All posts by Dave

The Song Behind The Song

American music has traveled in every direction. Along the somewhat crooked path it’s followed on its journey, there have been new sounds, new words, and new identities collected along the way. And that’s what we’ll be exploring in this week’s episode: the song behind the song. The stories will not involve just covers or familiar standards performed by different artists. On the contrary, we’ll be digging into the musical ancestry of American music. Songs that were rewritten and retitled, melodies borrowed and transformed, gospel recordings that found new lives in rhythm and blues, and centuries-old ballads that crossed the Atlantic and emerged from the Appalachian Mountains with entirely different identities. Sometimes the original is nearly forgotten. Sometimes a later recording becomes so familiar that we forget there was another song behind it. And sometimes the connection is so unexpected that it changes the way we hear both recordings. Join Dave Stroud on this week’s journey.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Bob DylanHighway 61 RevisitedHighway 61 Revisited196500:00
2Bobby MitchellI'm Gonna Be a Wheel SomedayThe History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 2]195706:17
3Fats DominoI'm Gonna Be a Wheel SomedayMy Blue Heaven: The Best of Fats Domino195908:39
4William BellYou Don't Miss Your WaterStax 50th Anniversary Celebration [Disc 1]196210:37
5Wendy ReneReap What You SowAfter Laughter Comes Tears: Complete Stax & Volt Singles + Rarities 1964-65196513:33
6O B McClintonYou Don't Miss Your WaterOut of Left Field – Where Soul Meets Country197316:21
7Ray CharlesHallelujah I Love Her SoPure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) (1 of 8)195924:02
8Eddie CochranHallelujah I Love Her SoThe London American Story – 1960195926:31
9Percy MayfieldStranger In My Own Home TownHis Tangerine And Atlantic Sides (Remastered 2004)197428:46
10Elvis PresleyStranger in My Own Home TownArtist of the Century Disc 3199931:24
11Arthur Tanner & His Corn ShuckersKnoxville GirlArchive.org192539:42
12The Louvin BrothersKnoxville GirlHand-Picked195642:57
13Clarence 'Tom' AshleyHouse CarpenterGreenback Dollar: The Music of Clarence 'Tom' Ashley 1929-1933193046:42
14Joan BaezThe House Carpenter (Child No. 243)The Absolutely Essential196249:53
15Jean RitchieCome All You Fair And Tender LadiesMountain Hearth & Home200458:17
16Dolly PartonLittle SparrowLittle Sparrow20011:00:36
17Judy CollinsWild Mountain ThymeEarly Years: The First Albums 1961-6220221:04:42
18Lola Kirke/Peter Dreams/Brian Dunphy/Darren Holden & Jack O'ConnellWill Ye Go Lassie GoSinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)20251:07:11
19Amythyst KiahPretty PollyBirth Right: A Black Roots Music Compilation20231:11:22
20Sensational NightingalesOn The Judgement DayGospel Sound Of Spirit Feel19551:19:33
21Nina SimoneSinner ManAnthology Disc 120031:22:03
22Staple SingersThis May Be The Last TimeGospel Music20061:25:37
23The Five Blind Boys Of AlabamaThis May Be The Last TimeOh Lord Stand By Me/Marching Up To Zion19941:27:38
24The Rolling StonesThe Last TimeSingles Collection20091:30:04
25Jim JacksonKansas City Blues Pt. 1Complete Recorded Works – Vol. 1 (1927-1928))19271:36:25
26Hank WilliamsMove It on Over24 Greatest19471:39:39
27George Thorogood & The DestroyersMove It On OverBlues Guitar Greats19781:42:20
28The Carter FamilyNo Depression (Remastered)Golden Selection (Remastered)20201:46:38
29Uncle TupeloNo Depression89/93: An Anthology19901:49:27
30Mark LaneganWhere Did You Sleep Last NightThe Winding Sheet19891:55:15

