Category Archives: American Popular

Summer of Broken Hearts

The debate is over; what’s say we have ourselves another. There’s certainly no debating democracy at work. Today’s Deeper Roots show will find us circulating through the connective tissue of song: themes that connect with one another. A little bit of eclectic free form fused with all the delightful sounds of country, pop, rock and tradition. Our guiding light will be the truth and the American way. Yes, there’s always bubble gum, apple pie, and Sunday church but then we also have the bats**t crazies who will blame all the good, the bad and the ugly on those who don’t resemble themselves or their own views. So take a break with us on this summer of broken hearts and we’ll share country from Don Gibson to Rosanne Cash, rock and roll from The Stray Cats to Fats Domino, and a little bit of sass and blues from Etta James and Charles Brown. Summer’s almost over and election day is fast approaching. So make sure you vote. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Sarah VaughanBroken Hearted MelodyUltimate Sarah Vaughan (Selected by Dee Dee Bridgewater)Amazon
2Chris IsaakLonely With A Broken HeartSan Francisco DaysAmazon
3k.d. lang & the ReclinesTrail of Broken HeartsAbsolute Torch and TwangAmazon
4Rosanne CashThe Way We Make A Broken Heart [Album Version]King's Record ShopAmazon
5Al GreenHow Can You Mend A Broken HeartThe Virgin SuicidesAmazon
6Don WilliamsSome Broken Hearts Will Never MendThe Definitive CollectionAmazon
7Don GibsonI Can Mend Your Broken HeartThe Complete Recordings 1952-1962Amazon
8Charles Brown & Johnny Moore's Three BlazersMy Heart Is MendedSunny RoadAmazon
9Gram ParsonsHearts On FireG.P. / Grievous AngelAmazon
10Kelly DaltonI'm On FireHome – EPAmazon
11Nikki LaneLove's On FireAll or Nothin' (Deluxe)Amazon
12Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll BoysSettin' The Woods On FireBack At The Quonset HutAmazon
13Fats DominoI Don't Want to Set the World on FireThis Is Gold Disc 2Amazon
14Leon RedboneSettin' By The FireWhistling In The WindAmazon
15Etta JamesLet's Burn Down The CornfieldEnduring SoulAmazon
16Etta JamesJump Into My FireSeven Year ItchAmazon
17The Brothers FourGreenfieldsBest Of The Folk EraAmazon
18Peter WolfThe Green Fields Of Summer [with Neko Case]Midnight SouvenirsAmazon
19Nanci GriffithFields Of SummerLate Night Grande HotelAmazon
20Stray CatsLonely Summer NightsRunaway Boys: A Retrospective '81-'92Amazon
21The Four PrepsLazy Summer NightDancin' & Romancin' In The '50s And 60s [Disc 3]Amazon
22Olivia Newton-John & John TravoltaSummer NightsGreaseAmazon
23Steve ForbertSteve Forbert's Midsummer Night's ToastThe Best of Steve Forbert: What Kinda Guy?Amazon
24The Beach BoysYour Summer DreamSurfer GirlAmazon
25Link Wray & The WraymenSummer DreamDestination Beach: 30 Tunes For Dancing In The SandAmazon
26Rodney CrowellVoila, An American DreamCollectionAmazon
27Hayes CarllAmerican DreamWhat It IsAmazon
28Elvis PresleyAn American TrilogyFifty Years Of HitsAmazon
29Willie NelsonBy the Rivers of BabylonGospel FavoritesAmazon

