All posts by Dave

Nine Pound Hammer

We’ve got ourselves a musical breadcrumb trail show featuring songs connected by titles, themes, characters, occupations, relationships, Cajun culture, tattoos, grace, summer romance, and a healthy dose of American eccentricity. We’ll be taking our journey from country to rockabilly, some Howlin’ Wolf, classic doo-wop, folk, gospel, swamp pop, and everything in between. It’s a scenic route through a century of American music. Starting with John Prine’s “Nine Pound Hammer,” we’ll follow a trail that winds through the Louvin Brothers, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, The Band, Johnny Cash, John Lee Hooker, Sam Cooke, and many others. Join us for another Friday morning two hours winding through the back roads. Because that’s where the roots run deepest. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1John PrineNine Pound HammerSweet Revenge197300:00
2The Louvin BrothersAre You Teasing MeCapitol Country Music Classics005:15
3Willie NelsonHouse Of GoldCountry Music201008:05
4The Grateful DeadOperatorAmerican Beauty197012:37
5Elvis PresleyThe Girl of My Best FriendArtist of the Century Disc 2199914:57
6Ral DonnerGirl Of My Best FriendAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961196117:13
7The BandJemima SurrenderThe Band196919:21
8Johnny CashI Will Rock And Roll With YouThe Legend: Old Favorites And New [Disc 2]197828:06
9Ivory Joe HunterYou Can't Stop This Rocking and RollingIvory Joe Hunter200530:49
10Chuck WillisCaldoniaRoots of Rock 'n' Roll:Rough and Rowdy Vol. 3195233:03
11The DebsWhaddaya WantRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55 vol. 2200535:22
12VideosTrickle TrickleDoo Wop Box Disc 3199437:52
13Jackie WilsonThat's Why (I Love You So)7 Classic Albums195945:55
14The SheppardsElevator OperatorGolden Classics198947:54
15Howlin' WolfMy LifeSmokestack Lightning /The Complete Chess Masters 1951-1960195649:26
16John Lee HookerOne Bourbon One Scotch One BeerThe Definitive Collection196652:23
17Dusty OwensHello OperatorTalking on the Telephone Vol. 2195355:16
18Freddy CannonBuzz Buzz-A-Diddle ItTalking on the Telephone Vol. 3196157:33
19Steve ForbertComplicationsJackrabbit Slim19791:05:20
20Steve GoodmanSomebody Else's TroublesSomebody Else's Troubles19991:08:59
21Jo-el SonnierCajun WomanThe Complete Mercury Sessions19921:12:40
22Lil' Band Of GoldCajun TwistAmericana Roots Songbook: Louisiana20021:15:12
23Skeets McDonaldThe Tattooed LadyDirty Boogie: The Fortune Records Story19501:19:20
24Sam CookeOut In The Cold AgainThe Rhythm And The Blues19611:25:03
25The Amazing Rhythm AcesAmazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song)Stacked Deck19751:27:26
26The Blind Boys of AlabamaAmazing GraceHear Music volume 601:30:41
27Edd PresnellAmazing GraceBluegrass Roots20031:34:59
28The Valiants and Sandy ValeSuntan TattooBanana Split for My Baby19591:36:39
29Eddie CochranHallelujah I Love Her SoThe London American Story – 196019591:38:41
30David Bromberg; Dr. JohnSuch a NightThe Last Waltz [Rhino Box Set] Disc 120021:40:58
31The Band(I Don't Want To Hang Up My) Rock 'N' Roll ShoesA Musical History [Disc 4]19711:45:37
32Randy NewmanI'm DifferentTrouble in Paradise19831:55:13
33Randy NewmanMaybe I'm Doin' It WrongSail Away19701:57:43