One Thing Leads to Another

Ever notice how one conversation can take you somewhere you never expected? Music works the same way. This week on Deeper Roots, we’re following a trail of musical connections where every song has something in common with the one before it. A shared lyric, a songwriter, a place, a name, or just an unexpected twist that takes us down another road. We’ll wander from the soulful sounds of The Undisputed Truth and Laura Nyro to the country storytelling of Merle Haggard, the sharp wit of Randy Newman, and the haunting Americana of The Handsome Family. Along the way, expect a few surprises, forgotten gems, and musical detours spanning generations. It’s a two-hour game of musical connect-the-dots, with no telling where the next tune might take us. Join us Friday at 9 AM Pacific for Deeper Roots on KOWS 92.5 FM or streaming at kowsfm.com/listen.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1The Undisputed TruthI Heard It Through The GrapevineMilestones: The Best Of The Undisputed Truth199500:00
2Laura NyroSweet BlindnessTime And Love: The Essential Masters196805:29
3The 5th DimensionStoned Soul PicnicGreatest Hits on Earth197208:03
4The Isley BrothersHarvest For The WorldThe Essential Isley Brothers [Disc 1]197611:24
5The Staple SingersWhen Will We Be PaidThe Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Vol. 2: 1968-1971 [Disc 4]196915:15
6The O'JaysFor The Love Of MoneyFunk Explosion200417:44
7Randy NewmanIt's Money That MattersLand of Dreams198827:09
8Aaron NevilleLouisiana 1927Warm Your Heart199131:02
9Aaron NevilleTell It Like It IsDoctors Professors Kings & Queens: Box New Orleans196633:57
10Bobbie GentryMississippi DeltaOde To Bobbie Gentry: The Capitol Years196736:29
11Bobbie GentryFancyOde To Bobbie Gentry: The Capitol Years197043:27
12Eilen JewellQueen Of The Minor KeySignature Sampler 2011201147:36
13Roy RogersLittle Queen BeeSplit Decision200949:38
14Connie SmithI'll Come RunningThe Essential Connie Smith196752:50
15Merle HaggardRunnin' KindSingles197754:53
16Emmylou Harris; Rodney CrowellYou're Running WildElite Hotel [Bonus Tracks]01:02:30
17Emmylou HarrisBoulder To BirminghamCountry Music: A Film By Ken Burns – The Soundtrack [Disc 2]20191:04:09
18Bonnie Raitt And John PrineAngel From MontgomeryCoal Country Music19851:07:36
19Bonnie RaittNick Of TimeBonnie Raitt: Opus Collection20111:12:13
20The JayhawksBlueTomorrow The Green Grass19951:18:17
21Joni MitchellRiverHits19961:21:20
22OdettaWater Boy7 Classic Albums Plus Bonus Radio Tracks19591:25:14
23Sam CookeChain GangGreatest Hits19981:28:49
24Aretha FranklinChain of FoolsLady Soul [Atlantic/Rhino]19671:31:25
25John MellencampSmall TownScarecrow19851:35:44
26Bobby CharlesSmall Town Talk (single version)Bobby Charles20111:39:22
27John Prine With Dolores KeaneIn A Town This SizeIn Spite Of Ourselves19991:42:42
28Glen CampbellGalvestonSingers And Songwriters: 1969-1972 [Disc 1]19691:46:08
29The Handsome FamilyFar From Any RoadTop 15 Albums of 200320031:53:06
30Sam CookeA Change Is Gonna ComePortrait of a Legend 1951-196419641:55:50

Deeper Soul Roots Pt 2

Last week on Deeper Roots, we went searching for the ancestry of soul music, following its trail through gospel quartets, blues shouters, rhythm & blues and the vocal traditions that supplied its language and emotional fire. This week, we continue, crossing into the late 1950s and early ’60s when those ingredients began coming together as a music increasingly recognized as soul. These are the performers who grew from that fertile ground—and the records where you can hear the transformation taking place. We’ll dig beneath many of the obvious hits for early sides from Sam Cooke, Bobby Bland, James Brown, Solomon Burke, Jerry Butler, and others while, at the same time, exploring the emerging sounds of Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and beyond. Gospel’s testimony is still there, as are the blues and rhythm & blues, but something new is taking shape. By the time we reach the early ’60s, we’re no longer listening for the roots of soul. We’ll be hearing from the soul itself.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Ray CharlesI Got A WomanAtlantic Rock & Roll195700:00
2Jerry Butler & The ImpressionsFor Your Precious LoveThe Soul Story Vol. 2200605:24
3Jackie WilsonI'm Wanderin'7 Classic Albums195908:05
4Sam CookeThat's All I Need To KnowTheir Greatest Misses195610:43
5James BrownTry Me20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of James Brown195913:01
6Little Willie JohnLet Them TalkAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1960196015:30
7Bobby BlandI'll Take Care of YouTwo Steps From the Blues200118:04
8The FalconsYou're So FineStampede! The United Artists Story195925:11
9Ray CharlesDon't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) (6 of 8)195927:34
10Dinah WashingtonThis Bitter EarthFirst Issue: The Dinah Washington Story [Disc 2]195931:13
11Etta JamesAll I Could Do Is CryEnduring Soul196033:38
12Jerry ButlerHe Will Break Your HeartPure R&B: Vol. 2- Something?s Got a Hold on Me [Disc 1]196036:29
13James BrownI'll Go CrazyGold Disc 1200739:12
14Maxine BrownAll In My MindBirth Of Soul: 2196147:02
15Carla ThomasGee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)American Music Library: The Hits Of 1961196149:24
16The MiraclesWho's Lovin' YouThe 35th Anniversary Collection196051:42
17Sam CookeThat's It I Quit I'm Movin' OnGreatest Hits199854:42
18Solomon BurkeJust Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms)Smooth Grooves: The '60s Vol. 1: Early '60s199757:16
19William BellYou Don't Miss Your WaterStax 50th Anniversary Celebration [Disc 1]19621:00:16
20Arthur AlexanderYou Better Move OnThe Greatest Hits19621:06:58
21The ImpressionsGypsy WomanBirth Of Soul: 119611:09:32
22Gladys Knight & The PipsEvery Beat of My HeartPure R&B: Vol. 2- Something?s Got a Hold on Me [Disc 1]19611:11:47
23The IkettesI'm BluePoison Ivy – Gems from the Atco Vaults 1959-196219611:13:46
24Don Gardner & Dee Dee FordI Need Your LovingPure R&B: Vol. 4- What?d I Say [Disc 1]19621:16:10
25The FalconsI Found a LoveSmooth Grooves: The '60s Vol. 1: Early '60s19971:18:58
26Solomon BurkeCry To MeVery Best of Solomon Burke (Reis)20091:21:53
27Bobby 'Blue' BlandYield Not To TemptationThe Definitive Collection20071:28:07
28Otis ReddingThese Arms Of MinePain In My Heart19641:30:37
29Mary WellsTwo LoversMalt Shop Memories: All I Have To Do Is Dream (Disc 2)19621:32:57
30Gene ChandlerRainbowThe Vee-Jay Story [Disc 3]19631:35:39
31Barbara LewisHello StrangerHello Stranger: The Best of Barbara Lewis19941:37:56
32Doris TroyJust One LookEarly Girls – vol 501:40:35
33Wilson PickettIf You Need MeSmooth Grooves: The '60s Vol. 2: Mid-'60s19971:43:01
34Billy Butler & The Four EnchantersFound True LoveStreet Corner Symphonies Vol. 15 196320131:45:32
35The Five Du-TonesShake A Tail FeatherStreet Corner Symphonies Vol. 15 196320131:47:57
36The ImpressionsIt's All RightSomething to Believe In01:55:17

