Category Archives: American Popular

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

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

1925 Songs

What did America sound like in 1925? Join us for a special episode of Deeper Roots as Dave welcomes Josh Rosenthal, founder of Tompkins Square Records, into the studio for an extraordinary musical deep dive. Josh takes us inside the newly minted anthology, Dick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present…1925 Songs. This 32-track collection spotlights a pivotal, watershed year in American music history—the moment electrical recording began replacing acoustic horns, allowing the vibrant, raw sounds of early jazz, country blues, and hillbilly music to reach a coast-to-coast audience for the very first time. Deeper Roots may be about a century of America’s music… but this week, we’re taking you back a century plus one! Don’t miss it. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Dora CarrCow Cow BluesRoots 'N' Blues/The Retrospective 1925-1950192500:00
2Wheat Street Female QuartetGo Down MosesDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs192516:31
3Rosa Lee CarsonThe Drinker's ChildDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs192519:17
4Bascom Lamar LunsfordSherman ValleyDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs192544:11
5Tweedy BrothersCripple CreekDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs192546:47
6Clifford's Louisville Jug BandStruttin' The BluesDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs19251:00:42
7Dr. James RoachGue Gue SolingaeDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs19251:18:24
8Brownlee's Orchestra of New OrleansPeculiarDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs19251:21:25
9Papa Charlie JacksonDrop That SackPapa Charlie Done Sung That Song – [Disc 2]19251:26:18
10Ma RaineyChain Gang BluesMa Rainey19251:29:38
11Blind Lemon JeffersonAll I Want Is That Pure ReligionDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs19251:32:49
12Bennie Moten's Kansas Cityÿ OrchestraKater Street RagThe Real Kansas City Of The '20s '30s & '40s19251:35:58
13Butterbeans & SusieBrown Skin GalButterbeans & Susie Vol. 1-(1924-25)19251:38:29
14Cliff EdwardsPaddlin' Madelaine HomeFascinating Rhythm 1922-193519251:41:38
15Ida CoxCoffin BluesThe Rise & Fall of Paramount Records Volume 1 (1917-1927)19251:49:16
16Seminole SyncopatorsSailing on Lake PontchartrainDick Spottswood & Tompkins Square Present 1925 Songs19251:52:30
17Kelly HarrellThe Wreck On The Southern Old 97Lonesome Whistle19251:55:23

Heartland R&B

We revisit a show from ten years back that focused on R&B, sax, and a time before rock ‘n’ roll shook the world. A time of honkers and shouters. This week on Deeper Roots, we dig into the wild, joyful, and groundbreaking world of mid-century rhythm and blues through the lens of Arnold Shaw’s classic book Honkers and Shouters: The Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues. From the jump bands and saxophone blowouts to the gospel-fueled vocalists and hard-driving dance records that packed juke joints and ballrooms, we’ll explore the artists, producers, and cultural forces that gave birth to modern popular music. Join us for two hours of the sounds and stories that laid the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll and changed American music forever. We’ve got a wild one in store for you, one that we first tackled a decade ago here on Deeper Roots.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Ivory Joe HunterI Got Your Water OnThe Chronological Ivory Joe Hunter : 1947 – 1950194900:00
2Jimmie Lunceford & His OrchestraHarlem ShoutSwingsation: Jimmie Lunceford199805:56
3Lucky Millinder & His OrchestraIntro 1Big Band Jazz Jubilee Sessions [Disc 3]194508:47
4Lucky Millinder & His OrchestraThree BonesBig Band Jazz Jubilee Sessions [Disc 3]194510:01
5Sister Rosetta TharpeShout Sister ShoutShout Sister Shout [[Disc 1]] The Original Soul Sister194119:00
6Lucky Millinder; Sister Rosetta TharpeTrouble in MindThe Gospel of Blues200321:40
7Lucky Millinder; Sister Rosetta TharpeI Want a Tall Skinny PapaThe Gospel of Blues200324:05
8Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra w/Myra JohnsonSilent GeorgeRisque Rhythm: Nasty 50s R&B195026:54
9Wynonie Harris; Lucky Millinder & His OrchestraTeardrops From My EyesAll She Wants To Do Is Rock195029:29
10Wynonie HarrisHard Ridin? MamaPlayful Baby194737:12
11Wynonie HarrisI Don't Know Where to GoWomen Whiskey & Fish Tails039:42
12Eddie DurhamSwingin' the BluesKing Cole Trio: Legendary 1941-44 Broadcast Transcriptions (The)201141:57
13Count BasieTopsyKen Burns Jazz: Count Basie193743:57
14Count BasieSwingin' The BluesKen Burns Jazz: Count Basie193847:07
15Joe LigginsDaddy on My MindJoe Liggins 1948-1950195053:54
16Joe LigginsRag MopThe Chronological Joe Liggins 1948 – 1950195056:35
17Bull Moose JacksonShorty's Got To GoBad Man Jackson194659:56
18Bull Moose JacksonIf You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')Badman Jackson Thats Me19551:02:35
19Bull Moose JacksonWhy Don't You Haul Off and Love MeBadman Jackson Thats Me19491:04:57
20Big Jay McNeely & His Blue JaysDeacon's HopJump Jive & Swing19481:13:30
21Big Jay McNeelyAll That Wine Is GoneJumpin' Like Mad: Cool Cats & Hip Chicks Non-Stop Dancin' [Disc 1]19511:16:16
22Big Mcneely JayWillie And The Cool CatSwing-O-Rama : Beautiful Babies19491:19:08
23The SwallowsIt Ain't the MeatRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55 vol. 220051:21:50
24Tiny BradshawThe Train Kept A-Rollin'Sentimental Journey19511:26:26
25Tiny BradshawIntro 2Big Band Jazz: The Jubilee Sessions19441:29:08
26Tiny BradshawIt's Sand ManBig Band Jazz: The Jubilee Sessions19441:29:26
27Freddie Slack & His Orchestra w; T-Bone WalkerRifetteR&B Jukebox Hits 194319431:32:05
28Freddie Slack With The Will Bradley TrioDown The Road A PieceJuke Joint Jump: A Boogie Woogie Celebration19401:35:05
29Ivory Joe HunterStop Rockin' That TrainThe Chronological Ivory Joe Hunter : 1947 – 195019471:38:09
30Earl BosticFlamingoArtist's Choice: Rolling Stones19461:40:52
31Earl BosticAlwaysThe E.P. Collection19991:43:31
32Big Joe TurnerSun Risin' BluesBig Bad & Blue: Anthology [Disc 1]19401:46:26
33The Cab Calloway OrchestraCab Calloway Introducing Illinois JacquetCarnegie Hall 7/6/197319731:54:40
34The Cab Calloway Orchestra w; Illinois JacqauetJumpin' JacquetCarnegie Hall 7/6/197319731:54:58