Rockabilly Shakin’ Goin’ On

Roll down the windows and put that pedal to the metal because we’ve got two hours of wild rhythms and deep cuts this coming Friday. We’ll be digging into those slap-back echo, train-beat rhythms and wild-eyed energy of rockabilly music — that explosive blend of country, blues, boogie and early rock ’n’ roll that rattled America in the 1950s and helped redraw the cultural map for a generation of teenagers looking for something loud, fast and a little dangerous. Now sure, everybody knows the giants — Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis — but tonight’s show leans into the side roads and back highways of rockabilly history. Alongside a few familiar names, we’ll spend two hours with the obscure cats, regional stars, one-hit wonders and forgotten firebrands producing some of the wildest sounds ever pressed onto vinyl. From Sonny Fisher and Ronnie Self to Roy Duke, Sonny Burgess, Johnny Garner and Laura Lee Perkins, this is the sound of American youth culture before it was polished, corporate or safe.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Louie InnisSing Your Song BabyHillbilly Bop 'n' Boogie: King/Federal Roots of Rockabilly 1944 – 56200200:10
2Tex WilliamsLet's Go RockabillyThe Hillbillies – They Tried to Rock Vol.2195705:28
3Johnny GarnerDidiDidiEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195807:30
4Lew WilliamsCat WalkEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195609:32
5Gene VincentCat ManBluejean Bop-And His Blue Caps011:40
6Sonny FisherPink And BlackClassic Rockabilly-Cool Cats & Hot Chicks195613:56
7Ronnie SelfRocky Road Blues100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201015:53
8Ronnie DawsonAction PackedRockin' Bones: The Legendary Masters [Disc 1]024:29
9The StrikesIf You Can't Rock MeEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195726:36
10Bob LumanMake Up Your MindEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195729:03
11Dave RichRed SweaterGrady Martin195731:29
12Laura Lee PerkinsI Just Don't Like This Kind Of Lovin'Essential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195833:40
13Dave RichBurn On Love FireCountry & Western Nuggets195835:27
14Sid King & The Five StringsGonna Shake This Shack Tonight100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201037:15
15Wanda JacksonWhole Lotta Shakin' Goin' OnQueen Of Rockabilly196445:25
16Ricky NelsonStood UpEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195748:05
17Johnny Burnette Rock n Roll TrioPlease Don't Leave MeTear It Up195649:53
18Roy DukeBehave Be Quiet Or Be Gone100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201052:05
19The Collins KidsI'm In My Teens100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201054:05
20Billy & Don HartRock-A-Bop-A-Lina100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201056:20
21Johnny HortonI'm Coming HomeAmerican Originals19561:02:45
22Johnny HortonHonky Tonk Mind (The Woman I Need)100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks20101:04:48
23Jerry Lee LewisReal Wild Child (Wild One)A Half Century Of Hits [Disc 1]19581:06:58
24Warren SmithGot Love If You Want ItThe Best of Sun Rockabilly Vol. 219581:08:49
25Sonny BurgessItchyThe Best of Sun Rockabilly Vol. 219991:10:53
26Johnny CashRockabilly Blues (Texas 1955)The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983 Disc 319921:13:09
27Johnny Burnette Rock n Roll TrioHoney HushTear It Up19561:16:26
28Carl PerkinsHamboneGrady Martin19621:22:33
29Carl PerkinsWhere The Rio De Rosa Flows100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks20101:24:51
30Charlie FeathersMatchboxGood Rockin' Tonight01:27:51
31Tommy BlakeYou Better Believe ItSun Rockabilly Meltdown [Disc 2]20091:30:20
32Tommy BlakeYou Better Believe ItKoolit: The Sun Years Plus19581:32:05
33Unknown Rockabilly BandZynnin'Boppin' By The Bayou – Baby Dolls & Drive-Ins01:34:36
34Conway TwittyI Vibrate (From My Head to My Feet)The Rock 'N' Roll Years CD219971:36:03
35Conway TwittyDon't Cry No MoreGrady Martin19631:38:03
36Mac CurtisGrandaddy's Rockin'Classic Rockabilly19561:40:33
37Skeets McDonaldYou Oughta See Grandma RockClassic Rockabilly19561:42:31
38Gene HensleeRockin BabyEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story19541:44:27
39Johnny Burnette Rock n Roll TrioYour Baby Blue EyesTear It Up19561:46:25
40Joe ClayDucktailClassic Rockabilly-Cool Cats & Hot Chicks19561:53:26
41Johnny BurnetteDo Baby DoThe Train Kept a-Rollin' Memphis to Hollywood – CD201:55:50
42The Collins KidsWhistle Bait100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks20261:57:33

