Category Archives: Blues

Big Blue Diamonds

There’s hope in music. And if we need something to carry us forward over the coming years it’s hope. So we’ll take all we can get with all the music we can get. This week’s Deeper Roots show takes us through a blend of genres, making a free form journey across the landscape of America’s music from the past century. We’ll bring you Cannonball Adderley right alongside Hank Thompson and The Neville Brothers, The Doors, Patsy Cline and Mink Deville to start. Dave Stroud’s done some scouring through those dusty digital archives for well- (and little-) known gems with stories and ballads. He’ll be taking you to where country meets soul, jazz meets boogie woogie and where there’s an unlikely fusion of reggae, folk, and zydeco. Topics include wedding days, jiggers of gin, honeydrippers, and the topic of Texas and some big blue diamonds. Tune in this week. Take your mind off the grifters and haters that have polluted the pond.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Elvis Presley Burning Love Nippers 70's-Vol.1 Amazon
3Clarence "Frogman" Henry Long Lost And Worried Ain't Got No Home: The Best Of Clarence "Frogman" Henry Amazon
4Mink Deville A Train Lady The Mink De Ville Collection Amazon
5Major Lance Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um The Very Best of Major Lance Amazon
6Linda Lyndell What A Man Soul Sides: Volume One Amazon
7Little Johnny Taylor Big Blue Diamonds Cold Cold Heart – Where Country Meets Soul Volume 3 Amazon
8Tex Ritter Big Blue Diamonds Famous Country Music Makers Amazon
9Waylon Jennings Drinkin' and Dreamin' The Essential Waylon Jennings [2007] Disc 2 Amazon
10The Doors The Wasp (Texas Radio And The Big Beat) L.A. Woman: 40th Anniversary Mixes [Bonus Tracks] Amazon
11Tex Williams I Got Texas In My Soul The History Of Country & Western Music – Vol. 10 Amazon
12Willie Nelson Texas In My Soul One Hell Of A Ride Amazon
13Patsy Cline Got A Lot Of Rhythm In My Soul Volume 3 Amazon
14Pokey LaFarge End of My Rope Rock Bottom Rhapsody Amazon
15O. C. Smith The Son Of Hickory Holler Tramp More Dirty Laundry: The Soul Of Black Country Amazon
16The Eternals Babalu's Wedding Day The Doo Wop Box, Vol. 2 Disc 3 Amazon
17Snooks Eaglin My Head Is Spinning Complete Imperial Recordings Amazon
18Arthur Alexander I Hang My Head And Cry Cold Cold Heart – Where Country Meets Soul Volume 3 Amazon
19Jimmy Lee You Ain't No Good For Me Dirty Boogie:The Fortune Records Story Amazon
20Andre Williams Pardon Me (I've Got Someone To Kill) More Dirty Laundry: The Soul Of Black Country Amazon
21Big Daddy Wilson I Got Plenty Deep in My Soul Amazon
22Ray Charles Mess Around Atlantic Rock & Roll Amazon
23Dr. John Honey Dripper Definitive Pop Collection Amazon
24Varetta Dillard Mercy, Mr. Percy The Lovin' Bird Amazon
25Mink DeVille Mazurka Le Chat Bleu Amazon
26BeauSoleil & Michael Doucet Zydeco Gris Gris Absolutely The Best Cajun & Zydeco [Disc 1] Amazon
27Rockin' Dopsie Zydeco Around The World Absolutely The Best Cajun & Zydeco [Disc 1] Amazon
28The Neville Brothers Sitting in Limbo Fiyo on the Bayou Amazon
29Hank Thompson Scotch And Soda A Collection Of Drinking Songs Amazon
30Cannonball Adderley Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Rock Instrumental Classics Vol. 4: Soul Amazon
31Johnny Mercer And The Pied Pipers My Sugar Is So Refined Capitol Records' From The Vaults, Volume 3 – Capitol Jumps – 1944-53 Amazon
32Nina Simone I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl Artist's Choice: Norah Jones Amazon
33The Righteous Brothers Something's Got A Hold On Me The Moonglow Years Amazon