Little Bit O’ Bad

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

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1NRBQA Little Bit Of BadMessage For The Mess AgeAmazon
2Maurice Williams & The ZodiacsStayStreet Corner Symphonies (Disc 2)Amazon
3Ronnie HawkinsMatchboxDuane Allman: An Anthology, Vol. 2 [Disc 1]Amazon
4The Hunt SistersElvis Is Rocking AgainDirty Boogie:The Fortune Records StoryAmazon
5Elvis PresleyDirty Dirty FeelingElvis Is Back!Amazon
6Cleo BrownBoogie WoogiePicking the Blues – Compiled By John Mayall – Boogie Woogie PioneersAmazon
7Big Joe TurnerBoogie Woogie Country GirlBig, Bad & Blue: Anthology [Disc 3]Amazon
8Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail LewisBoogie Woogie Country GalWild! Wild! Wild!Amazon
9The DriftersLet The Boogie Woogie RollThe Definitive Drifters [Disc 1]Amazon
10Robert PlantLet The Boogie Woogie RollMore FriendsAmazon
11Ella Mae Morse & Her Boogie Woogie SevenDown The Road ApieceCapitol Records' From The Vaults, Volume 5 – Roots Of Rock 'N' Roll – 1944-53Amazon
12Billie EilishBad GuyWhen We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?Amazon
13Robert GordonBad BoyBad BoyAmazon
14The Jive BombersBad BoyCry-BabyAmazon
15Slim Rhodes BandBad GirlSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
16The MiraclesBad GirlThe 35th Anniversary CollectionAmazon
17Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kin…Mama Don't Like My ManI Learned the Hard Way (Bonus Version)Amazon
18Johnny CashI Will Rock And Roll With YouThe Legend: Old Favorites And New [Disc 2]Amazon
19Willie NelsonBring Me Sunshine ("Naked" Version)Naked WillieAmazon
20Roy OrbisonDream BabyThe Monument Singles: A-Sides (1960 – 1964) [Disc 1]Amazon
21Roy OrbisonShe Wears My RingCryingAmazon
22Greg BrownBand of GoldDown in ThereAmazon
23Don CherryBand Of GoldRockin' & Rollin' Wedding Songs, Vol. 1Amazon
24Elvis PresleyWear My Ring Around Your Neck50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong: Elvis' Gold Records – Volume 2Amazon
25Rev. Emmett DickinsonA Black Cat Has Crossed Your PathApple Bobbing Mix Vol. 2Amazon
26Johnny WinterBlack Cat BoneThe Progressive Blues ExperimentAmazon
27Memphis MinnieBlack Cat Blues – Take 1Queen Of Country Blues [Disc 5] (1936-1937)Amazon
28Johnny CashMean Eyed CatThe Man In Black 1954-1958 [Disc 1]Amazon
29Johnny CashRing Of FireCountry Music: A Film By Ken Burns – The Soundtrack [Disc 1]Amazon
30Roy OrbisonRock HouseThree Classic Albums+Singles and Sessions 1956-1962 [Disc 1]Amazon
31PixiesHavalinaBossanovaAmazon
32BR5-49I'm Going DownDog DaysAmazon
33Stephen StillsAcadienneMan Alive!Amazon
34Louis JordanBoogie Woogie Blue PlateNumber OnesAmazon
35Marty WildeBad BoyThe Epic Story 1960Amazon

Swamp Pop Fest

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

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Cookie & the CupcakesMathildaSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
2Joe BarryI'm A Fool To CareDon't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2]Amazon
3Joe BarryTeardrops in My HeartI'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1Amazon
4Joe BarryLittle Jewel of the Vieux CarreI'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1Amazon
5Rockin' SidneyShirley JeanSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
6John FredShirleyThe History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 3]Amazon
7Rod BernardThis Should Go On ForeverSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
8Rod BernardDiggy Liggy LoSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
9Rod BernardColindaSwamp Gold, Vol. 2Amazon
10Warren StormPrisoner's SongSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
11Warren StormHey Ma MaBoppin' By The Bayou – Made In The ShadeAmazon
12Lil' Band Of Gold/Warren StormPlease Mr. SandmanAmericana Roots Songbook: LouisianaAmazon
13Little Bob & The LollipopsNobody But YouOxford American 11th Edition Southern Music 2009Amazon
14Lil' Bob & the LollipopsI Got LoadedSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
15Johnnie AllanLonely Days & Lonely NightsSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
16Jivin' GeneBreaking Up Is Hard To DoSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
17Dale & GraceI'm Leaving It All Up to YouSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
18Clint WestOur LoveSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
19Clint WestBig Blue DiamondsSwamp Gold, Vol. 2Amazon
20Cookie & His CupcakesBreaking Up Is Hard To DoRhythm 'n' Bluesin' By The Bayou – Vocal GroupsAmazon
21Cookie And The CupcakesUntil ThenLouisiana & The Old New Orleans SoundAmazon
22Cookie & The CupcakesGot You on My MindSwamp Gold, Vol. 2Amazon
23Shelton Dunaway & The CupcakesMary Lou Doing The PopeyeThe History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 5]Amazon
24Tommy McLainSweet DreamsSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
25Tommy McLainBefore I Grow Too OldThe Essential CollectionAmazon
26Tommy McLainBefore I Grow Too OldI Ran Down Every DreamAmazon
27Tommy McLainSomebody (Radio Edit)I Ran Down Every DreamAmazon
28The UniquesAll These ThingsSwamp Gold, Vol. 2Amazon
29Randy & the RocketsLets Do the Cajun TwistSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
30Joe BarryJust BecauseDon't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2]Amazon
31Cookie & The CupcakesI CriedBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 1Amazon
32Tommy McLainI Ran Down Every Dream (feat. Elvis Costello)I Ran Down Every DreamAmazon
33Rockin' SidneyMy Toot-TootAlligator Stomp: Cajun Zydeco ClassicsAmazon