Let’s Do It!

This week on Deeper Roots, the records come with instructions. From dance crazes and rhythm commands to songs about not knowing what comes next, we’re asking — and answering — ‘Let’s Do It!.’ Two hours of blues, rock ’n’ roll, soul, and jukebox rhythm from the past century, all with a demand that we get our booties moving or our bodies boogie’n. From Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King to The Dovells, Chubby Checker and Rosco Gordon, we’re digging deep with some classic blues and rare soul. But we’ve also got some rockin’, stompin’, rompin’, swingin’ to do with dances like the swim, the twist, the slop, and the boomerang…and we’ve even got Bobby Dunn pleading that we “Do The Bobby Dunn”. Nothing’s off limits and it’s nothing but fun on this week’s show as we explore something thematic that we’re excited to share with you. Whether it’s a party you’re hosting or you’re just out there in the yard prepping for the coming summer, turn it up. That’s right…do it!

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1The Four BlazesDo The DoMary Jo195400:00
2Howlin' WolfDo The DoMuddy & The Wolf196905:13
3Mabel FranklinLet's Do The WiggleStompin' 2196507:22
4Lightnin' HopkinsDo The BoogieLightnin' Sam Hopkins196209:37
5B.B. KingLet's Do the BoogieDo the Boogie! B.B. King's Early '50s Classics199414:00
6Rufus ThomasCan Your Monkey Do the DogThe Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 (3 of 9)196416:23
7Rufus Thomas(Do the) Push and Pull (Part 1)Stax Number Ones201018:44
8Junior Walker & The All StarsDo The BoomerangThe Ultimate Collection196527:55
9Sugar Pie DeSantoDo The WhoopieBrunswick Lost Soul – Volume 1196730:13
10Sugar SweetDo the DiveRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 12]196332:36
11Dee Dee SharpDo The BirdGirls Of Rock & Roll034:56
12Bobby DunnDo The Bobby DunnRare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973 [Disc 4]201537:08
13The OlympicsBaby Do The Philly DogNorthern Soul Originals199940:15
14Jackie LeeDo The Temptation WalkAll Nighter Hits047:19
15Dave Baby CortezDo the SlopHappy Organs Wild Guitars199449:46
16Little Joe CookLet's Do the SlopPeanuts and Other Delicacies: The Little Joe Cook Story (1951-1962)195652:58
17March WindDo The SweetbackStax 50th Anniversary Collection [Disc 3]199455:21
18The Matta BabyDo the Pearl Girl (Part 2)All Night Long: Northern Soul Floor Fillers201658:34
19The 5 RoyalesDo the Cha Cha CherryThe Complete Singles 1952-196219581:05:58
20The HilltoppersDo The BopChills & Fever: The Dot Records Story 1955-196219551:08:10
21Isaac ClarkDo The Dog FunkRare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973 [Disc 4]20151:10:16
22Rosco GordonDo The Chicken (Dance With You)Rockin' Memphis [Disc 1]19561:13:14
23The Isley BrothersDo The Twist [Remastered 1991]Complete United Artists Sessions19631:15:45
24The Staple SingersDo The Cissy [Stingers]The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles Vol. 2: 1968-1971 [Disc 2]19691:18:27
25The MetersDo The DirtCabbage Alley19721:21:12
26Bill DoggettLets Do The ContinetalNew Discgems From Warner Brothers19611:27:21
27The DovellsDo the New ContinentalCameo Parkway 1957-1967 Disc 220051:30:00
28Fox HallDo The Rock And RollSugar Jump20191:32:36
29Johnny ThunderEverybody Do The SloopyThe Very Best Of Johnny Thunder19651:35:11
30Bobby Freeman(I Do The) Shimmy ShimmyAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 196019601:37:49
31Gary U.S. BondsDo The BumpsieGary U.S Bonds – 30 Original Greatest Hits19651:40:19
32Chubby CheckerDo The FreddyClassic Rock 196519651:42:43
33Little Bobby MooreDo The Ginger SnapThe King Records Story Part219621:44:56
34Randy & the RocketsLets Do the Cajun TwistSwamp Gold Volume 119911:47:33
35Dee Dee SharpMashed Potato TimeRare Soul: Groove & Grind 1963-1973 [Disc 4]19671:54:15
36Chubby CheckerLet's Twist AgainOldies But Goodies20221:56:44


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

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

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)