Rain Theme

Seven years after our community was ravaged by three different wildfires, we’re going to focus on the theme of rain in our show today. Call it a rain dance if you must but we’re hoping that not only will the weather give us one more year of respite from the flaming torrent of climate change-induced wildfires but also make it two years in a row with reservoir replenishment. So why not a theme that promotes rainy weather? We’ll go to every genre corner in the show today: gospel, jazz, country, rock ‘n roll, soul and rhythm & blues. Tune in for a themed collection this morning that includes the likes of Glenn Yarbrough, Percy Sledge, Leon Russell, Lonnie Johnson and Billy “The Kid” Emerson. There’s a whole lot more so join in and find out. A sunny September morning leads us to our rain dance…or whatever you call it.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Sons of the Pioneers Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain (Remastered) Anthology: The Definitive Collection (Remastered) Amazon
3Buddy Guy Feels Like Rain Buddy's Baddest: The Best of Buddy Guy Amazon
4Hugh Laurie Didn't It Rain Didn't It Rain (Deluxe) Amazon
5Sons Of South Didn't It Rain Children The Best Of Nashboro Gospel Amazon
6Lew Childre It Don't Do Nothing but Rain …I Listen to the Wind That Obliterates My Traces Amazon
7The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Buy for Me the Rain Dirt, Silver & Gold Disc 1 Amazon
8Sir Douglas Quintet The Rains Came Best Of Sir Douglas Quintet Amazon
9Eddie Rabbitt I Love A Rainy Night Superstars Of Country Amazon
10Albert Lee Rainbows All Over Your Blues The Big E: A Salute to Steel Guitarist Buddy Emmons Amazon
11Buddy Holly Raining in My Heart The Definitive Collection Amazon
12The Cascades Rhythm of the Rain Teen Ballads Disc 2 Amazon
13Lonnie Johnson Pouring Down Rain Complete Folkways Recordings Amazon
14John Hammond, Jr. Little Rain Falling Country Blues Amazon
15Billy "The Kid" Emerson When It Rains, It Pours Living The Blues: Blues Classics 1955-1956 Amazon
16Big Maybelle Rain Down Rain The Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-'55 Amazon
17Leon Russell A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall Leon Russell And The Shelter People [Bonus Tracks] Amazon
18Irma Thomas It's Raining Time Is on My Side: The Best of Irma Thomas, Vol. 1 Amazon
19Irma Thomas I Think It's Going to Rain Today Simply Grand Amazon
20Madeleine Peyroux California Rain Half The Perfect World Amazon
21Billie Holiday Come Rain Or Come Shine Billie's Best Amazon
22Creedence Clearwater Revival Have You Ever Seen The Rain Rock Steady 1971: Celebrating Starbucks 35th Anniversary Amazon
23The Mavericks Here Comes the Rain Music for All Occasions Amazon
24The Serendipity Singers Don't Let The Rain Come Down (Crooked Little Man) My Music Original Masters Folk Rewind [Disc 2] Amazon
25Glenn Yarbrough Baby the Rain Must Fall Pop Memories of the 60s: Vol. 4- Blue Velvet [Disc 1] Amazon
26Roy Orbison Leaving Makes The Rain Come Down One of the Lonely Ones Amazon
27The Everly Brothers Crying in the Rain Singles / EP's /Radio / Live Amazon
28Merle Travis Rainy Day Feeling Hot Pickin' [Disc 2] Amazon
29Grandpa Jones It's Raining Here This Morning (Remake) Hillbilly Bop 'n' Boogie: King/Federal Roots of Rockabilly 1944 – 56 Amazon
30The Birmingham Sunlights It's Gonna Rain Folk Masters Amazon
31Simon & Garfunkel Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme Amazon
32Percy Sledge I Wish It Would Rain Blue Night Amazon
33Nick Lowe Raining Raining Nick's Knack Amazon