Bad Road To The River

It’s been a while since we went free form so today’s show takes our regular breather from genre-focused explorations, theme, retrospectives and artist-inspired shows. There will be all of that found in the mix this morning. Interspersed between some fresh sounds from the likes of Dylan LeBlanc, Charley Crockett, and a newly revealed Johnny Cash nugget, we’ll be sharing everything from Dave Brubeck to Los Indios Tabajaras, Marvin Rainwater, and Johnny Thunder in our show today. From a pair of Memphis Minnie covers, some country classics from Patsy Cline, swinging rhythm from Louis Jordan, and straight-ahead rock from The Doobie Brothers and The Georgia Satellites…it’s a Friday morning full of Duane Eddy tributes and we’ve even got Slim Whitman…just for you on Sonoma County Community Radio, broadcasting on the FM airwaves out of Occidental, California, and streaming to the whole wide world on kowsfm.com/listen. KOWS-LP 92.5 FM is “Free Speech. No Bull” Community Radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Duane EddyForty Miles Of Bad RoadDance With The Guitar ManAmazon
2Dylan LeBlancSensitive KindPastimesAmazon
3Down Like SilverTo the RiverLight That Match – SingleAmazon
4Johnny ThunderLoop De LoopThe Very Best Of Johnny ThunderAmazon
5The Georgia SatellitesAlmost Saturday Night / Rockin' All Over the WorldRubaiyat Elektra's 40th Anniversary [Disc 2] (1990)Amazon
6The Doobie BrothersLong Train Runnin'The Very Best Of The Doobie Brothers [Disc 1]Amazon
7Patsy ClineGot A Lot Of Rhythm In My SoulVolume 3Amazon
8Linda MartellI Almost Called Your Name (Remastered 2022)Color Me Country (Sun Records 70th / Remastered 2022)Amazon
9Slim WhitmanBlue Eyes Crying In The RainThe Absolutely Essential 3 CD Collection  2013Amazon
10Willie NelsonMade In TexasThe BorderAmazon
11Duane EddyDance With The Guitar ManDance With The Guitar ManAmazon
12Johnny CashBury Me Not on the Lone PrairieCome Along And Ride This Train [Disc 2]Amazon
13T Bone BurnettHe Came DownThe Other SideAmazon
14Charley CrockettHard Luck & Circumstances$10 CowboyAmazon
15Jorma KaukonenRed River BluesBlue Country HeartAmazon
16Jefferson AirplaneEmbryonic JourneySurrealistic Pillow [Bonus Tracks]Amazon
17The Dave Brubeck QuartetUnsquare DanceSilver Linings Playbook: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackAmazon
18Los Indios TabajarasAlways In My HeartMaria Elena/Always In My HeartAmazon
19Ria ValkSanto Domingo (Fernando, Alfredo En Jose)The Wanda Jackson Connection (30 Roots And Covers Of Wanda Jackson)Amazon
20Eileen BartonFujiyama MamaThe Wanda Jackson Connection (30 Roots And Covers Of Wanda Jackson)Amazon
21Marvin RainwaterBaby, Don't GoWhole Lotta WomanAmazon
22Clifton ChenierMe And My ChauffeurKing Of The BayousAmazon
23Louis JordanCaldoniaLiving The Blues – Jump Blues & BoogieAmazon
24Jim McCracklinThinkLiving The Blues – 1965 – 1969 Blues ClassicsAmazon
25Howlin' Wolf300 Pounds Of JoyLegends of Guitar – Electric Blues (Vol. 1)Amazon
26Sonny Boy Williamson IIOne Way OutThe Real Folk BluesAmazon
27Jimmy ReedHush, HushThe Very Best of Jimmy ReedAmazon
28John Lee HookerIt Serves You Right To SufferThe Definitive CollectionAmazon
29Johnny CashWell AlrightSongwriterAmazon
30Lydia & Her Melody StringsJust A Queen For A DayThe Wanda Jackson Connection (30 Roots And Covers Of Wanda Jackson)Amazon
31Duane EddyRebel RouserTwang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology [Disc 1]Amazon
32Duane EddyRamrodTwang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology [Disc 1]Amazon

