Category Archives: Fifties Country

High Lonesome Country

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

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

Country Hotshots

This Friday on Deeper Roots, we’re tipping our hats to some of the finest country artists of the 20th century with a journey far beyond the familiar hits. From the outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings and the wit of Roger Miller to the Bakersfield fire of Dwight Yoakam, the timeless charm of Little Jimmy Dickens, and many more, we’ll dig into the deep tracks, hidden gems, and overlooked performances that helped define country music’s rich legacy. If you enjoy discovering songs that deserve another listen—or hearing legendary artists from a fresh perspective—this is a show you won’t want to miss. Join us Friday morning at 9:00 AM on KOWS Community Radio for two hours of classic country, unexpected favorites, and the stories behind the music. Come along as we celebrate the deeper roots of country music, one great song at a time.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Porter WagonerI'll Go Down SwingingThe Essential Porter Wagoner196400:00
2Buck OwensI Washed My Hands in Muddy WaterHonky Tonk Man: Buck Sings Country Classics201305:06
3Buck OwensClose Up the Honky TonksBuck 'Em: The Music of Buck Owens (1955-1967)196407:34
4Charlie WalkerClose All the Honky TonksCharlie Walker – 1959-1964201309:55
5Merle Haggard And The StrangersHonky Tonk Night Time Man (24-Bit Digitally Remastered 06)Hag: The Best of Merle Haggard200612:03
6Merle HaggardHonky Tonkin'Roots Vol. 1200114:37
7Dale WatsonHeaven's Gonna Have A Honky TonkCall Me Insane201517:24
8Dale WatsonWine Don't LieAn Empty Glass: A Collection of Drinkin' Songs200119:54
9Joshua HedleyMr. JukeboxMr. Jukebox201827:41
10Joshua HedleyThis TimeMr. Jukebox201830:51
11James HandBaby Baby Don't Tell Me ThatThe Truth Will Set You Free200633:21
12James HandBanks of the BrazosThe Truth Will Set You Free200636:39
13Little Jimmy DickensCrazy Worried MindCountry Boy [Disc 1]194938:40
14Little Jimmy DickensI Wish You Didn't Love Me So Much [Album Version] Various ArtistsThe Essential Little Jimmy Dickens195141:24
15Faron YoungFace to the WallThe Complete Capitol Hits of Faron Young (2 of 2)200048:51
16Bill AndersonGoodbye Cruel WorldHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter196151:07
17Gary StewartCan't You SeeOxford American 10th Anniversary Southern Music CD [Disc 2] Past Masters [2008]197853:36
18Gary StewartHonky-Tonkin'Out of Hand197556:14
19Dwight YoakamTrain in VainReprise Please Baby: The Warner Bros. Years Disc 2200259:40
20Dwight YoakamIt Only Hurts When I CryIf There Was a Way19901:02:56
21Wynn StewartCome OnVery Best of: 1958 – 196219581:09:58
22Wynn StewartBig CityVery Best of: 1958 – 196219601:12:04
23Waylon JenningsWill The Wolf Survive?Complete MCA Recordings19861:14:24
24Waylon JenningsOnly Daddy That'll Walk the LineOnly Daddy That'll Walk the Line: The RCA Years Disc 119931:17:47
25Willie NelsonBubbles in My BeerLost Highway20091:20:04
26Willie NelsonThree DaysMr. Record Man – The Early Singles As & BS20161:22:49
27Ferlin HuskyI Feel Better All OverThe Other Side of Bakersfield Vol. 2; 1950s & 60s Boppers and Rockers from 'Nashville West'19541:27:51
28Ferlin HuskyDraggin' the RiverFerlin Husky Singles01:30:22
29George JonesI'm Ragged But I'm RightGeorge Jones The Absolutely Essential 3 CD Collection19561:32:27
30George JonesI'm a One Woman ManThe Essential George Jones: The Spirit of Country Disc 219941:34:44
31Webb PierceI Ain't Never20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of Webb Pierce19591:36:56
32Webb PierceCrazy Wild DesireI Got A Woman : Gems From The Decca Vaults [Disc 2]19621:38:48
33Lefty FrizzellIf You've Got the MoneyBest19501:41:06
34Lefty FrizzellShine Shave Shower (It's A Saturday)Best19501:44:00
35Roger MillerLou's Got The FluKing Of The Road – The Genius Of Roger Miller (CD1)19641:46:26
36Johnny CashTennessee Flat Top BoxClassic Cash19611:48:10
37Johnny CashUnderstand Your ManI Walk The Line19641:54:01
38Willie NelsonThe Party's OverNaked Willie19661:56:40