Deeper Soul Roots Pt 1

Soul music didn’t suddenly appear in the 1960s. Its roots were a product of decades in church pews, blues clubs, juke joints and beyond. This week, Deeper Roots begins a special two-part journey excavating the familiar classics to explore the fertile ground from which soul music grew. In this first of two episodes, we’ll hear the gospel quartets, blues shouters, rhythm & blues singers and vocal groups who provided the language: call and response, soaring falsettos, sanctified piano, hard backbeats and a delivery that could turn a song into testimony. From The Soul Stirrers, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and the Five Blind Boys to the 5 Royales, Clyde McPhatter, and Little Willie John we’ll help connect the dots. These are the sounds where Saturday night meets Sunday morning—and of gospel fervor, blues feeling and rhythm & blues, all coming together to lay the foundation for something new. Next week, we’ll follow those roots into the first flowering of soul itself.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sister Rosetta TharpeStrange Things Happening Every DayElectric Blues?Part 1: Beginnings 1939-1954194400:00
2The Pilgrim TravelersJesus Met the Woman at the WellGood News Vol. 4: Glory Glory Hallelujah194905:35
3Original Five Blind Boys (Jackson Harmoneers)Our FatherTestify! The Gospel Box195008:00
4Brother Joe MaySearch Me LordJubilation! Great Gospel Performances Vol. 1: Black Gospel194910:50
5The Soul StirrersJesus Gave Me WaterJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)195113:47
6Swan SilvertonesTrouble In My WayGospel Music200616:14
7Julius 'June' Cheeks & The Sensational NightingalesBurying GroundNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel 1945-1958195618:45
8Dorothy Love CoatesThat's EnoughThe Best Of Dorothy Love Coates And The Original Gospel Harmonettes199027:03
9The Davis SistersTwelve GatesPrecious Memories199729:34
10The Dixie HummingbirdsChristian's Automobile20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Dixie Hummingbirds195732:24
11The CaravansThe Solid RockGolden Gospel Gals 1949-1959 [Disc 3]195534:35
12Staple SingersUncloudy DayTestify! The Gospel Box195637:07
13The Royal SonsBedside of a NeighborThe Complete Singles 1952-1962195244:44
14The 5 RoyalesBaby Don't Do ItThe Complete Singles 1952-1962195247:06
15Billy Ward & the DominoesHave Mercy BabyDoo Wop Box Vol. 3: 101 More Vocal Group Gems from the Golden Age of Rock-N-Roll Disc 1195249:49
16Faye AdamsShake A HandWatch The Closing Doors – A History Of New Yorks Musical Melting Pot Vol 1 1945-59 (CD 1)201152:07
17Clyde McPhatter & the DriftersSuch a NightAtlantic Rock & Roll195454:59
18Roy HamiltonYou'll Never Walk AloneAnthology 1057:26
19Nappy BrownDon't Be AngryDon't Be Angry19931:04:14
20Little Willie JohnNeed Your Love So BadThis Is Charly R&B01:06:34
21Johnny AcePledging My LoveMemorial Album19731:08:45
22Lula ReedI'll Drown In My Own TearsThe Best Of Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour Vol 219511:10:54
23Big MaybelleOcean Of TearsThe Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-'5519551:13:43
24Wynona CarrShould I Ever Love AgainGirl Power Vol. 619561:16:11
25Roy Brown & His Mighty Mighty MenHard Luck BluesOriginal Blues/Greatest Hits19501:18:46
26Amos MilburnLet's Have A PartyDown The Road Apiece -The Best Of Amos Milburn20101:25:55
27Guitar Slim and His BandThe Things That I Used To DoPlug It In! Turn It Up! – Teil 1: Die Anf„nge 1939 – 195419531:28:19
28Earl KingThose Lonely Lonely NightsSpace Guitar20061:31:17
29Smiley LewisI Hear You KnockingPure R&B: Vol. 3- Let the Good Times Roll [Disc 1]19551:34:06
30Rosco GordonJust A Little BitLiving The Blues: Blues Classics 1960-196419601:39:10
31Bobby 'Blue' BlandYou've Got Bad IntentionsABC Of The Blues Vol 320101:41:12
32Ann ColeGot My Mojo WorkinRoll Your Moneymaker01:43:39
33LaVern BakerSoul on FireRock & Roll19571:46:11
34Ruth Brown & Her RhythmakersI Want To Do MoreBlowing The Fuse: 195619561:52:36
35Ray CharlesRock House Pts. 1&2The Birth of Soul19591:55:22