Cuppa Joe

The history of coffee consumption in 20th century America takes hold in the small cafes, truck stops and coffeehouses which became venues and social spaces for the community. Like music, they helped with the congregation of like minds and served as hubs for intellectual exchange, artistic expression and social activism. And it was all because of the caffeine. Instant and decaf coffees were just an aberration; much like disco. This week’s Deeper Roots drives the theme of coffee home with tracks that span the century including Emmett Miller, the King Cole Trio, The Bobs, Ella Mae Morse and Merle Travis (among others) to tell us a cuppa tale or two. It’s one more Friday show ahead of next week’s 420 observation…one more libation to celebrate.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Warren BarkerCaper At The Coffee House (From '77 Sunset Strip')Jazz NoirAmazon
2The Manhattan TransferJava JiveAnthology – Down in Birdland [Disc 1]Amazon
3King Cole TrioYou're The Cream In My CoffeeThe Cocktail Combos [Disc 1]Amazon
4Ella Mae MorseCoffee DateSingles 3Amazon
5Patricia KaasBlack CoffeeJazz a Saint GermainAmazon
6Jack BarlowHot Cup Of CoffeeI Live The Country Songs I SingAmazon
7Merle TravisI Can't Afford The CoffeeThe Guitar Picker CD4 (1954-56)Amazon
8Tex Ritter01 – Coffee Pot(2000) High Noon (CD 4)Amazon
9Claude GrayI4ll Have an Other Cup of CoffeeCountry & Western NuggetsAmazon
10Lefty FrizzellMake That One for the Road a Cup of Coffee1962-1965 (Warped 6382)Amazon
11Curtis GordonCaffeine And NicotineBob Dylan: Radio Radio [Disc 1]Amazon
12Jon RauhouseCorn & CoffeeSteel Guitar RodeoAmazon
13Frank SinatraThe Coffee SongRadio Radio Vol.5 [Disc 1] Bob DylanAmazon
14Enric Madriguera And His Hotel Biltmore OrchestraLet's Have Another Cup of CoffeeAmerican Dance Bands – Playing the Music of Irving BerlinAmazon
15Pancho Cantaneo y los CubaztecasMoliendo CafeCuba. Por La MusicaAmazon
16Terry Snyder / Earl PalmerBinga Banga Bongo-PercolatorUltra-Lounge, Vol. 8: Cocktail CapersAmazon
17Ella Mae Morse w/Big Dave and His OrchestraForty Cups of CoffeeBarrell House Boogie and the BluesAmazon
18The ModernairesCoffee Five, Doughnuts FiveThe Very Best of the Modernaires With Paula KellyAmazon
19The Ink SpotsJava JiveThe Great EntertainersAmazon
20AtillaCoffee, CoffeeMo 33004Amazon
21Greg BrownGood Morning CoffeeIf I Had KnownAmazon
22Kim LenzPercolateSlowly SpeedingAmazon
23Julie LondonBlack Coffee36 All-Time Greatest Hits Disc 1Amazon
24Ruth EttingYou're The Cream In My CoffeeLove Me or Leave Me CD1Amazon
25Brook BentonAnother Cup Of CoffeeBest Of Brook BentonAmazon
26The Boswell SistersCoffee In The Morning And Kisses In The Night [Album Version]That's How Rhythm Was BornAmazon
27Emmett MillerYou're The Cream In My CoffeeMinstrel Man From GeorgiaAmazon
28The LarksCoffee, Cigarettes And TearsBob Dylan: Radio Radio [Disc 1]Amazon
29Bellevue CadillacCuppa JoeHipsters, Zoots & Wingtips, Vol. 3Amazon
30Lefty FrizzellCigarettes and Coffee BluesLife's Like Poetry (Disc 5)Amazon
31Otis ReddingCigarettes And CoffeeOxford American Southern Music Issue Vol. 25Amazon
32Neil Young + Promise of the RealA Rock Star Bucks A Coffee ShopThe Monsanto YearsAmazon