Also Rans 1956

The charts for the year 1956 were overtaken by Elvis. No question. There were a few others that illuminated the jukebox namely Fats Domino, Webb Pierce, Little Richard, and The Platters. Rock ‘n roll’s impact swept the floor with most burying some fairly incredible performances in it’s wake. Call it an avalanche. Call it a mudslide. Call it what you like. As I began to assemble a show looking at the top of the charts for the year, I found that starting at the bottom and working my way up was a revelation. Whether it was country, rhythm & blues, rock ‘n roll or pop…there were some delicious also-rans that I could not ignore so chose to ignore the Top 30 and focused today’s show on the so-called losers below the waterline of the Top 40. And what a joy it was! We’ll hear from some of them including Big Joe Turner, The Dells, LaVern Baker, Clyde McPhatter, Carl Smith and Kitty Wells in today’s show. I hope you’ll find some time, morning, noon or night, to listen in.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2The Ernie Freeman Combo Jivin' Around, Part 1 Blowing The Fuse: 1956 Amazon
3Bo Diddley Pretty Thing Blowing The Fuse: 1956 Amazon
4Chuck Berry Too Much Monkey Business Johnny B. Goode-His Complete 50's Chess Recordings Amazon
5Big Joe Turner The Chicken and the Hawk Big Joe Rocks Amazon
6LaVern Baker I Can't Love You Enough Rock & Roll Amazon
7Clyde McPhatter Seven Days Rock & Roll Amazon
8Chuck Willis Juanita I Remember Chuck Willis / The King Of The Stroll Amazon
9Chuck Willis It's Too Late Blowing The Fuse: 1956 Amazon
10The Clovers Devil or Angel Doo Wop Box Disc 2 Amazon
11The Dells Oh What A Nite The Vee-Jay Story [Disc 1] Amazon
12The Moonglows See Saw Dancin' And Romancin' In The 50s And 60s [Disc 1] Amazon
13Little Willie John Home At Last Fever: The Best Of Little Willie John Amazon
14Ray Charles Lonely Avenue Ray Charles – 93 Essential Tracks Amazon
15Otis Williams & His Charms Ivory Tower Rhythm & Blues 1952-1959 – Music Sampler, Vol. 2 Amazon
16The Five Keys Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind Doo Wop Vocal Group Greats Amazon
17The G-Clefs Ka-Ding Dong Gems from the Columbia Vaults, Pt. 1 Amazon
18Clarence "Frogman" Henry Ain't Got No Home Chess New Orleans [Disc 2] Amazon
19Sil Austin Slow Walk Great Instrumental Hits Of The 50s-80s (10 Songs) Amazon
20Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra With Eddie Heywood Canadian Sunset Magic Moments: Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 2) Amazon
21June Carter Cash Juke Box Blues Keep on the Sunny Side: Her Life in Music Disc 1 Amazon
22Eddy Arnold You Don't Know Me Warped 5543 – Eddy Arnold – 1955 Amazon
23Webb Pierce Teenage Boogie All Hits! [Disc 2] Amazon
24Johnny Horton 093-Honky Tonk Man Columbia Records' 125th Anniv. Amazon
25The Louvin Brothers Cash On The Barrelhead Capitol Country Music Classics Amazon
26Kitty Wells The Lonely Side of Town The Complete Country Hits Amazon
27Sonny James The Cat Came Back Singles Amazon
28Marty Robbins I Can't Quit (I've Gone Too Far) The Essential Marty Robbins: 1951-1982 Amazon
29Porter Wagoner Tryin' to Forget the Blues The Essential Porter Wagoner Amazon
30Tennessee Ernie Ford That's All Masters 1949-1976 [Disc 3] Amazon
31Hank Thompson I'm Not Mad, Just Hurt Most Of All Amazon
32Sanford Clark The Fool Chills & Fever: The Dot Records Story 1955-1962 Amazon
33Choir / Faron Young / Hubert Long Turn Her Down The Complete Capitol Hits of Faron Young (1 of 2) Amazon
34Carl Smith Wicked Lies Kisses Don't Lie Amazon
35Wanda Jackson I Gotta Know Rockin' With Wanda [US Bonus Tracks] Amazon
36Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers/Jimmy Wright The ABC's of Love The Doo Wop Box, Vol. 2 Disc 2 Amazon
37The Chordettes Born To Be With You Four By Four – Girl Groups Amazon