The Ladies of Americana

This week on Deeper Roots, we’re celebrating the women who helped shape Americana music. From pioneering artists who blazed trails through country, folk, blues, and gospel to the remarkable performers carrying those traditions into the 21st century, we’ll spend two hours exploring voices that transformed the sound of American roots music. We’ll begin with some of the giants of the genre—artists such as the Carter Family, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton—women whose talent, determination, and vision helped create the foundation upon which generations would build. Then we’ll follow the road they paved through the work of contemporary Americana artists including Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams, Margo Price, Sierra Ferrell, and others who continue to redefine and expand the genre today.Join us for a journey through the past, present, and future of Americana music, celebrating the women whose stories, songs, and spirit remain at the very heart of the American musical experience.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Patsy ClineStrangeHer Legendary Recordings #1000:00
2Anita CarterRing Of FireCountry Boy's Dream196204:44
3June Carter CashChurch In The Wildwood / Lonesome ValleyChurch In The Wildwood200606:36
4Dolly PartonWhy Don't You Haul Off and Love Me1968-1969196909:29
5Tammy WynetteYour Good Girl's Gonna Go BadClassic Country Vol. 15 The Sixties Legends Disc 1199911:18
6Emmylou Harris & The Nash RamblersHalf As MuchAt The Ryman [Live]199213:16
7k.d. lang & the ReclinesFull Moon Full of LoveAbsolute Torch and Twang198915:34
8Carlene CarterMe and the Wildwood RoseHindsight 20/20199624:40
9Rosanne CashThe Way We Make A Broken HeartIt'll Come To You: The Songs Of John Hiatt200328:25
10Lucinda WilliamsHard RoadHappy Woman Blues198032:11
11Neko CaseBowling GreenThe Virginian199734:29
12Gillian WelchAcony BellCoal Country Music199642:13
13Eliza GilkysonBorderlineParadise Hotel200545:13
14Carolina Chocolate DropsCornbread and ButterbeansSongs from Sing Out! v.53#3201047:48
15Rhiannon GiddensYou're the OneYou're The One202350:54
16Carrie Rodriguez & The Sacred HeartsPerfidiaLola201654:12
17Mavis StaplesAnytimeWe Get By201957:08
18Tami NeilsonPretty PaperPretty Paper (Single)20201:04:35
19Sierra FerrellIn DreamsIn Dreams – Single20211:07:09
20Loretta Lynn/Margo PriceOne's On the Way (feat. Margo Price)One's On the Way (feat. Margo Price)20211:09:45
21Connie SmithHere Comes My Baby Back AgainHere Comes My Baby Back Again – Single20211:12:21
22Mary GauthierFall Apart WorldDark Enough to See the Stars20221:15:56
23Tanya TuckerBreakfast In Birmingham (ft. Brandi Carlile)Sweet Western Sound20231:19:47
24Eilen JewellThe PillButcher Holler20241:26:15
25Lindi OrtegaThe Spiritual AdvisorFrom The Ether20241:29:20
26Hurray For The Riff RaffHawkmoonThe Past Is Still Alive20241:31:51
27Sweet MeggCanberra (Baby Blue)Never Been Home20251:35:28
28Sierra HullBoomA Tip Toe High Wire20251:39:36
29Larkin PoeLittle BitBloom20251:43:22
30Bonnie RaittI Will Not Be BrokenBonnie Raitt: Opus Collection20111:47:24
31Margo PriceDon't Let The Bastards Get You Down (Clean Edit)Hard Headed Woman20251:53:52
32Samantha FishSweet Southern Sounds (Radio Edit)Paper Doll20251:56:38