Rhythm Roller Coaster

Swing and jazz music of the late 1930s had just enough time to raise a small ruckus before the second World War broke out. After a celebratory wave swept the nation, there was a need for more of the same but with an upbeat but harder drive to it. It didn’t take long for pre-rock R&B to become popular across demographics as it would gain significant traction among urban youth, particularly in the central hubs of New York, Chicago, Detroit, LA, and New Orleans. This week’s show features a roller coaster of great sounds including tracks from Varetta Dillard, The Lollypoppers, The Flairs, and Little Johnny Jones & The Chicago Hound Dogs. You don’t want to miss this wild ride.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Big Joe TurnerLove Roller CoasterBig Joe Turner: The Definitive Blues Collection [[Disc 2]]Amazon
2Big MaybelleWhole Lot-Ta Shakin' Goin' OnOKeh Rhythm & BluesAmazon
3Ann ColeGot My Mojo WorkingThe Girls Gone Rockin' Rhythm & Blues Queens [Disc 1]Amazon
4Mabel ScottElevator BoogieSwing Baby Swing!: House Rocking Swing and Jump Jive BoogieAmazon
5Etta JamesSpoonfulThe Girls Gone Rockin' Rhythm & Blues Queens [Disc 1]Amazon
6Shirley Gunter & The QueensOop ShoopThe Flair Story – Dust My Rhythm & BluesAmazon
7LaVern BakerYou'd Better FindRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2 [Disc 5]Amazon
8Little Esther & the DominoesThe Deacon Moves InRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 1Amazon
9Ruth BrownThis Little Girls Gone Rockin'The Girls Gone Rockin' Rhythm & Blues Queens [Disc 1]Amazon
10The Drifters With Clyde McPhatterSuch A NightClyde McPhatter & The DriftersAmazon
11Hank Ballard & The MidnightersLet's Go, Let's Go, Let's GoAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1960Amazon
12Tabby ThomasI'd Love To TellRhythm 'n' Bluesin' By The Bayou – Mad Dogs, Sweet Daddies & Pretty BabiesAmazon
13Louis JordanRoc DocFrom the GhettoAmazon
14Fats DominoDon't Come Knockin'Rhythm & Western Volume 3 – Lovesick BluesAmazon
15The FlairsShe Wants To RockThe Flair Story – Dust My Rhythm & BluesAmazon
16Titus TurnerHungry ManExotic Blues & Rhythm Volume 7 & 8 Boom-A-Lay & Chug-A-LugAmazon
17Little Johnny Jones & The Chicago Hound DogsDirty By The Dozen (Sweet Little Woman)The Flair Story – Dust My Rhythm & BluesAmazon
18The LollypoppersA Bottle of PopRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 2Amazon
19Julia LeeTell Me DaddyThe Girls Gone Rockin' Rhythm & Blues Queens [Disc 1]Amazon
20Varetta DillardThem Their EyesRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 13]Amazon
21Varetta DillardMercy, Mr. PercyThe Lovin' BirdAmazon
22Varetta DillardPromise Mr ThomasFrom the GhettoAmazon
23Viola Wells (Miss Rhapsody)Sweet ManWere Sisters Under the Skin – Female Blues & Boogie 1944 to 1949Amazon
24Chuck Willis & His OrchestraLawdy Miss MaryOKeh Rhythm & BluesAmazon
25Champion Jack DupreeShim Sham ShimmyRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 15]Amazon
26Little Willie JohnLeave My Kitten AloneVarious Artists: Rhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2/[Disc 10]Amazon
27Gladys HillPlease Don't Touch My BowlGet Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 3Amazon
28Young JessieShuffle In The GravelFrom the GhettoAmazon
29Roy MiltonRhythm CocktailABC Of The Blues Vol 30Amazon
30The RavensMidnight BluesOKeh Rhythm & BluesAmazon
31The BlendersDon't Play Around with LoveRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 1Amazon
32The EbonairesLawd, Lawd, LawdRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 1Amazon
33Cab CallowayGambler's GuitarRhythm & Western Volume 3 – Lovesick BluesAmazon
34Gloria GunterMove On OutCat Scratchin'Amazon
35The CoastersYakety Yak50 Coastin' Classics [Disc 1]Amazon
36The CoastersRun Red Run50 Coastin' Classics [Disc 2]Amazon
37Big Joe TurnerFlip Flop And FlyBig, Bad & Blue: Anthology [Disc 2]Amazon
38Big Joe TurnerWell, All RightBig Joe RocksAmazon
39Big Joe TurnerMidnight Special TrainAtlantic Rock & RollAmazon