Little Bit O’ Bad

A little bit of good, a little bit of bad, and a whole lot of Americana classics. This morning’s Deeper Roots show runs the gamut from boogie Woogie to country ballads, classic rock, soul, blues, gospel and everything but the kitchen sink. Dave Stroud will be featuring songs that celebrate the band of gold, bad boys, bad girls, schooldays nostalgia, and the silly notion that black cats are no more than a warning when, in fact, they are a sign from on high of the very best being yet to come. Tune in for the likes of Stephen Stills, Johnny Cash, Cleo Brown, NRBQ and…yes, Billie Eilish as we celebrate America’s roots from then until now where no ocean is wider nor mountain is high. Celebrate a free form extravaganza with us as we push our way through August, well past the dog days and into the breezy, cool nights of summer’s waning. All for you and the neighborhood on KOWS Community Radio.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2NRBQ A Little Bit Of Bad Message For The Mess Age Amazon
3Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs Stay Street Corner Symphonies (Disc 2) Amazon
4Ronnie Hawkins Matchbox Duane Allman: An Anthology, Vol. 2 [Disc 1] Amazon
5The Hunt Sisters Elvis Is Rocking Again Dirty Boogie:The Fortune Records Story Amazon
6Elvis Presley Dirty Dirty Feeling Elvis Is Back! Amazon
7Cleo Brown Boogie Woogie Picking the Blues – Compiled By John Mayall – Boogie Woogie Pioneers Amazon
8Big Joe Turner Boogie Woogie Country Girl Big, Bad & Blue: Anthology [Disc 3] Amazon
9Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis Boogie Woogie Country Gal Wild! Wild! Wild! Amazon
10The Drifters Let The Boogie Woogie Roll The Definitive Drifters [Disc 1] Amazon
11Robert Plant Let The Boogie Woogie Roll More Friends Amazon
12Ella Mae Morse & Her Boogie Woogie Seven Down The Road Apiece Capitol Records' From The Vaults, Volume 5 – Roots Of Rock 'N' Roll – 1944-53 Amazon
13Billie Eilish Bad Guy When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Amazon
14Robert Gordon Bad Boy Bad Boy Amazon
15The Jive Bombers Bad Boy Cry-Baby Amazon
16Slim Rhodes Band Bad Girl Sun Ballads 1953-62 Amazon
17The Miracles Bad Girl The 35th Anniversary Collection Amazon
18Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kin… Mama Don't Like My Man I Learned the Hard Way (Bonus Version) Amazon
19Johnny Cash I Will Rock And Roll With You The Legend: Old Favorites And New [Disc 2] Amazon
20Willie Nelson Bring Me Sunshine ("Naked" Version) Naked Willie Amazon
21Roy Orbison Dream Baby The Monument Singles: A-Sides (1960 – 1964) [Disc 1] Amazon
22Roy Orbison She Wears My Ring Crying Amazon
23Greg Brown Band of Gold Down in There Amazon
24Don Cherry Band Of Gold Rockin' & Rollin' Wedding Songs, Vol. 1 Amazon
25Elvis Presley Wear My Ring Around Your Neck 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong: Elvis' Gold Records – Volume 2 Amazon
26Rev. Emmett Dickinson A Black Cat Has Crossed Your Path Apple Bobbing Mix Vol. 2 Amazon
27Johnny Winter Black Cat Bone The Progressive Blues Experiment Amazon
28Memphis Minnie Black Cat Blues – Take 1 Queen Of Country Blues [Disc 5] (1936-1937) Amazon
29Johnny Cash Mean Eyed Cat The Man In Black 1954-1958 [Disc 1] Amazon
30Johnny Cash Ring Of Fire Country Music: A Film By Ken Burns – The Soundtrack [Disc 1] Amazon
31Roy Orbison Rock House Three Classic Albums+Singles and Sessions 1956-1962 [Disc 1] Amazon
32Pixies Havalina Bossanova Amazon
33BR5-49 I'm Going Down Dog Days Amazon
34Stephen Stills Acadienne Man Alive! Amazon
35Louis Jordan Boogie Woogie Blue Plate Number Ones Amazon
36Marty Wilde Bad Boy The Epic Story 1960 Amazon

Dirty Money

We’ve heard them all, the quotes about money being the root of all evil, you can’t take it with you, money can’t buy happiness…but there’s this one little thing that is seldom expanded on and that is the story of ‘dirty money’. There’s plenty of fodder in that area…from the banker CEO to the coal company CEO…there’s never an effort to help raise all boats, only the yachts. Capitalism is our theme. No, wait, is it bank robbing? No, most likely the working man trying to put bread on the table. Hold on, I know. It’s runaway inflation and the blame game. In any event, we’ll be all over the board in today’s show, bringing you music about money cravin’ folks from Blind Alfred Reed, working down on Maggie’s Farm and we’ll also have ourselves a hint of a fireside chat to make us feel better. We’ll also head down to coal country and Bonnie and Clyde, Woody Guthrie, and “Voila! An American Dream” from Rodney Crowell. Tune in. Should be fun.