Under Western Stars

Saddle up, but don’t expect the usual Hollywood version of the American West. We’re heading beyond the familiar standards to explore songs, stories and voices that grew out of bunkhouses, chuck wagons and wide-open country, reaching back nearly a century for early cowboy recordings, among them Carl T. Sprague, Billie Maxwell, Harry “Haywire Mac” McClintock and Jess Morris. Tales where ornery horses, stampeding cattle, lousy wages, worse cooking and lonely nights on the trail were simply part of the job. Along the way we’ll discover a West far more diverse than the one portrayed on the silver screen, with music touching on Black cowboys, Mexican and California traditions, ranch hands, buffalo hunters, outlaws and gunfighters. We’ll then follow those old trails forward and into the hands of later storytellers including Ian Tyson, Dom Flemons, and Colter Wall. Somewhere between history and mythology lies the West that survives in these songs — sometimes romantic, sometimes brutal.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1The Johnson SistersRidin' Down The TrailCowboy Crooners Sing Songs of the West193900:00
2Carl T. SpragueFollowing The CowtrailCowtrails Longhorns and Tight Saddles192602:48
3Harry 'Haywire Mac' McClintockUtah CarrolHaywire Mac195005:52
4Joan O'BryantZebra DunClassic American Ballads From Smithsonian Folkways195707:20
5Powder River Jack & Kitty LeeTying A Knot In The Devil's TailCattle Call-Early Cowboy Music And It's Roots193009:43
6Billie MaxwellHaunted HunterWhen I Was A Cowboy: Early American Songs Of The West Classic Recordings From The 1920's & 30's. Vol. 1193916:09
7Cartwright BrothersTexas RangerThe Return Of The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of201219:18
8Girls Of The Golden WestMy Love Is A Rider (Bucking Bronco)Cattle Call-Early Cowboy Music And It's Roots193422:28
9Jess MorrisGoodbye Old PaintCowboy songs ballads and cattle calls from Texas024:59
10Johnny PrudeThe Dying RangerCowboy songs ballads and cattle calls from Texas026:23
11Slim CritchlowForty A Month And FoundCowboy Songs The Crooked Trail To Holbrook200933:03
12Andy Hedges Pipp GillettePunchin' the Dough (Feat. Pipp Gillette)Roll On Cowboys202334:58
13Harry JacksonThe Pot WrasslerThe Cowboy: His Songs Ballads and Brag Talk195939:05
14Dave FredricksonCowboy's Life is a Very Dreary LifeSongs of the Wesst196140:46
15Lead BellyOut on the Western PlainsLead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection194341:44
16Dom FlemonsSteel Pony BluesBlack Cowboys201845:54
17Don EdwardsThe Master's CallBest of Don Edwards050:24
18Ian TysonThe GiftAll The Good 'uns199653:45
19Michael Martin MurpheyCowboy LogicCowboy Songs199057:52
20Sons Of The San JoaquinThe Ballad of Joaquin MurrietaWay out Yonder20051:01:45
21Dave StameyThe Skies Of Lincoln CountyIf I Had A Horse20071:10:07
22Brenn HillCall You CowboyRangefire19971:15:17
23Corb LundS Lazy HThings That Can't Be Undone20151:19:10
24Colter WallCowpokeWestern Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs20201:24:29
25Ramblin' Jack ElliottDiamond JoeThe Long Ride19991:27:33
26Marty RobbinsThey're Hanging Me TonightGunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs19591:33:28
27Johnny CashSam HallSings The Ballads Of The True West19651:36:29
28Woody GuthrieBuffalo Skinners (traditional arr. Woody Guthrie)Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection [Disc 2]19451:39:40
29Guy ClarkThe Last Gunfighter BalladThe Essential Guy Clark19761:42:54
30Mary McCaslinPrairie In The SkyPrairie In The Sky (Reissued 2015)19751:45:41
31Rosalie SorrelsEmpty Coats In The Bunkhouse TonightFolk Songs Of Idaho And Utah (Vinyl)19611:54:21
32Peter Rowan And Don EdwardsTrail To MexicoHigh Lonesome Cowboy20021:56:32