Space Race Rock

What a time it was. The surprise of Sputnik in the early fifties led to a space race, a technological competition that had a profound impact on popular music (not to mention popular culture), providing musicians (and would-be musicians) a rich source of inspiration and contributed to some of the most iconic, as well as comic and out of this world, songs of the era. Themes of space travel, the moon and Mars, and even flying saucers were rampant on the airwaves. And one can only ascribe the fear of aliens to the number attempted novelty bits that reflected that trepidation.  Laughter is, after all, a natural way for fear to be released in humankind. This week we’ll be sharing some of the classics, as well as the unknowns, including Jesse Belvin & His Space Riders, The Drivers, Merv Griffin, The Big Bopper, Dave & The Detomics and quite a few more that even if we were to share their names, you’d probably scratch your head anyway.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Mello-TonesFlying SaucerVocal GroupsAmazon
2Jerry EnglerSputnik (Satellite Girl)That'll Flat Git It, Vol. 6 (Us Decca, Vol. 2)Amazon
3Harmonica GeorgeSputnik MusicThis Is The Blues HarmonicaAmazon
4Roosevelt SykesSputnik BabyVoodoo LouAmazon
5Astronaut Neil ArmstrongThe Moon LandingGreat Speeches of The 20th Century – Volume 3 – the Dreams, Inspirations & AccomplishmentsAmazon
6Gil Scott-HeronWhitey On The MoonThe Revolution Will Not Be TelevisedAmazon
7Hightower, Dean (George Barnes)Moon RocketDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
8Chris KennerRocket To The MoonThe History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 5]Amazon
9The DriversMy AstronautThe King Records Story – Part 1Amazon
10Johnny GrecoRocket RideDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
11Vernon Green & The MedallionsRocket ShipSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
12Jesse Belvin & His Space RidersMy SatelliteSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
13The LarksRockin' In The Rocket RoomDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
14EducationalDuck and CoverEducationalAmazon
15The TornadosTelstarRock Instrumental Classics, Vol. 2Amazon
16Jimmie Haskell & His OrchestraRockin' In The Orbit (Space Satellite)Destination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
17Don Lang & His Frantic FiveRed Planet RockDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
18Speedy WestSpace Man In OrbitSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
19Joe MontgomeryPlanetary RunSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
20Galen DennyGonna Build A RocketSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
21Merv GriffinThe Screamin' Meemies From Planet 'X'Destination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
22The Royal GuardsmenSmallest AstronautThe Best of the Royal GuardsmenAmazon
23Sheb WooleyThe Purple People EaterDr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection: The Greatest Novelty Records Of All Time [Disc 1]Amazon
24The Big BopperThe Purple People Eater Meets The Witch DoctorThe Greatest Novelty Songs, Disc 2Amazon
25John Mauceri: Hollywood Bowl OrchestraHerrmann: Outer Space [From "The Day the Earth Stood Still"]Journey To The Stars: A Sci-fi Fantasy Adventure [John Mauceri  The Sound of Hollywood Vol. 10]Amazon
26Buddy Morrow & His OrchestraMen Into SpaceSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
27Billy Riley, The Little Green MenFlyin' Saucers Rock & RollDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
28The MarkettsOut of LimitsBillboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1964Amazon
29Nervous NorvusKibble Kibble (The Flying Saucer Song)Stone Age WooAmazon
30Freddy SunderFlying SaucersDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
31Dave & The DetomicsDetomic OrbitDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
32The EquadorsSputnik DanceSputnik! The Launch of the Space Race – 65 Years First Sputnik in SpaceAmazon
33Leonard NimoyA Visit To A Sad PlanetSpaced Out – The Best of Leonard Nimoy & William ShatnerAmazon
34Lightnin' HopkinsHappy Blues For John GlennThe Complete Prestige-Bluesville Recordings [Disc 3]Amazon
35David Rose & His OrchestraForbidden PlanetDestination Forbidden Planet (37 Outer Space Shock Treatments)Amazon
36David BowieSpace OdditySingles: 1969-1993 Disc 1Amazon

Family Affair

We’ve got the family trees for you on Deeper Roots this week; proof positive that music can very well run in the family. Our show will share music from just a few of the families that have made their own way in a host of different genres. We’ll hear from the Nelsons (both of them), the family Marsalis, the Hiatts, the Wainwrights, the brothers Neville and a few others this week, spanning both the 20th and 21st centuries. Tune in to this week’s two hour mixed bag with some of the very best performances from some different lineages, here on KOWS Community Radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Nat King Cole & Natalie ColeStraighten Up And Fly RightRe: GenerationsAmazon
2Art NevilleThat Old Time Rock And RollHis Specialty RecordingsAmazon
3Aaron NevilleLet's LiveBrother To Brother ([Disc 1]: Aaron)Amazon
4The Neville BrothersRun JoeFiyo on the BayouAmazon
5Hank Williams Sr.I Saw the LightCountry's 20 Classic Gospel Songs of the CenturyAmazon
6Hank Williams Jr.Mind Your Own BusinessCountry Gold 1984-1986Amazon
7Hank Williams IIII'm A Long Gone DaddyTimeless: Hank Williams TributeAmazon
8Wynton Marsalis SeptetMy Baby Don't TolerateUnited We Swing: Best of the Jazz at Lincoln Center GalasAmazon
9Branford MarsalisFool For YouA Tribute To Curtis MayfieldAmazon
10Ozzie Nelson And His OrchestraAbout A Quarter To NinePaper MoonAmazon
11Rick NelsonPoor Little FoolMalt Shop Memories: Top Down Convertible Sound (Disc 2)Amazon
12Dionne WarwickAnyone Who Had A HeartDionne Warwick Collection: Her All-Time Greatest HitsAmazon
13Dee Dee WarwickWe're Doing FineKent's Cellar Of Soul: Volume 2Amazon
14Whitney HoustonI Will Always Love YouThe BodyguardAmazon
15Willie NelsonMr. Record ManOne Hell Of A RideAmazon
16Willie Nelson;Lukas Nelson;Micah NelsonCome On Back JesusHeroesAmazon
17Bobbie NelsonThe House of Blue LightsAudiobiography (iTunes Exclusive)Amazon
18Lukas Nelson & Promise of the RealIf I Didn't Love YouSticks and StonesAmazon
19Bob DylanHigh Water (For Charley Patton)Love and TheftAmazon
20Jakob DylanOh, Mama, Come HomeThe Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams [LP/CD]Amazon
21John HiattCrossing Muddy WatersHere To Stay – Best Of 2000-2012Amazon
22Lilly HiattWalking ProofWalking ProofAmazon
23Loudon Wainwright IIIDead SkunkAlbum IIIAmazon
24Rufus WainwrightGreek SongPoses [US Bonus Track]Amazon
25Martha WainwrightPrairie LullabyMartha Wainwright Lullaby RecordAmazon
26Johnny Cash with The Carter Sisters & The Statler BrothersBelshazzar (w/ The Carter Sisters & The Statler Brothers)The Johnny Cash TV Show (1969-1971)Amazon
27Johnny CashI Can't Go On That WayLifeAmazon
28Rosanne CashBlack CadillacBlack CadillacAmazon
29June Carter CashKeep On The Sunny SideWildwood FlowerAmazon
30The Carter FamilyAnchored In LoveAmerican Roots- A History Of American Folk Music: [Disc 2]Amazon