No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2David Rawlings Money Is the Meat in the Coconut Poor David's Almanack Amazon
3The Andrews Sisters Money is The Root of All Evil Golden Age of the Andrews Sisters [Disc 2] Amazon
4Randy Newman It's Money That Matters Land of Dreams Amazon
5Rodney Crowell Voila, An American Dream Collection Amazon
6Bob Brozman Follow The Money Post-industrial Blues Amazon
7Eartha Kitt/Henri René & His Orchestra Just an Old Fashioned Girl Purr-Fect: Greatest Hits Amazon
8Dr. John (Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away The Atco/Atlantic Singles 19681974 Amazon
9Ry Cooder No Banker Left Behind Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down Amazon
10Woody Guthrie The Jolly Banker (Woody Guthrie) Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection [Disc 2] Amazon
11Jake Xerxes Fussell All in Down and Out Jake Xerxes Fussell Amazon
12Roy Zimmerman Joel Osteen Rize Up Amazon
13Bob Dylan Maggie's Farm The Essential Bob Dylan [Disc 1] Amazon
14Blind Alfred Reed Money Cravin Folks Complete Recorded Works 1927-29 Amazon
15Barbecue Bob We Sure Got Hard Times Now Bankers Blues – A Study in the Effects of Fiscal Mischeif Amazon
16Bo Carter Times Is Tight Like That Bankers Blues – A Study in the Effects of Fiscal Mischeif Amazon
17Betty O' Brian Money Honey Point Of No Return: The Liberty Records Story 1962 Amazon
18The O'Jays For The Love Of Money Funk Explosion Amazon
19Solomon Burke Honey Where's The Money Gone Nashville Amazon
20John Lee Hooker I Need Some Money That's My Story ( Sings the Blues) Amazon
21SNCC Freedom Singers; Reagon, Cordell Which Side Are You On? Voices Of The Civil Rights Movement, [Disc 2] (Ensembles) Amazon
22Bruce Springsteen The Ghost of Tom Joad Chapter & Verse Amazon
23Wray Family (Dark As A Dungeon Way) Down In The Mine Birth / Work / Death – Work, Money And Status In Country Music (1950-1974) Amazon
24Band Of Ruhks Coal Mining Man featuring Dr. Ralph Stanley Band Of Ruhks Amazon
25Buddy Durham Sixteen Tons Birth / Work / Death – Work, Money And Status In Country Music (1950-1974) Amazon
26Justin Townes Earle Down In The Valley Coal Country Music Amazon
27Stan Farlow 1040 Blues Birth / Work / Death – Work, Money And Status In Country Music (1950-1974) Amazon
28Rex Allen Money, Marbles And Chalk The Versatile Rex Allen [Disc 2] Amazon
29Merle Haggard And The Strangers The Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde (2006 Digital Remaster) Hag: The Best of Merle Haggard Amazon
30Merle Haggard Working Man Blues Merle Haggard Country Legend-Disc 1 Amazon
31Ferlin Husky 22 – Money Greases the Wheels Ferlin Husky Singles Amazon
32J.J. Cale Money Talks The Very Best of J.J. Cale Amazon
33Kronos Quartet Which Side Are You On Long Time Passing: Kronos Quartet and Friends Celebrate Pete Seeger Amazon

Down the Mississippi

With its ever-changing course, its flowing waters and historical significance, the Mississippi River serves as a powerful metaphor for the American story. The river is a lifeblood nourishing the land while also serving as a path to freedom itself, symbolizing the pursuit of freedom and progress from the North to the Gulf of Mexico. Additional to all of this are its routes of trade and commerce that highlight both the American spirit and prosperity. This week’s Deeper Roots show celebrates the river that got its name after the northern Minnesota people, the Ojibway, and their name for ‘big river’ as well as songs of the namesake state and delta as well. Performances include mid-century recordings from country favorites the Delmore Brothers and Jimmie Skinner, blues from Charlie Musselwhite and the Rufus Thomas, as well as classic recordings of Bob Dylan, Charley Pride, Pops Staples and the Boswell Sisters. Tune into West County radio each Friday morning at 9 Pacific.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Kay Starr Mississippi Capitol Collectors Series Amazon
3Allen Toussaint Bright Mississippi The Bright Mississippi Amazon
4J.J. Cale Mississippi River Grasshopper Amazon
5Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys Mississippi Mud Whoopee Hey Hey! Amazon
6Pops Staples Down In Mississippi Peace To The Neighborhood Amazon
7Charley Pride Roll On Mississippi Anthology Amazon
8Danielia Cotton Roll On Mississippi Roll On Mississippi – Single Amazon
9Bruce Cockburn Sunrise on the Mississippi Dart to the Heart Amazon
10Bob Dylan Mississippi Love and Theft Amazon
11Hank Penny Mississippi Muddle King Of Hillbilly Bebop [Disc 1] Amazon
12Jimmie Skinner I Miss the Mississippi and You 1960-1962 (Warped 6188) Amazon
13Delmore Brothers Mississippi Shore 1946-1947 (Warped 4679) Amazon
14The Browns Mister and Mississippi Classics 1963-1964 (Warped 6384) Amazon
15Boswell Sisters Roll On Mississippi Boswell Sisters Amazon
16Sammy Price & the Blues Singers Mississippi Moan Sammy Price and the Blues Singers Vol. 1 1938 – 1941 Amazon
17Roy Book Binder Mississippi John The Hillbilly Blues Cats Amazon
18Charlie Musselwhite Blues Up The River Mississippi Son Amazon
19Rufus Thomas Funky Mississippi The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles, Vol.2: 1968-1971 [Disc 1] Amazon
20Mountain Mississippi Queen Super Hits Of The '70s: Have A Nice Day, Vol. 1 Amazon
21The New Christy Minstrels Mighty Mississippi Ramblin' Amazon
22Tennessee Ernie Ford Mr. And Mississippi The History Of Country & Western Music (Disc 19) Amazon
23Cheryl Wheeler Lighting Up The Mighty Mississippi Sylvia Hotel Amazon
24George Jones & Melba Montgomery I'd Jump The Mississippi Vintage Collections Amazon
25Bobbie Gentry Mississippi Delta Ode To Billy Joe Amazon
26SNCC Freedom Singers; Jones, Marshall In The Mississippi River Voices Of The Civil Rights Movement, [Disc 2] (Ensembles) Amazon
27Mavis Staples Down In Mississippi (Cd) We'll Never Turn Back Amazon
28Merle Haggard Miss the Mississippi and You The Peer Sessions Amazon
29Jesse Winchester Mississippi, You're On My Mind The Best Of Jesse Winchester Amazon
30Marty Stuart Mississippi Railroad Blues [Instrumental][Instrumental] Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions Amazon
31Doc & Merle Watson Mississippi Heavy Water Blues Sittin' Here Pickin' the Blues Amazon