Burning Love Letters

From rocking celebrations to hard-earned reflections, this week’s episode of Deeper Roots turns its attention to the man they called “The King.” We’ve got two hours with songs about Elvis Presley — musical tributes, name-drops, eulogies, and love letters from artists across the past century. Some are playful, some reverent, and some wrestle with the contradictions that made Elvis both larger than life and painfully human. Together, they form a kind of American scrapbook around a figure who never really left the cultural conversation. From the wide-eyed devotion of artists like George Jones, Janis Martin, and Bobby Bare, to later songs reflecting on the strange and tragic arc that carried Elvis from hip-shaking revolutionary to Vegas spectacle, from the Nixon White House photo-op to a lonely and frightening decline, these recordings trace the many ways America mythologized him. Whether delivered as tribute, cautionary tale, obituary, or heartfelt fan letter, the songs on this morning’s show reveal just how deeply Elvis worked his way into the DNA of rock ’n’ roll mythology — and into the imagination of generations that followed.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Elvis PresleyElvis [Excerpt From Interview Held Sept.22 1958]Elvis: A Legendary Performer Vol. 1195800:00
2Pat SmithElvis ElvisGals of the Big D Jamboree195800:25
3Billy BoyleMy Baby's Crazy 'Bout ElvisThe Greatest Novelty Songs196205:31
4Nervous NorvusElvis You're A G.I. NowStone Age Woo195808:03
5Bobby BareAll American BoyAll American Boy – CD 1196310:14
6The Hunt SistersElvis Is Rocking AgainDirty Boogie:The Fortune Records Story196013:09
7Janis MartinMy Boy ElvisLoud Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 1199914:40
8George JonesThe King Is Gone (So Are You)One Woman Man198923:33
9Steve GoodmanElvis ImitatorsArtistic Hair198326:47
10Syd Straw & The Del LordsListening To Elvis200 Cadillacs200329:36
11Horace LoganAnnouncements (& Elvis Has Left the Building)At the Louisiana Hayride Tonight (Disc 7)201733:19
12Gillian WelchElvis Presley BluesArtist's Choice: Emmylou Harris033:52
13Dan ReederClean ElvisOh Boy! A Sampler043:56
14Cris CuddyDear ElvisDear Elvis201546:31
15Greg BrownJesus and ElvisPoet Game199449:49
16John StewartI Want To Be ElvisHavana200353:17
17Loudon Wainwright IIIHappy Birthday ElvisCareer Moves199356:39
18Leon RussellElvis and MarilynAmericana19781:00:37
19Sonny BurgessBigger Than ElvisSonny Burgess19961:09:05
20Stray CatsElvis on VelvetRunaway Boys: A Retrospective '81-'9219971:11:43
21Mojo NixonElvis Is EverywhereBo-Day-Shus!!!19861:15:59
22DerailersI Love Me Some ElvisGenuine20031:20:50
23Hayes CarllJesus and ElvisWhat It Is20191:27:07
24The TractorsThe Elvis ThingFarmers in a Changing World19981:30:25
25Alannah MylesBlack VelvetThe Atlantic Story [UK] Disc 201:35:42
26Kacey MusgravesVelvet ElvisGolden Hour20181:39:38
27Marc CohnWalking in MemphisVH1 Classic: The Cuts20031:42:07
28Paul SimonGracelandGraceland19861:46:11
29Cowboy JunkiesBlue Moon Revisited (Song for Elvis)The Trinity Session19881:54:27

Tears On The Vinyl

They say that tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. Whether they are shed in the dark of a midnight heartbreak, the overwhelming light of a spiritual awakening, or the quiet ache of a memory that just won’t fade, these tiny drops of salt water carry the weight of our history. Today, we’re tracing those trails down the cheeks of American music. with a show whose theme is ‘tears’.  We’ve got two hours of the lonesome, the joyful, and the broken-hearted. Featured artists include Etta James, Mac Wiseman, Big Maybelle, Faron Young and The Pilgrim Travelers, spanning the past century of America’s music from the mid-1930s to a cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Ocean of Tears from 2019. We’ll experience tears that take us from remorse to pure joy and pleasant surprise full circle to tears brought on by physical pain. So pull up a chair, settle in, and let’s let the music do the weeping for us.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Little Anthony & The ImperialsTears on My PillowThe Best of Little Anthony & The Imperials195800:00
2Chuck JacksonTears Of JoyThe Very Best Of Chuck Jackson 1961-1967196305:35
3Gladys Knight & The PipsLetter Full Of TearsSoul Grooves200208:13
4Tammi TerrellTears At The End Of A Love AffairCome On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection196910:52
5Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesTears of a ClownMotown: The Classic Years Disc 2197013:48
6Johnny RiversThe Tracks of My TearsGreatest Hits [Capitol]196716:45
7Etta JamesTears Of JoyThe Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1195624:59
8Bonnie RaittRiver Of TearsGreen Light198227:25
9Big MaybelleOcean Of TearsThe Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-'55195532:10
10Pee Wee CraytonEyes Full Of TearsPee Wee's Blues – The Complete Aladdin And Imperial Recordings195434:37
11Ray CharlesDrown in My Own TearsPure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) (1 of 8)195936:42
12The Jackson SouthernairesNo Tears in HeavenGreat Gospel – No Tears in Heaven200444:04
13The Pilgrim TravelersGod Shall Wipe All Tears AwayGood News Vol. 4: Glory Glory Hallelujah194949:10
14The Staple SingersI Can't Help From Cryin' SometimeGreat Day196251:27
15Robert Plant and The Soweto Gospel ChoirValley Of TearsGoin' Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino [Disc 2]200753:43
16Jean ShepardCrying Holy24 Greatest Gospel Hits200955:51
17Bad LiversCrying Holy Unto The LordDust On The Bible199857:52
18Mac WisemanCrying Heart BluesGrassroots To Bluegrass19901:07:57
19Country GentlemenSilence or TearsWarped 6119 – Country Gentlemen – 196119611:10:20
20David Grisman; Emory Gordy; Herb Pedersen; Jim Buchanan; Vince GillThe Children Are CryingHere Today19821:12:56
21Dolly PartonEndless Stream of TearsThe Grass Is Blue19991:15:28
22Faron YoungTrail Of TearsHello Walls / The Young Approach19611:18:01
23Dick CurlessTears Instead of CheersA Tombstone Every Mile (7CD Set) CD6 (1950-1969)19961:20:10
24Tennessee Ernie FordOcean Of TearsThe History Of Country & Western Music (Disc 20)01:24:50
25JP HarrisOcean of Tears (feat. Miss Tess)Why Don't We Duet in the Road (Again) – EP20191:27:23
26Skeets McDonaldCurtain Of TearsSkeets McDonald – One Classic Album & Singles Collection19521:29:57
27Ray CampiCurtain Of TearsCountry Boy's Dream19881:32:17
28Ella FitzgeraldCrying My Heart Out For YouCryin' Mood19391:36:02
29Anita O'DayAnd Her Tears Flowed Like WineSentimental Journey: Great Ladies of Song19441:39:08
30Dinah WashingtonYou're Crying (from The Swingin' Miss D)Dinah Washington: Eight Classic Albums19561:42:12
31Chris ConnorTime Out For TearsWarm Cool: The Atlantic Years [Disc 1]19991:45:39
32Dinah ShoreLaughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)Your Hit Parade: 194619461:48:18
33Lula ReedI'll Drown In My Own TearsBob Dylan's Theme Time Radio19511:53:57
34Johnny RayCryColumbia Records 125th Anniversary19511:56:47