Hive Harmony

The bouffant and the beehive…hairstyles with a tease and some backcombing, were all the rage in the sixties. Like pop music, it had a short life before the British wave. Unlike pop music, whose sound endured, the fashion was washed away at the salon in favor of the next big thing. Girl groups set the tone for the harmonious sounds of the time, and our nostalgia cruise will be tooling the AM radio sounds of the very best of the beehive and flip hairstyles of groups like The Shangri-Las, The Paris Sisters, The Angels, Lesley Gore and a couple dozen others in this week’s show. Join Dave for the hits, the misses, and the near misses along with some of the unheard in this week’s episode of Deeper Roots. He’ll also share a number of tracks from an excellent 2018 release from Chicago’s Numero Group featuring some of ‘the others’. Girl groups emerged as a dominant force in the music industry, characterized by harmonious vocals, catchy melodies, and often choreographed performances.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Shangri-LasSophisticated Boom BoomMyrmidons of MelodramaAmazon
2Reparata And The DelronsWhenever A Teenager CriesDancin' & Romancin' In The '50s And 60s [Disc 3]Amazon
3The AngelsCry Baby CryUltimate Rock 'n Roll Time Capsule – Volume 2 [Disc 5]Amazon
4The AngelsThe Guy With The Black EyeSecond Helpings: Sequels To The Songs That Left 'Em Hungry For More!Amazon
5Shirley EllisI See It, I Like It, I Want ItThe Clapping Song… And MoreAmazon
6Shirley EllisThe Clapping SongWe Love Pirate Radio – 60s FavouritesAmazon
7Dee Dee SharpI Sold My Heart to the JunkmanIt's Mashed Potato TimeAmazon
8The BlossomsHard To GetLove Charms: California Girls And GroupsAmazon
9The RibbonsAin't Gonna Kiss YaLove Charms: California Girls And GroupsAmazon
10The DreamersDo Not ForgetLove Charms: California Girls And GroupsAmazon
11Nancy SinatraLike I DoLove Charms: California Girls And GroupsAmazon
12Lesley GoreLook Of LoveThe Golden Hits Of Lesley GoreAmazon
13Lesley GoreMaybe I KnowThe Golden Hits Of Lesley GoreAmazon
14The Shangri-LasHe CriedMyrmidons of MelodramaAmazon
15The RonettesDo I Love You?The Best of the RonettesAmazon
16The RonettesEverything Under the SunThe Best of the RonettesAmazon
17The Jelly BeansI Wanna Love Him So BadThe Best Of The Girl Groups, Vol. 1Amazon
18The CookiesI Never DreamedBirth Of Soul: 2Amazon
19The MurmaidsPopsicles And IciclesEarly Girls: 1Amazon
20The PetitesLonely GirlBasement Beehive: The Girl Group UndergroundAmazon
21The MonzasAin't It the TruthBasement Beehive: The Girl Group UndergroundAmazon
22The VandelettesHe's All MineBasement Beehive: The Girl Group UndergroundAmazon
23The ContessasGimme GimmeBasement Beehive: The Girl Group UndergroundAmazon
24Paris SistersBe My BoyEarly Girls – vol 5Amazon
25The ChantelsLook In My EyesFour By Four – Girl GroupsAmazon
26The ChiffonsStop, Look And ListenOne Fine Day And Other FavoritesAmazon
27The ChiffonsA Love So FineOne Fine Day And Other FavoritesAmazon
28The Dixie CupsGee The Moon Is Shining Bright (Mono Single)The Complete Red Bird RecordingsAmazon
29The Dixie CupsAnother Boy Like MineThe Complete Red Bird RecordingsAmazon
30The ShirellesBaby, It's YouMemories: Jukebox Gems (Disc 1)Amazon
31The Shangri-LasRemember (Walkin' in the Sand)Myrmidons of MelodramaAmazon
32Peggy MarchHello Heartache, Goodbye LoveNipper's Greatest Hits: The 60's. Vol. 2Amazon
33Vickie & The Van DykesBaby I'm CryingBasement Beehive: The Girl Group UndergroundAmazon