Island Of Dreams

No particular destination this week, although we’ll begin on an Island of Dreams. Deeper Roots is going free form once again, rummaging around in the dusty digital archives and following the music wherever it happens to lead us. We’ll start things off with a decidedly British flavor, with Nick Lowe, Martin Belmont & Geraint Watkins, Mickey Jupp and Dave Edmunds before crossing a few oceans, decades and musical boundaries. Along the way we’ll hear vintage country from Johnnie & Jack, Ernest Tubb and Faron Young and some newer music from Charley Crockett and Brandon Flowers. And because the blues are never very far from the heart of Deeper Roots, we’ll spend some time a roster of some of the greats as well as vocal sounds from the likes of the Donays and Cookie & The Cupcakes. It’s another musical road trip with no map and no particular reason to hurry. Join Dave Stroud for Island of Dreams, Friday morning at 9 Pacific on KOWS 92.5 FM in West Sonoma County—and streaming everywhere else on the planet.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Nick LoweJet Pac BoomerangIndoor Safari202400:00
2Martin Belmont & Geraint WatkinsIsland of DreamsThe Guest List200905:43
3The SpringfieldsIsland Of DreamsSimply ? Dusty [Disc 1]196209:33
4Geraint WatkinsIt's a Wonderful LifeWatkins Bold as Love199712:07
5Mickey JuppYou'll Never Get Me Up In One of ThoseThe Stiff Singles (Vol.1)200515:04
6Dave EdmundsWorn Out Suits Brand New PocketsGet It197718:13
7The Andrews SistersMoney is The Root of All EvilGolden Age of the Andrews Sisters [Disc 2]194520:32
8Johnnie and JackLove in the First Degree1947-1950 (Warped 4720)201029:37
9Leon RedboneDesert Blues (Big Chief Buffalo Nickel)On The Track197532:16
10Ernest TubbSad Songs and WaltzesLast Sessions: All Time Greatest Hits Disc 2199935:57
11k.d. lang & the ReclinesThree DaysAbsolute Torch and Twang198938:34
12Charley CrockettBad CompanyCan't Get Enough: A Tribute To Bad Company202541:42
13Jack ClementThe Spell Of The Freight TrainFor Once And For All201445:11
14Merle HaggardSin City Blues1996199653:31
15Doug SahmHome At LastThe Last Real Texas Blues Band Feat. Doug Sahm199455:58
16Faron YoungCountry Girl30 Years Of No. 1 Country Hits 2/401:00:22
17George MorganCountry Boy – City GirlWarped 6365 – George Morgan – 1963 – 196420101:02:53
18Brandon FlowersTiger's BloodThrasher20261:05:46
19Joe LigginsFreight Train BluesJoe Liggins & The Honeydrippers19521:14:39
20The TreniersLong Distance BluesTalking On The Telephone Vol.1 – Blues R&B And Gospel19511:17:22
21Muddy WatersYoung Fashioned WaysThe Anthology [Disc 1]19551:20:30
22B.B. KingWalkin' Dr Bill (ala Gotta Find My Baby)Theme Time Radio Hour With Your Host Bob Dylan – Season 2 [[Disc 1]]19601:23:27
23Lightnin' HopkinsBaby Don't You Tear My ClothesThe Complete Prestige-Bluesville Recordings [Disc 2]19611:27:04
24The DonaysDevil In His HeartTheme Time Radio Hour With Your Host Bob Dylan [Disc 1]19621:33:24
25Marc BennoSpeak Your MindMinnows (Vinyl)19711:35:54
26Berna DeanI Walk In My SleepTheme Time Radio Hour with Your Host Bob Dylan [Disc 2]19611:40:35
27Cookie & The CupcakesI CriedBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio Theme Time Radio Hour19541:43:46
28The PrisonairesJust Walking In The RainThe Best Of Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour Vol 219531:46:07
29Billy Bunn & His BuddiesThat's When Your Heartaches BeginBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio Theme Time Radio Hour Vol. 119521:52:06
30Alphabetical FourWhen the Moon Goes Down in the Valley of TimeComplete Recorded Works 1938-194319381:54:36
31Dean MartinNight Train To MemphisThe Capitol Years19511:57:07

Stories and ‘Stretchers’