Backbeat ’50

It’s a 1950 heatwave of rhythm and blues sounds this morning on Deeper Roots. We’ll move away from anything that might be polite or polished and turn our attention to the sweat-soaked, neon-lit world of rhythm and blues, a sound that was the early morning thunder and lightning just ahead of the dawn of rock ‘n roll. We’re focusing on the year 1950 where jump blues started to grow teeth — where the saxophones were honking, the backbeats hitting harder, and indie labels from Memphis to LA were capturing lightning in a bottle. From the smoky corners of the Delta to the high voltage clubs of the North, we’re digging deep into the crates for the some pounding rhythms from Dave Bartholomew, Julia Lee, Bull Moose Jackson, Jimmy McCracklin as well as Buddy and Ella Johnson…oh, and some Tiny Bradshaw’s Breaking Up The House. As Chuck Berry pointed out: “…it’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it, any old time you use it”.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sister Wynona CarrDon't Miss That TrainDragnet For Jesus195000:00
2Buddy & Ella JohnsonWalk the Chalk LineRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2 [Disc 7]195005:22
3Ella JohnsonNo More LoveVoodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties Females195007:56
4Jimmy McCracklinRockin? All Day (a/k/a Rockin? and Reelin?)Electric Blues?Part 1: Beginnings 1939-1954195010:56
5Bull Moose JacksonBig Fat Mamas Are Back In Style AgainBull Moose Jackson 1947-1950195013:34
6Cleo BrownRoll It BoogieBoogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195015:54
7Eunice DavisRock Little DaddyBoogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195025:17
8Austin McCoyHappy Pay Day Part 1More Mellow Cats & Kittens195027:46
9Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra w/Myra JohnsonSilent GeorgeRisque Rhythm: Nasty 50s R&B195030:56
10Jewel King3×7=21Get Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 3195033:32
11Jewel KingI Broke My Mother's RuleGettin' Funky [Disc 4]195036:04
12Julia LeeCan't Get Enough Of That StuffKansas City Star [Disc 5]195038:17
13Violet HallHe's An Ivory Beating Baby (On The Baby Grand)Boogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195041:16
14Johnnie BrownI'm Gonna Stop (Foolin' Around)Jumpin' The Blues:MCA Label(ACE CD)195048:49
15Tiny BradshawBreaking Up the HouseBreaking Up the House [Disc 2]195051:12
16Tiny BradshawWell Oh WellBreaking Up the House [Disc 2]195053:51
17Wynonie HarrisI Want To Love You BabyAll She Wants To Do Is Rock195056:29
18Dave BartholomewAin't Gonna Do It (Rest Of My Life)Gettin' Funky [Disc 2]195059:21
19Connie JordanI'm Gonna Rock (Till My Rocker Breaks Down)Jumpin' The Blues:MCA Label(ACE CD)19501:07:07
20Ruth BrownI'll Wait For YouMiss Rhythm Greatest Hits And More Disc 119501:09:52
21Ivory Joe HunterWe're Going to BoogieRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 13]19501:12:25
22King PerryEverything's Gonna Be Alright TonightVarious Artists: Rhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2/[Disc 1]19501:15:25
23Gene PhillipsWomen Women WomenHot R&B and Cool Blues 1946-5219501:17:46
24Erline HarrisJump And ShoutGet Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 319501:20:35
25Percy MayfieldStrange Things HappeningPoet of the Blues19501:25:26
26The RobinsIf It's SoThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19501:28:12
27The DominoesChicken BluesThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19501:31:14
28H-Bomb FergusonRock H-Bomb RockStompin' 1419501:34:02
29Roy Brown & His Mighty Mighty MenLove Don't Love NobodyOriginal Blues/Greatest Hits19501:36:10
30Little Esther & Mel Walker w; Johnny Otis OrchestraCupid's BoogieRoots of Rock 'n' Roll – Rough and Rowdy Vol. 319501:38:51
31The RavensMy Baby's GoneOKeh Rhythm & Blues19501:41:24
32The Three RiffsCherry In My Lemon And LimeHot Harmony Groups 1932-1951: Vol 1: That's the Rhythm19501:44:09
33Harry Van WallsTee-nah-nahAtlantic Rhythm & Blues: 1947-1974 [Disc 1]19501:46:34
34Fats DominoHey La Bas BoogieGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The Hitmakers19501:53:53
35Fats DominoThe Fat ManGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The Hitmakers19501:56:14