Heart of Saturday Night

Where else but the heart of Saturday night? We’ve got an eclectic collection of performances that take you ‘there and back’ this Friday morning on Deeper Roots. No theme. No tribute. No genre sweep. Just a collection of some great sounds from the past (and present). Little themes that reach deep and a few awesome covers that you may not be familiar with. We’re making our way to the outskirts of the bayou with Cookie & The Cupcakes and Jo-el Sonnier, then into some gritty blues from Muddy Waters and RL Burnside, and we’ll also have some rollicking country and soul from Big Maybelle, Buck Owens, Mickey Baker, and The Ink Spots. Add a dose of Billie Holiday, LaVern Baker, and Tow Waits…and there you have it. Some surprises and some favorites all rolled up on this Friday morning blue plate special.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Tom Waits(Looking For) The Heart Of Saturday NightUsed Songs 1973-1980Amazon
2The Ink SpotsThe GypsyYour Hit Parade 1946Amazon
3The ImpressionsGypsy WomanAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961Amazon
4Joe ElyThe Gypsy LadyFlatland LullabyAmazon
5Jo-el SonnierSay You Love MeThe Complete Mercury SessionsAmazon
6Cookie & the CupcakesMathildaSwamp Gold, Volume 1Amazon
7Bill HayesPoor White TrashHillbillies in Hell Country Musics Tormented Testament Volume 5Amazon
8George JonesJust One MoreThe Best Of George Jones: 1955-1967Amazon
9Patsy ClineA Poor Man's Roses (Or A Rich Man's Gold)20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection – Classic Patsy ClineAmazon
10Buck OwensHot Dog (with Danny Dedmon)The Other Side of Bakersfield, Vol. 1; 1950s & 60s Boppers and Rockers from 'Nashville West'Amazon
11Big MaybelleDon't Leave Poor MeRoll Your MoneymakerAmazon
12Eilen JewellDon't Leave Poor MeDown Hearted BluesAmazon
13Jessie Mae HamphillLord Help The Poor And NeedyGoin' Down South Blues Sampler Vol. 2Amazon
14Shemekia CopelandLord Help the Poor and NeedyOutskirts of LoveAmazon
15Robert BelfourOld Black MattieGoin' Down South Blues Sampler Vol. 2Amazon
16Samantha FishPoor Black MattieBelle of the WestAmazon
17Leon RussellIt Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To CryLeon Russell And The Shelter People [Bonus Tracks]Amazon
18Bob DylanDown Along The CoveJohn Wesley HardingAmazon
19Bob DylanAlberta #1Another Self Portrait (1969-1971): The Bootleg Series Vol. 10 Deluxe-Edition 4 (Self Portrait. Original Edition; Rem. 2013)Amazon
20The Cactus BlossomsIf Not For YouIf Not For You (Bob Dylan Songs Vol. 1)Amazon
21Sarah JaroszRing Them BellsFollow Me DownAmazon
22JubilairesCasey JonesBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 1Amazon
23Mickey BakerGloomy SundayThe Wildest GuitarAmazon
24Billie Holiday Feat. Teddy Wilson & His OrchestraGloomy SundayLady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday On Columbia 1933-1944 [Disc 10]Amazon
25LaVern BakerSoul on Fire (Japan 2012 Remaster)Atlantic Rock & RollAmazon
26The BrownsShenandoahClassics 1960 (Warped 6062)Amazon
27Elvis PresleyI Don't Care If the Sun Don't ShineDate with ElvisAmazon
28Elvis PresleyPoor BoyFor LP Fans OnlyAmazon
29Mitch Ryder & The Detroit WheelsJenny Take a Ride!Let There Be Drums Vol 2: The 60'sAmazon
30Little RichardJenny JennyThe Absolutely Essential 3 CD CollectionAmazon
31Muddy WatersYoung Fashioned WaysThe Anthology [Disc 1]Amazon
32Shakey JakeRoll Your MoneymakerRoll Your MoneymakerAmazon