Everybody loves a good story…and this week on Deeper Roots we’ll be spinning a few of them. Tall tales, fables, murder ballads, historical yarns, talking blues and outright stretchers are all part of the American musical tradition, and we’ll be digging into that tradition this Friday morning. Our stories come mostly from the years between 1925 and 1960, when an old tale might travel from a front porch to a 78, from a newspaper headline to a country ballad, or get passed from singer to singer until fact and folklore became pretty hard to separate. We’ll hear tales of outlaws and drifters, sinners and saints, disasters and deeds of questionable truth from the likes of Mississippi John Hurt, Woody Guthrie, the Golden Gate Quartet, Tex Ritter, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins and more. There’ll even be a few whoppers along the way.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Ma RaineyStack O'Lee BluesThe Rise & Fall of Paramount Records Volume 1 (1917-1927)192500:00
2Furry LewisBilly Lyons And Stack O'LeeThe Return Of The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of201206:21
3Mississippi John HurtStack O' LeeAvalon Blues: The Complete 1928 OKeh Recordings192808:58
4Lloyd PriceStagger LeeBillboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1959195911:52
5Mississippi John HurtFrankieAvalon Blues: The Complete 1928 OKeh Recordings192814:09
6Jimmie RodgersFrankie And JohnnyThe Essential Jimmie Rodgers192917:30
7Lead BellyJohn HardyClassic African-American Ballads (Smithsonian Folkways)194526:06
8Bill Frisell & Petra HadenJohn Hardy Was A Desperate Little ManPetra Haden And Bill Frisell200328:47
9The Carter FamilyJohn Hardy Was A Desperate Little ManAmerican Roots- A History Of American Folk Music: [Disc 2]031:19
10The WeaversThe Frozen LoggerThe History Of American Folk195134:10
11Cisco HoustonThe Frozen LoggerThe Folkways Years: 1944-1961195436:40
12Merle TravisDark As A DungeonHot Pickin' [Disc 1]194644:52
13Mr. Connie DycusDark As A DungeonBirth / Work / Death – Work Money And Status In Country Music (1950-1974)197047:53
14Grandpa JonesDark As A DungeonAn American Original199850:38
15Vernon DalhartThe Wreck Of The Old '97American Roots- A History Of American Folk Music: [Disc 1]192453:22
16Roy AcuffThe Great Titaniccompliments of grimriper2u@yahoo.com056:28
17Rory BlockTitanic (When That Great Ship Went Down)Confessions of A Blues Singer199859:35
18Tony RiceWreck of the Edmund FitzgeraldChurch Street Blues19891:01:38
19The Plainsmen QuartetJack O'DiamondsCowboy Crooners Sing Songs Of The West Cd 201:12:28
20Michael Martin MurpheyJack Of DiamondsCowboy Songs19901:15:07
21Tex RitterRye WhiskeyCattle Call-Early Cowboy Music And It's Roots19451:16:10
22Johnny HortonThe Battle Of New OrleansAmerican Originals19591:19:18
23Jimmie DriftwoodThe Battle of New OrleansSix Classic Albums Plus Bonus Singles19591:21:45
24Chubby Parker & His Old Time BanjoKing Kong Kitchie Kitchie Ki-Me-OAnthology Of American Folk Music Vol. 1A: Ballads19281:25:07
25Woody GuthriePretty Boy FloydWoody At 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection19441:31:06
26The ByrdsPretty Boy FloydSweetheart of the Rodeo19681:34:01
27Merle Haggard And The StrangersThe Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde (2006 Digital Remaster)Hag: The Best of Merle Haggard20061:36:30
28Marty RobbinsEl PasoA Lifetime of Song (1951-1982)19831:38:30
29Lefty FrizzellLong Black VeilColumbia Country Classics Vol. 3: Americana19901:43:08
30The Kingston TrioTom DooleyAbsolutely the Best19581:46:07
31Johnny HortonJohnny RebClassic Country: More Great Story Songs19591:52:18
32Johnny CashRock Island LineGet Rhythm [Sun]19691:54:38
33Hart Valley DriftersHandsome MollyFolk Time20161:56:45

Good News Bad News

No theme this week. No genre studies. No artist retrospectives. Just two hours of great American music. We’re in a free-form mood, wandering once again through the dusty digital archives of the past century in search of songs that simply deserve to be heard. Pour yourself a favorite morning libation and settle in as we journey from the elegant dance band sounds of George Olsen to the gypsy jazz brilliance of Django Reinhardt and the unmistakable blues of Memphis Minnie. Along the way, we’ll kick up a little country dust with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, and plenty of other musical companions. There may not be a formal theme, but don’t be surprised if the songs begin talking to one another. You’ll hear stories of good news and bad news, bad blood, hard luck, redemption, resilience, and the enduring hope that seems to find its way into the best American music. That’s the beauty of community radio. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you stop looking for a destination and simply enjoy the journey. Join us Friday morning at 9:00 Pacific on KOWS Community Radio, streaming worldwide at kowsfm.com, and spend a couple of hours exploring the music that shaped where we’ve been—and still has something to say about where we’re going.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Gregg AllmanI Believe I'll Go Back HomeLow Country Blues201100:00
2Betty WrightHe's Bad Bad BadThe Best of Betty Wright196806:07
3DerailersBad Bad GirlGuaranteed to Satisfy200808:26
4Doug SahmBad BoyThe Last Real Texas Blues Band Feat. Doug Sahm199411:10
5Sonny Terry & Brownie McGheeBad BloodCripple Creek200914:33
6Blind Lemon JeffersonBad Luck BluesClassic Sides Disc 1200323:42
7John FogertyBad Moon RisingThe Long Road Home: Ultimate John Fogerty Creedence Collection200526:30
8Johnny CashBad NewsThe Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983 Disc 2199228:45
9Amy HelmGood NewsDidn't It Rain201531:38
10Cris CuddyGood Bad NewsSally's Waltz035:54
11Marty Stuart and His Fabulous SuperlativesGood NewsSaturday Night / Sunday Morning201438:44
12George OlsenGood NewsBeyond The Blue Horizon192740:10
13Fats DominoBad Luck and TroubleFats Domino Out of New Orleans196143:19
14Sister Rosetta TharpeWhat's That NewsThe Original Soul Sister: Singing in My Soul [Disc 3]194445:52
15Marvin GayeWhat's The Matter With You BabyAnthology [Disc 1]199554:00
16Memphis MinnieWhat's The Matter With The Mill?21 Classic Blues Songs From The 1920's Vol. 10193056:15
17Frank StokesWhat's The Matter BluesBroke Black & Blue [Disc 1] : Up Country Blues192859:21
18The Sunshine BoysWhat's the Matter With Deep ElemThe Western Swing: Doughboys Playboys and Cowboys – Oakie Boogie [Disc 4]19411:02:18
19Joe LigginsWhat's The Reason (1949)The Chronological Joe Liggins 1948 – 195019491:09:26
20Guy LombardoWhat's The Reason (I'm Not Pleasin' You)Enjoy Yourself: The Hits Of Guy Lombardo19351:12:14
21The Mills BrothersWhat's The Reason (I'm Not Pleasin' You?)The 1930's Recordings – Chronological Volume 319351:15:14
22Johnny Burnette With The Johnny Mann SingersYou're The Reason25 Greatest Hits19891:17:54
23Arthur AlexanderYou're The ReasonThe Greatest Hits19631:20:30
24Willie NelsonReasons To QuitOne Hell Of A Ride19821:24:42
25Tim HardinReason To BelieveBest Of The Troubadours01:28:08
26Django ReinhardtBelieve It BelovedThe Classic Early Recordings In Chronological Order [Disc 1]19351:30:04
27Fern JonesI Do BelieveThe Glory Road19591:33:14
28Dan HicksYou Gotta Believe [Album Version]The Most Of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks [Bonus Tracks]19701:35:16
29John StewartShe Believes In MeCalifornia Bloodlines20091:38:11
30The Louvin BrothersMaking BelieveClose Harmony [Disc 3]19581:40:43
31The Haden TripletsMaking BelieveThe Haden Triplets20141:43:02
32Neil YoungI Believe in YouAfter the Gold Rush19701:46:23
33Rick NelsonBelieve What You SayLegacy [Disc 1]19581:53:27
34Brenda LeeYou Can Depend on MeAmerican Music Library19611:55:28