Trouble In Mind

Get ready for a deep dive into the last 100 years of America’s musical DNA. This week’s Deeper Roots is a ‘romp’ in the truest sense—a free form show celebrating the winsome, the lonesome, and everything in between. We’ve got a heavy-hitting lineup including Etta James, Jimmie Davis, and Billie Holiday, spanning the full spectrum of gospel, country, blues, and jazz. Dave’s been digging through the “digital crates” of the past century to bring you two hours of essential, sometimes irreverent, always authentic sounds. Whether the selections are wholesome or a bit rowdy, this episode runs the full gamut of the American songbook. Pull up a chair at the Deeper Roots dining hall this Friday morning on KOWS Community Radio—there is plenty of soul to go around.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sister Rosetta TharpeTrouble In My MindGospel Blues – the Very Best Of200800:00
2Louis ArmstrongNobody Knows De Trouble I've SeenLouis And The Good Book193805:34
3Sam CookeNobody Knows the Trouble I've SeenThe Man Who Invented Soul [Box Set] (4 of 4)196308:34
4The Whitstein BrothersI'm TroubledOld Time Duets198912:04
5Sam Cooke And The Soul StirrersI'm So Glad (Trouble Don't Last Always)The Complete Specialty Recordings [Disc 2]195514:42
6The Harlem HamfatsI'm In So Much Trouble NowHarlem Hamfats Vol. 3 1937-1938200517:53
7Fats DominoBad Luck and TroubleFats Domino Out of New Orleans196126:02
8Mavis Staples Levon HelmTrouble In My MindCarry Me Home202228:38
9Lee HazlewoodTrouble Is A Lonesome Town400 Miles From L.A. 1955-56195633:33
10Kay StarrI'm The Lonesomest Gal In TownCapitol Collectors Series194735:47
11The ModernairesIt's A Lonesome Old Town (When You're Not Around)The Complete Modernaires On Columbia Vol 2 (1946-1947)194738:30
12Jimmie DavisLouisiana Hayride IntroAt the Louisiana Hayride Tonight (Disc 9)201746:03
13Jimmie DavisPi-Rootin' AroundNobody's Darlin' But Mine: 1928-1937193747:13
14Scott Miller & the CommonwealthDrunk All Around This TownReconstruction200749:57
15Wayne HancockLife's Lonesome RoadA-Town Blues200152:32
16Rick NelsonLonesome Town (Unreleased)Legacy [Disc 1]195854:08
17Happy Valley BoysHomecoming Time In Happy ValleyClassic Field Recordings19401:01:08
18Tom T. HallHomecoming (Single Version)The Definitive Collection: Tom T. Hall20061:03:54
19Josh RitterHomecomingSermon on the Rocks20151:07:00
20Bob Dylan & The BandKickin' My Dog AroundThe Basement Tapes Complete: The Bootleg Series Vol. 1120141:12:19
21Gid Tanner & The Skillet LickersYa Gotta Quit Kickin' My Dog Aroun'Various Artists: Bob Dylan – Cover To Cover – The Originals VOL. 2 [Disc 2]19261:15:00
22Leon Chappel(I'm A) Long Gone DoggieAutomatic Mama19511:17:42
23Betty Hall JonesThis Joint's Too Hip For MeJumpin' Like Mad: Cool Cats & Hip Chicks Non-Stop Dancin' [Disc 1]19491:25:17
24Julia LeeTell Me DaddyThe Essential Julia Lee Vol 119481:27:47
25Mabel ScottWailin' DaddyRhythm'n'blues Nasty20051:30:34
26Etta JamesTell MamaBlues Classics '27_'69 [Disc 3]19671:33:17
27The Shangri-LasI'm BlueMyrmidons of Melodrama19651:35:34
28Willy DeVilleI'm Blue So BlueUnplugged in Berlin20111:38:58
29Dan PennBlues Of The Month ClubSmoke Filled Room20261:42:52
30Willie NelsonAm I BlueNite Life: Greatest Hits & Rare Tracks (1959-1971)19641:47:26
31Billie HolidayAm I Blue?The Quintessential Billie Holiday Vol. 9 (1940 – 1942)19411:53:54
32Julie LondonI Must Have That Man!Wild Cool and Swingin'19991:56:40

