so woven with the cultural footprint of American Music as we know it today. Now… here's the story of Moses Asch. __ Support Educational Programming: ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠ Join the⁠ Patreon Community⁠ One-time donations:⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, distribution Collaboration Credits: Smithsonian Folkways Full Moses Asch interview with Arhoolie Records' founder Chris Strachwitz Interviewees: Richard Carlin - Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways - Book Michael Asch - Dom Flemons - Black Cowboys from Smithsonian Folkways Websites: Smithsonian | SF2 | NY Times | Redalyc | Arhoolie | Jstor.com | NPR | Routledge | AllPurposeGuru | NY TIMES 2 | University of Alberta | Haaretz | Folkworks Videos:FAI Folkways: World of Sound Documentary Books: Making people's music : Moe Asch and Folkways records - Peter D Goldsmith

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 __ Support Educational Programming: ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠ Join the⁠ Patreon Community⁠ One-time donations:⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution

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. - 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

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. __ Support Educational Programming: ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠ Join the⁠ Patreon Community⁠ One-time donations:⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ 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.

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: Official Website Facebook Patreon ___ Support Educational Programming: Tax-Exempt Donations Join the Patreon Community One-time donation via Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher on Instagram Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution

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. __ Support Educational Programming: ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠ Join the⁠ Patreon Community⁠ One-time donations:⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow American Songcatcher⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ 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 Who Murdered Soul? The Sam Cooke Story. (2018, July 15). YouTube. Wharton, M. (Director). (1996). Legend [Documentary]. Amazon Prime.

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 __ Support Educational Programming: ⁠Tax-Exempt Donations⁠ Join the⁠ Patreon Community⁠ One-time donations:⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ 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. Country Music Hall of Fame Authentic Texas OW Mayo 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. OK History Life and Times of Bob Wills (TNN) Texas Monthly Birthplace of Western Swing 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.

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: Official Website Instagram ___ Support Educational Programming: Tax-Exempt Donations Join the Patreon Community One-time donations: Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher on Instagram Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution

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: Rare Bird Farm Golden Shoals Madison County Mars Hill University Tim Duggan David Hoffman Support Educational Programming: Make a Tax Exempt Donation Join the Patreon Community Send a one-time donation via Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher on Instagram Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, editing, recording and distribution

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" Support Educational Programming: Join the Patreon Community Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher: Instagram | TikTok 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"

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. Support Educational Programming: Join the Patreon Community Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook 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

Today on our program, we're delighted to release the first episode of Season 3, which will consist entirely of single stories. In this story, we dive 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 main player in redefining Bluegrass and American roots music for future generations, the unofficial father of "newgrass", who had a life that was anything but ordinary. Support Educational Programming: Join the Patreon Community Send a one-time donation on Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher: Instagram | TikTok Credits: Ryan Eastridge - Research, Writing Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, 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

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. Jackson Pines Merce Ridgeway - Library of Congress Support Independent Programming! Join the⁠ Patreon⁠! Send a one-time donation through⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow: ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution Joe Makoviecki - Narration, Research

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. Dustin Dale Gaspard Swamp Pop Playlist Support Independent Programming! Join the⁠ Patreon⁠! Send a one-time donation through⁠ Venmo⁠ or⁠ PayPal⁠ Follow: ⁠American Songcatcher⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution Dustin Dale Gaspard - Narration, Research

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 Hedges Website Andy's Podcast "Cowboy Crossroads" Roll On, Cowboys Jack Thorpe Support Independent Programming! Join the Patreon! Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal Follow: American Songcatcher Instagram | TikTok Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution Andy Hedges - Narration

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. Muddy Boots Website Gathering Sounds - Tenali's New Book Mikail Graham - The Other Side Support this independent program: Join the Patreon Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher on Instagram & TikTok Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Editing, Recording and Distribution Tenali Hrenak - Production

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. Last Wisps of the Old Ways Fieldwork Archive Official Support Independent Programming! Join the Patreon for as little as $1 a month! Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram | TikTok Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, Editing, Recording and Distribution Derek Piotr - Writing, Recording, Research

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. Follow American Songcatcher | Instagram | TikTok Credits: Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, Editing, Recording and Distribution

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: Smithsonian Folkways Full Moses Asch interview with Arhoolie Records' founder Chris Strachwitz Interviewees: Richard Carlin - Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways Michael Asch Jeff Place (Smithsonian Folkways) John Smith (Smithsonian Folkways) Dom Flemons Charlie Parr — Follow American Songcatcher Media Credits: Making people's music : Moe Asch and Folkways records - Peter D Goldsmith Smithsonian | SF2 | NY Times | Redalyc | Arhoolie | Jstor.com | NPR | Routledge

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: Smithsonian Folkways Full Moses Asch interview with Arhoolie Records' founder Chris Strachwitz Interviewees: Richard Carlin | Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways Michael Asch American Songcatcher Source Credits: Smithsonian | Redalyc | Jstor.com | NPR | Routledge | AllPurposeGuru | Haaretz | Folkworks Worlds of Sound: Ballad of Folkways | Documentary Making People's Music | Book

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: Listen Book Socials : Instagram | Facebook Watch ______ Follow American Songcatcher: Instagram | TikTok Support Independent Programming! Join the Patreon Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal

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. — Collaboration | Basic Folk Podcast "Shine A Light" | Johnny Cash: The Life Follow American Songcatcher Support Independent Programming! Join the Patreon Send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal 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

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. — 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

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: Spotify Apple Music Official Site Instagram Facebook 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.

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 --- "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

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 [email protected] OR Order through Bandcamp Listen on: Spotify Apple Music/iTunes Amazon Soundcloud Bandcamp 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)

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 [email protected] OR Order through Bandcamp Listen on: Spotify Apple Music/iTunes Amazon Soundcloud Bandcamp 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)

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) --- "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

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: Cristina's Official Site Stream Music Buy Music Follow Cristina on Social Media: Instagram Facebook

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: Jody's Official Site Buy His Music Follow Jody on Social Media: Instagram Facebook -- Support American Songcatcher! Join the Patreon Community for as little as $3 a month! -OR- Send a one-time donation via: Venmo PayPal

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 Lon's Official Website --- 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 PayPal

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: @WilliCarlisle Link: Official Website --- 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 PayPal

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: @ResonantRogues @SparrowPants @JohncCampbellFolkschool Links: Official Website - John Campbell Folk School --- 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 PayPal

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: @Balladofamerica @ramblingstringband @sabatellamusic Links: Matthew Sabatella Ballad of America Rambling String Band --- 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 PayPal

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: @JayCobbAnderson @fruitionpdx @tkandtheholyknownothings 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/

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 -- 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

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

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: Legacy Album with Doc Watson Official Website PBS: David Holt's State of Music Follow State of Music on Instagram

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

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: Instagram | Facebook Support Independent Programming: Join the Patreon community, or send a one-time donation through Venmo or PayPal "Shine A Light": History of Country Music 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

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: Instagram | Facebook "Shine A Light": Western AF 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

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

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 Riverlark Music Site Facebook Interested in supporting this independent program? Join the Patreon community Subscribe and Share Send a donation through Venmo or PayPal Host Links: Nicholas Edward Williams Facebook | Instagram | Website

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