Summer’s Last Stand

Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but around here, summer isn’t going quietly. In this week’s show, we’re giving the season one last fling with a free-form romp through songs of summer nights, summer rain, summer romance, warm breezes and those memories that seem to linger long after the days begin getting shorter. And, as is the common theme, we’ll be traveling all over the musical map. There’s the timeless “Summertime” alongside the cool breeze of Sinatra, some summer soul from Stevie Wonder and War, and plenty of pop memories from Johnny Rivers, Rick Nelson and the Beach Boys. We’ll also wander off the beaten path for some country, rockabilly and Americana from Roger Miller, Dale Hawkins, and the Desert Rose Band. There are lazy nights, lost loves, blackberry summers and even a few reminders that summer isn’t always sunshine and good times. So before we put away the lawn chairs and start thinking about autumn, we’re squeezing every last drop out of the season. Join us for Summer’s Last Stand, Friday morning at 9 Pacific on Deeper Roots—two hours of American music from across the decades, right here on KOWS Community Radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sam CookeSummertime Pt. 1The Man Who Invented Soul [Box Set] (1 of 4)000:00
2The Percy Faith OrchestraTheme From A Summer PlaceLifetime Of Romance: Secret Rendezvous [Disc 1]195904:41
3Nick PeritoThe Green Leaves Of Summer (Album Version)Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds Motion Picture Soundtrack196006:56
4The Brothers FourThe Green Leaves Of Summer [Remastered 2017]Greatest Hits196008:43
5Desert Rose BandSummer WindA Dozen Roses (Greatest Hits)199211:33
6Michael Martin MurpheySummer RangesCowboy Songs Four199814:52
7Johnny RiversSummer RainJohnny Rivers Greatest Hits200718:21
8Stan KentonThe Things We Did Last SummerThe Ballad Style Of Stan Kenton195827:25
9Ricky NelsonThat Warm Summer NightRick Is 21200130:40
10The MelodearsSummer RomanceFrom The Vaults of Gone Vol. 2032:47
11Joanie Sommers(Theme From) A Summer PlaceAnother Banana Split Please196235:01
12Stevie WonderNever Dreamed You'd Leave in SummerGreatest Hits Vol. 2197137:15
13Debbie ReynoldsSummer RomanceGood Old Summertime196046:06
14The Four PrepsLazy Summer NightDancin' & Romancin' In The '50s And 60s [Disc 3]048:15
15Jerry KellerHere Comes SummerAnother Banana Split Please195950:24
16Dale HawkinsSummertime Down SouthWildcat Tamer199952:33
17Dale Ann BradleyBlackberry SummerDale Ann Bradley201755:43
18The Band of HeathensSingle In The Same SummerSimple Things202359:19
19Frank SinatraSummer WindFly Me To The Moon19661:09:12
20Walter WanderleySummer SambaInstrumental Favorites- Latin Rhythms19661:12:04
21Dakota StatonSummertimeThe Late Late Show19571:15:07
22Nat King ColeThat Sunday That Summer30 Greatest Hits Disc 101:17:12
23Seals & CroftsSummer BreezeAM Gold 197219721:22:57
24Olivia Newton-John & John TravoltaSummer NightsGrease19781:26:16
25Foggy OtisSummertime SummertimeWhen life hands you lemons play the ukulele. (Deluxe Edition)20261:29:50
26Myron Lee & The CaddiesMagic In A Summer NightDestination Summer Sea Cruise: 33 Ocean Steamers For Your Vacation19591:33:56
27Roger MillerIn The Summertime (You Don't Want My Love)Super Hits19601:35:37
28Stray CatsLonely Summer NightsRunaway Boys: A Retrospective '81-'9219811:37:22
29The Beach BoysSummer Means New LoveToday! / Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)19651:40:36
30Googie Ren‚Swingin' Summer LoveSummer Days And Summer Nights – 31 Beach Pearls19581:42:32
31WarSummerThe Best of War and More19911:44:36
32Lou RawlsSummer WindRawls Sings Sinatra20031:52:56
33The SandalsTheme From Endless SummerCowabunga01:55:38