Country Shed Shakers

This week’s show peels back the velvet curtain of the Golden Age of Country music and introduces some lower chart shed shakers from the outskirts of Nashville. While the charts were full of polished crooners and weeping violins, there was a different sound brewing in and around the perimeter—a raw, frantic energy that didn’t belong in a ballroom. These are the tracks that blurred the line between the honky-tonk and the garage. We’ll deliver the distorted side of that golden age with some familiar names (Buck Owens, Jerry Reed, Johnny Bond) and some of those who were lost to those dusty Ernest Tubb Record Shop dollar bins (Eddie Zack, Jimmy Swan, Benny Barnes), all  in a package meant to get those fingers poppin’. Hope you can join us for some gritty, low-fi country vibes.

No.ArtistTitleAlbum
1Luke Wills' Rhythm BustersShut Up And Drink Your BeerStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 3] It Ain't Far To The Bar)
2Luke Wills' Rhythm BustersHigh Voltage GalStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 3] It Ain't Far To The Bar)
3Sheb WooleyMule BoogieCountry & Western Nuggets
4Smokey Hogg And His GuitarCrawdadRhythm & Western Volume 1 – When Two Worlds Collide
5Billy StrangeHell TrainHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)
6Hawkshaw HawkinsWaitin' for My BabyCountry & Western Nuggets
7Bobby LordNo More No More No MoreCountry & Western Nuggets
8Buck OwensHot DogBound for Bakersfield 1953-56
9Wanda JacksonHot Dog! That Made Him MadQueen Of Rockabilly
10The HurricanesPistol Packin' MamaRhythm & Western Volume 1 – When Two Worlds Collide
11Johnny BondSomebody's Pushin'Put Me To Bed
12Jerry ReedWhen I Found YouCountry & Western Nuggets
13Jerry ReedMister WhizzCountry & Western Nuggets
14Eddie ZackI?m Gonna Roll and RockCountry & Western Nuggets
15Jimmy MurphySixteen Tons Rock `n? RollCountry & Western Nuggets
16Jimmy SwanCountry Cattin?Country & Western Nuggets
17Johnny BondLonesome TrainPut Me To Bed
18Skeets McDonaldI Got A New Field To PlowSkeets McDonald – One Classic Album & Singles Collection
19Dusty PayneMy Walkin' ShoesThe Other Side of Bakersfield Vol. 2; 1950s & 60s Boppers and Rockers from 'Nashville West'
20The Farmer BoysSomehow Someway SomedayThe Other Side of Bakersfield
21Billy WalkerI've Got Leavin' On My MindWhirlpool – Gonna Shake This Shack Tonight
22Jimmie PetersRhythm of LoveCountry & Western Nuggets
23Titus TurnerA Knockin' At My Baby's DoorRhythm & Western Volume 1 – When Two Worlds Collide
24Dave RichTuggin? At My Heart StringsCountry & Western Nuggets
25Freddie HartHeaven Only KnowsCountry & Western Nuggets
26Faron YoungHoney StopCountry & Western Nuggets
27Benny BarnesKing for a DayCountry & Western Nuggets
28Ferlin HuskyWang Dang DoCountry & Western Nuggets
29Little Jimmy DickensHey Ma (Hide the Daughter)Country & Western Nuggets
30Dave RichBurn On Love FireCountry & Western Nuggets
31Lee BondsHome ComingCountry & Western Nuggets
32Johnny DavidRace With The DevilHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)
33Steve BledsoeBang Bang You're DeadHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter
34Jimmie Pearson And The Melody MakersNobody CaresHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter
35Cowboy CopasBury Me Face DownHillbillies in Hell Country Music?s Tormented Testament Volume 5
36Black Jack WayneRed Silk Stockings and Green PerfumeCountry & Western Nuggets
37Mel TillisYou Are The ReasonCountry & Western Nuggets
38Rink HardinWhat Did I DoCountry & Western Nuggets
39Wynn StewartBig Big LoveCountry & Western Nuggets

King Cole Covers

Nat King Cole’s transition from a respected jazz pianist to a mainstream icon was a perfect storm of technical brilliance, a groundbreaking vocal style, and a persona that radiated “suave sophistication.” While jazz purists sometimes lamented his move toward pop, it was his ability to blend jazz’s complexity with pop’s accessibility that made him a household name. He delivered hit after hit with a penchant for candidates (or entries from) the Great American Songbook. With this in mind, we’ll take this week’s show in an direction that honors the songs he became most famous for…from Bobby Troup’s Route 66 to Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life…covered by others including some rocking tributes, some ballads in the style of country and bluesy soul numbers from Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. We don’t stop there.  Join Dave Stroud for another celebration from a hundred years of America’s music