Swamp Pop Fest

Swamp pop. What is it and where does Tex Mex begin and country blues end? Well, just listen for that Louisiana backbeat, a taste of torch song and rocking rhythm. We’ll take on the music of Tex Mex next week but this week we’ll be sampling some of the greats of that splinter genre referred to as ‘swamp pop’; music that was grafted from a number of different root source sounds. Swamp pop remains an important cultural expression of the Acadiana region, celebrated for its heartfelt and nostalgic qualities. While it never achieved the widespread commercial success of other genres, swamp pop has maintained a dedicated following and continues to be performed by contemporary musicians. We’ll share the sounds of some of the genre’s most popular:  Warren Storm, Tommy McLain, Rod Bernard, Clint West and so many others. Drop on by.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Cookie & the Cupcakes Mathilda Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
3Joe Barry I'm A Fool To Care Don't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2] Amazon
4Joe Barry Teardrops in My Heart I'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1 Amazon
5Joe Barry Little Jewel of the Vieux Carre I'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1 Amazon
6Rockin' Sidney Shirley Jean Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
7John Fred Shirley The History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 3] Amazon
8Rod Bernard This Should Go On Forever Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
9Rod Bernard Diggy Liggy Lo Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
10Rod Bernard Colinda Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
11Warren Storm Prisoner's Song Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
12Warren Storm Hey Ma Ma Boppin' By The Bayou – Made In The Shade Amazon
13Lil' Band Of Gold/Warren Storm Please Mr. Sandman Americana Roots Songbook: Louisiana Amazon
14Little Bob & The Lollipops Nobody But You Oxford American 11th Edition Southern Music 2009 Amazon
15Lil' Bob & the Lollipops I Got Loaded Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
16Johnnie Allan Lonely Days & Lonely Nights Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
17Jivin' Gene Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
18Dale & Grace I'm Leaving It All Up to You Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
19Clint West Our Love Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
20Clint West Big Blue Diamonds Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
21Cookie & His Cupcakes Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Rhythm 'n' Bluesin' By The Bayou – Vocal Groups Amazon
22Cookie And The Cupcakes Until Then Louisiana & The Old New Orleans Sound Amazon
23Cookie & The Cupcakes Got You on My Mind Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
24Shelton Dunaway & The Cupcakes Mary Lou Doing The Popeye The History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 5] Amazon
25Tommy McLain Sweet Dreams Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
26Tommy McLain Before I Grow Too Old The Essential Collection Amazon
27Tommy McLain Before I Grow Too Old I Ran Down Every Dream Amazon
28Tommy McLain Somebody (Radio Edit) I Ran Down Every Dream Amazon
29The Uniques All These Things Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
30Randy & the Rockets Lets Do the Cajun Twist Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
31Joe Barry Just Because Don't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2] Amazon
32Cookie & The Cupcakes I Cried Bob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 1 Amazon
33Tommy McLain I Ran Down Every Dream (feat. Elvis Costello) I Ran Down Every Dream Amazon
34Rockin' Sidney My Toot-Toot Alligator Stomp: Cajun Zydeco Classics Amazon