High Lonesome Country

There’s something about being lonesome that country music understands better than just about any other kind of music. It might be a love that walked out the door, a highway stretching toward nowhere, or just that empty feeling when the night gets a little too quiet. This morning on Deeper Roots, we’re calling it High Lonesome Country, and we’ll be traveling through more than seventy years of country music that knows that feeling all too well. We’ll hear from some familiar voices along the way—Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Roger Miller and Don Gibson—but we’ll also dig a little deeper into the dusty corners of country music for Charlie Moore, Clyde Moody, Bill Clifton, Jimmie Skinner and others whose names may have faded some with the passing years, but whose music certainly hasn’t. From honky-tonk and bluegrass to old-time country and sounds from a newer generation, we’ll find out that lonesome never really goes out of style. So settle in for two hours of lost love, empty rooms, weary hearts and that unmistakable high lonesome sound. This is Deeper Roots.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Radney FosterJust Call Me LonesomeDel Rio Texas Revisited000:00
2James HandMighty Lonesome ManMighty Lonesome Man201206:43
3Charley CrockettMighty Lonesome Man10 for Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James Hand202109:10
4Hank SnowLonesome 7-72031964 (Warped 6406)196411:52
5George JonesTalk to Me Lonesome Heart61* [Box Set] Disc 1200314:44
6The Nitty Gritty Dirt BandI Know What It Means To Be LonesomeWill The Circle Be Unbroken Vol. III200217:00
7Milo TwinsWeary Lonesome Blues1939-1947 (Warped 3972)193920:42
8Delmore BrothersRemember I Feel Lonesome Too1944-1946 (Warped 4401)194529:72
9Delmore BrothersI'm Lonesome Without You1944-1946 (Warped 4401)194632:00
10Clyde MoodyI Know What It Means to Be Lonesome1945-1947 (Warped 4500)201234:37
11Hank WilliamsLong Gone Lonesome Blues24 Greatest Hits Vol. 2195037:14
12Hank WilliamsI'm So Lonesome I Could Cry24 Greatest195239:47
13Jimmie SkinnerTuck Away My Lonesome Blues1960-1962 (Warped 6188)201342:30
14Bill CliftonLonesome for You1963 (Warped 6366F)196344:25
15Bill CliftonLonesome Field1963 (Warped 6366F)196347:00
16Country GentlemenSad and Lonesome Day1963-1964 (Warped 6371)201150:35
17Charlie MooreLonesome Guitar1964-1966 (Warped 6562)201159:24
18Waylon JenningsLonesome Onry And MeanNashville Rebel (1970-1974)20061:01:58
19Steve YoungLonesome Onry And MeanSeven Bridges Road01:05:27
20Hawkshaw HawkinsLonesome 7-720322 Greatest Hits01:09:02
21Louvin BrothersWeary Lonesome BluesA Tribute To The Delmore Brothers19601:11:41
22Dolly Parton & Alison KraussThe Last Word In Lonesome Is MeKing Of The Road: A Tribute To Roger Miller [Disc 2]20181:14:19
23Roger MillerThe Last Word In Lonesome Is MeAll Time Greatest Hits19651:17:14
24Don GibsonOh Lonesome Me30 Years Of No. 1 Country Hits 2/401:24:10
25Don GibsonLonesome Old HouseA Legend In My Time19591:26:33
26Johnny BondLonesome TrainPut Me To Bed19561:28:41
27Harlan HowardI Hope You're Lonesome1959-196320151:30:49
28Buddy JonesMean Old Lonesome BluesThe Western Swing: Doughboys/Playboys & Cowboys – Playboy Stomp [Disc 2]19991:33:06
29Johnny HortonGoodbye Lonesome (Hello Baby Doll)36 All-Time Greatest Hits20211:38:04
30Billy GravesThe Lonesome ApeAge of Worry?From Country-Pop to Freak-Folk: The Space Age Relics of Monument Records 1960?197019661:40:21
31The Seldom SceneAnother Lonesome DayAct 320051:42:44
32Porter WagonerWalk That Lonesome Valley20 All-Time Greatest Hits20051:44:45
33Kitty WellsLonesome ValleyJubilation! Great Gospel Performances: Vol. 3: Country Gospel19591:48:23
34Vince GillHigh Lonesome Sound20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection – Best Of Bluegrass19961:53:38
35Elvis PresleyJust Call Me LonesomeThe Country Collection19671:56:06