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

Devil’s Country Side

We turn once again down that dark and dusty road in country music history—where temptation rides shotgun, regret sits in the back seat, and the Devil just might be waiting at the crossroads. From ballads of fear and heartfelt tales to outlaw confessions and modern Americana shadows, we’ll be sharing tracks that flirt with fire, bargain with fate, and wrestle with salvation. The Devil, or if you will Satan, drops on by as our recurring country music theme this morning with selections from a host of favorites: BR5-49, The Louvin Brothers, Cowboy Copas, and Bob Wills as well as some off-brands like Ray Winfree, Kitty Lee and Powder River Jack, Jesse Floyd and a couple dozen others. They’re all bemoaning the Devil’s due. So pour a drink, dim the lights, and listen close… because in country music, when the Devil comes calling, he often sounds a lot like the truth. Tune in Friday mornings at 9am Pacific for yet another spoonful of your favorite Deeper Roots concoction.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1George JonesTake The Devil Out Of MeGeorge Jones The Absolutely Essential 3 CD CollectionAmazon
2Hank WilliamsThe Devil's TrainLovesick Blues August 1947 – December 1948Amazon
3David Beatty And The HarmonettesI Just Got Off The Devil's TrainHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)Amazon
4Billy StrangeThe Devil In MeCrossroads In CowtownAmazon
5The Carter FamilyNever Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You (Remastered)Golden Selection (Remastered)Amazon
6Powder River Jack, Kitty LeeTying A Knot In The Devil's TailWhen I Was A Cowboy: Early American Songs Of The West, Classic Recordings From The 1920's & 30's. Vol. 1Amazon
7Bob WillsThe Devil Ain't LazyStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 3] It Ain't Far To The Bar)Amazon
8The Sons Of The PioneersThe Devil's Great GrandsonMy Saddle Pals And IAmazon
9Billy BartonThe Devil, My Conscience And IHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)Amazon
10The Statesmen With Hovie ListerGet Thee Behind Me, SatanHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The RaptureAmazon
11Wayne, Pat & KeithI'm Tired Of You, SatanHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)Amazon
12The Tune WranglersUp Jumped The DevilStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 1] Hot Mama Stomp)Amazon
13Dave EdwardsDone Sold My Soul to the DevilChronological Classics 1937 (Warped 3795)Amazon
14Ray WinfreeDevil Hang Me HighHillbillies in Hell Country Musics Tormented Testament Volume 5Amazon
15The Louvin BrothersSatan's Jeweled CrownLong Play CollectionAmazon
16Roy And Georgia And The SO And SO'sDevil Get Away From MeHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The RaptureAmazon
17Loretta LynnThe Devil Gets His DueHonky Tonk Girl: The Loretta Lynn Collection [Disc 1]Amazon
18Rusty DeanSinner BewareHillbillies in Hell Country Musics Tormented Testament Volume 5Amazon
19Jesse FloydSatan's WifeHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The RaptureAmazon
20BR5-49The Devil In MeDog DaysAmazon
21Butch HancockThe Devil in Us AllWar and PeaceAmazon
22The Louvin BrothersSatan and the SaintLong Play CollectionAmazon
23Buck OwensSatan's Gotta Get Along Without MeDust On Mother's BibleAmazon
24Jimmie DavisI Ain't Gonna Let Ol' Satan Turn Me 'RoundNobody's Darlin' But MineAmazon
25The Louvin BrothersSatan Is RealClose Harmony [Disc 5]Amazon
26Dolly PartonSatan's River1972Amazon
27Lee Ann WomackTake The Devil Out Of MeThe Lonely, The Lonesome & The GoneAmazon
28Lefty FrizzellFrom An Angel To A DevilSelected Sides – 1953-57Amazon
29Ernest TubbSaturday Satan, Sunday SaintHillbillies in Hell Country Musics Tormented Testament Volume 5Amazon
30The Sunshine Boys QuartetThe Devil Can't Harm A Praying ManHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final ChapterAmazon
31Johnny Horton(I Wished for an Angel) The Devil Sent Me YouWarped 5332 – Johnny Horton – 1952 – 1955Amazon
32Spade Cooley & His OrchestraSwingin' The Devil's DreamSpadella! The Essential Spade CooleyAmazon
33Lawton WilliamsSatan's BellHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final ChapterAmazon