No.ArtistTitleAlbum
1Tiny BradshawStraighten Up and Fly RightBreaking Up the House [Disc 1]
2The Andrews SistersStraighten Up and Fly RightGolden Age of the Andrews Sisters [Disc 1]
3Oscar Brown Jr.Straighten Up And Fly Right [Album Version]Sin & Soul… And Then Some
4Bobby DarinNature BoyAs Long As I'm Singing: The Bobby Darin Collection [Disc 2]
5Aaron NevilleNature BoyNature Boy: The Standards Album
6Madeleine PeyrouxSmileHalf The Perfect World
7Jimmy DuranteSmileAs Time Goes By: Best of
8Chuck BerryRoute 66Cars
9Asleep at the WheelRoute 66The Best of Asleep at the Wheel
10Wayne NewtonL-O-V-EWild Cool & Swingin'
11Natalie ColeL-O-V-EUnforgettable: With Love
12Charley PrideRamblin' Rose20 Classics
13Slim WhitmanRamblin' RoseAll-Time Greatest Hits Vol 2
14Raul MaloRamblin' RoseQuarantunes
15Brenda LeePretendThis Is Brenda
16Carl MannPretendThe Forgotten 45s 1957-1959 (CD3)
17Dinah WashingtonUnforgettableJazz 'Round Midnight: Dinah Washington
18Peggy LeeUnforgettablePeggy Lee – The Marvelous Miss Lee
19Jimmy WakelyMona LisaThe Collection 1940-53 CD2
20Carl MannMona LisaWhere Rock Was Born
21The Neville BrothersMona LisaFiyo on the Bayou
22Marvin GayeToo YoungBallads
23Frankie LaineToo YoungI Hear Music
24Linda RonstadtLush LifeRound Midnight [Disc 2]
25Sammy Davis Jr.Lush LifeI've Gotta Be Me: The Best Of Sammy Davis Jr.
26Little Joe CookI Love You for Sentimental ReasonsPeanuts and Other Delicacies: The Little Joe Cook Story (1951-1962)
27Sam Cooke(I Love You) For Sentimental ReasonsGreatest Hits
28Raul Malo(I Love You) For Sentimental ReasonsThe Nashville Acoustic Sessions
29Ray NobleThe Very Thought of YouLove Is the Sweetest Thing(Disc 2)
30Nancy WilsonThe Very Thought Of YouLady Sings The Blues [Disc 1]
31Leon RedboneSweet LorraineAny Time
32Frank SinatraSweet LorraineReprise Collection [Disc 4]
33Nat King ColeThe Frim Fram SauceJumpin' Like Mad: Cool Cats & Hip Chicks Non-Stop Dancin' [Disc 1]
34Nat King ColeParadiseThe Very Thought Of You

Berry Covers

This week’s episode finds the heart of rock ‘n roll; that recipe of a rhythm and blues with just the right pinch of just about everything else. Chuck Berry’s legacy stands as one of the most important stories in rock ‘n roll’s 75 or so years. His music, particularly in those early years, was covered ad nauseum but it was always done best in an artist’s own voice. Why? Because the music speaks for itself. We’ll share music from Sleepy Labeef to Nina Simone, Linda Ronstadt to Peter Gammons (!), and Conway Twitty to the late, great John Hammond. Covers include You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, Nadine, and No Money down with another dozen, all honoring the King (or is it the Prime Minister) of Rock ‘n Roll whose 100th birthday will be celebrated later this year.


No.ArtistTitleAlbum
1Aaron NevilleYou Never Can Tell
2Peter GammonsCarol
3Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersAround and Around (Live at the Fillmore 1997)
4Nina SimoneBrown Eyed Handsome Man
5Lyle LovettBrown Eyed Handsome Man
6Elvis PresleyMaybelline
7Marty RobbinsMaybelline
8Hard Working AmericansSchool Day (Ring! Ring! Goes The Bell)
9Elvis PresleyMemphis Tennessee
10George BensonMemphis Tennessee
11Angela StrehliYou Never Can Tell
12Emmylou HarrisYou Never Can Tell
13George Thorogood & The DestroyersNo Particular Place To Go
14Jerry Lee LewisRoll Over Beethoven
15Sleepy LabeefRoll Over Beethoven
16Buck OwensJohnny B. Goode
17Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersJohnny B. Goode (Live at the Fillmore 1997)
18Arlen RothSweet Little Sixteen
19Jerry Lee Lewis; Ringo StarrSweet Little Sixteen
20Ronnie Wood with his Wild FiveRock 'n' Roll Music (featuring Imelda May)
21Linda RonstadtBack In The U.S.A.
22Reckless KellyBack In the USA
23Kevin RussellNadine
24John HammondNadine
25John HammondNo Money Down
26Duane AllmanNo Money Down
27Conway TwittyReelin' and Rockin'
28Johnnie AllanPromised Land
29The BandPromised Land
30Ronnie Hawkins & The HawksThirty Days
31Jeff LynneLet It Rock
32DionSweet Little Rock and Roller (Album)