J.J. Cale Tribute

When J.J. Cale’s first album came on the scene in 1972, it exuded something different…some kind of “timeless cool” with it’s imposing John Bunyan raccoon album cover and understated country sound setting it apart from everything else out there. Not psychedelia, not rock exactly, and certainly not the LA sound that was hip at the time. It was, as it has since been coined, the “Tulsa sound”. Many have covered John Weldon Cale’s music and many have become rock standards while others languish only to be rediscovered year after year by new listeners who hear that “timeless cool” and those breezy treasures he left us. We’ll feature a number of covers today, as well as his own originals in a show that will take you down a river whose currents are slow but determined.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2J.J. Cale Call The Doctor Naturally Amazon
3Eric Clapton Call Me the Breeze The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale Amazon
4Case Garrett Call Me The Breeze Aurora Amazon
5Marc Cohn After Midnight Listening Booth: 1970 Amazon
6Waylon Jennings Clyde Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line: The RCA Years Disc 2 Amazon
7The Band Crazy Mama High On The Hog Amazon
8Maria Muldaur Cajun Moon Louisiana Love Call Amazon
9J.J. Cale Hey Baby The Very Best of J.J. Cale Amazon
10Widespread Panic Travelin' Light Choice Cuts: The Capricorn Years 1991-1999 Amazon
11Eric Clapton Travelin' Light Reptile Amazon
12Eric Clapton/J.J. Cale Don't Cry Sister The Road to Escondido Amazon
13John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers Sensitive Kind A Sense of Place Amazon
14Chris Smither Magnolia Happier Blue Amazon
15Shannon McNally Magnolia Magnolia – Single Amazon
16Tony Joe White Louvelda (feat. J.J. Cale) Collected [CD3] Amazon
17J.J. Cale Rock and Roll Records Okie Amazon
18Eric Clapton After Midnight The Cream of Clapton Amazon
19J.J. Cale Anyway the Wind Blows Okie Amazon
20Kansas Bringing It Back Kansas Amazon
21Eric Clapton/J.J. Cale Danger The Road to Escondido Amazon
22Shannon McNally Low Rider Black Irish Amazon
23J.J. Cale Roll On Roll On Amazon
24Eric Clapton/J.J. Cale Heads in Georgia The Road to Escondido Amazon
25The Tractors The Tractors-Rhythm Bone Trade Union Amazon
26Eric Clapton Magnolia (feat. John Mayer) The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale Amazon

White Powder Muse

Cocaine is one of a few substances that have served as a muse, both in word and effect, in various forms of art throughout history, particularly in the 20th century. Its influence can be found repeatedly in the music industry, peaking in use during the 1980s when it was used by performer and listener as the disco and party-going atmosphere exploded, Contributing to this bacchanal were films depicting its use (and abuse) with plot themes embracing the white powder in storytelling. Cocaine’s impact is predominant in the genres of rock, jazz, and hip-hop and many performers have openly discussed their cocaine use, and its influence can be heard in lyrics, musical styles, and even album artwork. This week’s show looks at this muse with sounds from Margo Price, The Reverend Horton Heat, Lucille Bogan, Fred Neil and a host of others from 1929 to the present.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Roy Hogsed Cocaine Blues Swinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys Amazon
3Hank Williams III Cocaine Blues Risin' Outlaw Amazon
4Dick Justice Cocaine Old Time Music From West VI : Old-Time Music From West Virgi Amazon
5Carl Martin That New Kind Of Stuff Carl Martin, Tennessee Chocolate Drops, Louie Bluie & Ted Bogan, Willie "61" Blackwell — Complete Recorded Works Amazon
6Lucille Bogan Baking Powder Blues Cocaine Blues Amazon
7Johnny Cash Cocaine Blues Silver Amazon
8Billy Hughes Cocaine Blues Country & Western Hit Parade 1947 Amazon
9Son Volt Cocaine and Ashes American Central Dust Amazon
10The Reverend Horton Heat Bales of Cocaine Holy Roller Amazon
11Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys Cocaine Blues Dance Ranch Amazon
12Miss Marcy & Her Texas Sugardaddy's Whiskey And Cocaine Deep Ellum Amazon
13Grateful Dead Casey Jones Workingman's Dead Amazon
14The Byrds Take A Whiff On Me Untitled / Unissued [Disc 1] Amazon
15Fred Neil Sweet Cocaine The Many Sides Of Fred Neil [Disc 1] Amazon
16Woody Guthrie Take A Whiff On Me Muleskinner Blues (The Asch Recordings, Vol. 2) Amazon
17Woody Guthrie Bad Lee Brown (Cocaine Blues) (traditional, arr. Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston) Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection [Disc 2] Amazon
18Jackson Browne Cocaine Running On Empty Amazon
19Dave Van Ronk Cocaine Two Sides of Dave Van Ronk Amazon
20Eric Clapton Cocaine Slowhand Amazon
21Margo Price Cocaine Cowboys All American Made Amazon
22Doc & Merle Watson Let the Cocaine Be Live & Pickin' Amazon
23The Manhattan Transfer That Cat Is High Anthology – Down In Birdland (Disc 2) Amazon
24Chick Webb & His Orchestra Wacky Dust Cocaine Blues Amazon
25Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra Kickin' The Gong Around Cocaine Blues Amazon
26Cab Calloway & His Cotton Club Orchestra Kickin' The Gong Around Chronological Cab Calloway (1932-1934) Amazon
27Mills Blue Rhythm Band Kokey Joe Cocaine Blues Amazon
28The Spirits of Rhythm Junk Man Cocaine Blues Amazon
29Curtis Mayfield Pusherman The Very Best Of Curtis Mayfield Amazon
30The Ink Spots That Cat Is High Cocaine Blues Amazon
31Memphis Jug Band Cocaine Habit Blues Cocaine Blues Amazon

Celebrating Smokey

The songs of Smokey Robinson have stood the test of time, remaining popular and relevant across generations. His compositions have been covered by artists from various genres, further cementing a legend as one of the greatest songwriters of his era. This week, we take a walk through a handful of the many classics he gave us, spanning three decades, focusing primarily on the Motown song machine classics from The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Mary Wells, and, of course, his own group The Miracles. There is no question that his songwriting style and lyrical finesse have influenced generations of musicians and, coupled with his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies, standards were set for songwriters in the R&B and soul genres; not to mention the groundswell of the sixties sound of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records. A morning of pure soul and pop that will include some sweet contemporary covers (if we can squeeze them in). 

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Bonnie Bramlett You've Really Got A Hold On Me Lady's Choice Amazon
3Barrett Strong Misery Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2) Amazon
4The Miracles Bad Girl The 35th Anniversary Collection Amazon
5The Contours Whole Lotta Woman The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
6Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Shop Around Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
7Mary Wells/The Love-Tones You Beat Me to the Punch Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
8Gene Chandler You Threw A Lucky Punch Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2) Amazon
9Mary Wells The One Who Really Loves You Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1 Amazon
10Mary Wells Two Lovers The Soul of Detroit – Disc 1 Amazon
11The Miracles Going to a Go-Go Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
12Brenda Holloway When I'm Gone Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 2 Amazon
13Carolyn Crawford My Smile Is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down) Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1 Amazon
14The Miracles Baby Don't You Go [Single Version] The 35th Anniversary Collection [Disc 2] Amazon
15The Temptations The Way You Do The Things You Do The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s Amazon
16Marvelettes Way Over There Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD3) Amazon
17Marvin Gaye Ain't That Peculiar Marvin Gaye Icon Amazon
18The Contours First I Look at the Purse The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
19The Temptations Get Ready The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s Amazon
20Marvin Gaye One More Heartache Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
21Marvin Gaye I'll Be Doggone 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Marvin Gaye, Vol. 1 Amazon
22Marvin Gaye Take This Heart Of Mine Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
23The Contours Determination The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
24Chris Clark From Head To Toe Soul Sounds – Remaster Amazon
25The Marvelettes Don't Mess With Bill 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes Amazon
26The Marvelettes The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes Amazon
27Johnny Rivers The Tracks of My Tears Greatest Hits [Capitol] Amazon
28Smokey Robinson & the Miracles More Love Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 3 Amazon
29Tammi Terrell He's The One I Love Come On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection Amazon
30Diana Ross & The Supremes The Composer The Best Of Diana Ross & The Supremes [Disc 2] Amazon
31The Four Tops Still Water (Love) The Ultimate Collection Amazon
32Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Tears of a Clown Motown: The Classic Years Disc 2 Amazon
33The Supremes Floy Joy Gold Disc 2 Amazon
34Rare Earth Get Ready Soundsavers – Old School No. 6 Amazon
35Rita Coolidge The Way You Do The Things You Do Delta Lady: The Rita Coolidge Anthology [Disc 2] Amazon
36Sylvester Ooo Baby Baby The Original Hits [1989 Fantasy] Amazon