Swingin’ Out West

We’re going to take another journey through those dusty, neon-lit archives of Western swing, a genre that famously thumbed its nose at musical boundaries. While the “King” Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys rightly claim the throne, the true soul of the movement lives in the smaller, rowdier units that blurred the lines between Appalachian fiddling, big band jazz, and low-down blues. For our listeners, we’re looking past the “San Antonio Rose” to the grit of the lower Great Plains. We’ll be digging into the deep-cut recordings that highlight the genre’s technical audacity, exploring a sound that kept the dance halls jumping through the Depression proving that Western swing was always much more than just “hillbilly jazz”—it was a revolution you could dance to.

No.ArtistTitleAlbum
1Pee Wee KingBirmingham BounceRompin' Stompin' Singin' Swingin'
2Moon MullicanGrandpa Stole My BabyHillbilly Bop 'n' Boogie: King/Federal Roots of Rockabilly 1944 – 56
3Hank PennyWildcat MamaThe Western Swing: Doughboys Playboys and Cowboys – Oakie Boogie
4Bill HaleyRovin' EyesFrom Western Swing to R-O-C-K (1): Rocket 88
5The Hi-FlyersHi-Flyer StompWestern Swing: Hot Hillbilly Jazz & Blues – 1935-1947
6Milton Brown & His Musical BrowniesRight or WrongWestern Swing Chronicles Vol. 1: Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
7Bob Wills & His Texas PlayboysNew San Antonio RoseThe King Of Western Swing-25 Hits 1935-1945
8Hank PennyYou Can't Pull The Wool Over My EyesStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 4] Saturday Night Rag)
9Bob Wills & His Texas PlayboysSnatchin' and Grabbin'Boot Heel Drag: The MGM Years [Disc 2]
10Johnny Lee Wills And His BoysLet Me BeMore Ballroom Kings
11Tommy DuncanWho Drank The Beer (While I Was In The Rear)Swinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys: The West Coast Indies
12Skeets McDonaldScoot Git And BegoneSwinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys
13Sons Of The WestSally's Got A Wooden LegSteelin' It: The Steel Guitar Story
14Dickie McBride And The Villiage BoysTulsa TwistHillbilly Fever! Vol. 1: Legends Of Western Swing
15Roy HogsedCocaine BluesSwinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys
16Johnny Lee WillsRag MopThe History Of Country & Western Music – Vol. 16
17Bill Haley with the SaddlemenDance with a Dolly (With a Hole in Her Stocking)From Western Swing to R-O-C-K (2): Rock the Joint
18Bill Boyd's Cowboy RamblersMama Don't Like No MusicSaturday Night Rag 1934-1936 Vol. 1
19Wade Ray with Noel BoggsIt's All Your FaultHeroes Of Country Music Vol 1: Legends Of Western Swing
20Speedy West & Jimmy BryantTwo Of A KindSwingin' On The Strings: The Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant Collection Volume 2
21Hal Lone Pine & His MountaineersHoney Honey MineMore Ballroom Kings
22Spade Cooley & His Orchestra feat. Tex WilliamsDetourThat's What I Like About The West
23Spade Cooley & the Western Swing Dance Gang Feat. Tex WilliamsOne Sweet Letter From YouShame On You
24Hank Penny & Jaye P. MorganYou Played On My PianoCrossroads In Cowtown
25Texas Jim Robertson & His Panhandle PunchersJaw Jaw Yap Yap YapMore Ballroom Kings
26Tex AtchinsonYou Don't Do Right By Me AnymoreKings Of Western Swing Vol. 2
27Moon MullicanBottom Of The GlassThe Very Best Of
28Billy Jack Wills & His Western Swing BandTroubles (Those Lonesome Kind)Hillbilly Fever! Vol. 1: Legends Of Western Swing
29Les PaulSan Antonio RoseSwing West – vol 2 – Guitar Slingers
30Asleep at the WheelIda RedA Tribute To The Music Of Bob Wills (Dance Versions)
31Asleep at the WheelMy Baby Thinks She's a TrainBack to the Future Now Live at Arizona Charlie's Las Vegas
32Buddy Emmons; Ray Pennington; Swing Shift BandI Built a WallSwingin' by Request
33Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite BoysMusic To Her EarsSwingin' West
34Kevin RussellMilk Cow BluesCountry Swing
35Freddy FenderPlease Mr. SandmanVoices of America