Dust On The Needle

We’re going to be excavating the country archives, dusting off the 45s and 78s with abandon and making it a morning of deep tracks while the dust on the needle collects. Country music storytelling was often smeared with the tangled webs of cheatin’, drinkin’ and Sunday mornin’s blinding gleam of redemption…and the stories would start all over Sunday night. This week’s show doesn’t look for the hits so much as it looks for examples of classic themes from the late forties right into the seventies. Post-war hillbilly developed into what we know as country music and you’ll be treated this morning to the likes of Tony Douglas, Carl Butler, Anita Carter, Carl Belew and a host of others…some known, some hardly recognized. The selections are a special lot. So drop in why don’t you?

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Ray PriceI've Got to Hurry, Hurry, Hurry1950-1952 (Warped 5000)Amazon
2George MorganIn Your EyesWarped 6365 – George Morgan – 1963 – 1964Amazon
3Dick Curless (With Kay Adams)Terrible Tangled WebA Tombstone Every Mile (7CD Set) CD4 (1950-1969)Amazon
4Dick Curless (With Kay Adams)Old StandbyA Tombstone Every Mile (7CD Set) CD4 (1950-1969)Amazon
5Billy WalkerMillie My Darling1949-1952 (Warped 4960)Amazon
6Bonnie OwensHow Can Our Cheatin' Be Wrong1968-1971 (Warped 6947)Amazon
7Stonewall JacksonThis World Holds Nothing (Since You're Gone)Warped 6742 – Stonewall Jackson – 1966-1967Amazon
8Carl SmithPlease Come Back Home1950-1952 (Warped 5040)Amazon
9Carl ButlerGrief in My Heart1958-1963 (Warped 6025)Amazon
10Carl ButlerBaby I'm a Waitin'1958-1963 (Warped 6025)Amazon
11Conway TwittyLet Me Be the JudgeWarped 6224 – Conway Twitty – 1961 – 1962Amazon
12Don GibsonThere She Goes (Let Her Go)Warped 6489 – Don Gibson – 1963 – 1965Amazon
13Tony DouglasTake The Hands Off The ClockTake The Hands Off The Clock – SingleAmazon
14Tony DouglasPortrait of a FoolThe Versatile Tony DouglasAmazon
15Leon AshleyLaura (What's He Got That I Ain't Got)Hillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final ChapterAmazon
16Jean ShepardAnother (Just Like Me)Warped 6035 – Jean Shepard – 1960 – 1961Amazon
17Porter Wagoner(I Heard That) Lonesome WhistleWarped 6653 – Porter Wagoner – 1966 – 1967Amazon
18Porter WagonerWine1967-1968 (Warped 6797)Amazon
19Dolly PartonGonna Hurry (As Slow As I Can)Dolly [Disc 1]Amazon
20Dolly PartonIt's Sure Gonna HurtDolly [Disc 1]Amazon
21Norma JeanMeanwhile, Down at Joe's1965-1966 (Warped 6599)Amazon
22Marty RobbinsI'll Go On AloneThe Essential Marty Robbins: 1951-1982Amazon
23Marty RobbinsYou Don't Owe Me A ThingSingles, 1952 – 1956Amazon
24Stonewall JacksonI Wish I Could Fall in Love TodayWarped 6742 – Stonewall Jackson – 1966-1967Amazon
25Ferlin HuskyLose Your Blues1949-1950 (Warped 498F)Amazon
26Bobby BareI'd Fight the World1962-1964 (Warped 6291)Amazon
27Anita CarterMaybeWarped 5627 – Anita Carter – 1956 – 1962Amazon
28Carl BelewThe End of Time1958-1961 (Warped 6051)Amazon
29Jeanne PruettSatin SheetsCountry LadiesAmazon
30The BrownsA Little Too Much to DreamClassics 1964-1966 (Warped 6529)Amazon
31John D. LoudermilkRhythm and BluesBlue TrainAmazon
32Hank SnowThe Boogie Woogie Flying CloudThe Chronogical Classics 1951-1952 (Warped 5244)Amazon
33George JonesOh Lonesome MeGeorge Jones The Absolutely Essential 3 CD CollectionAmazon
34George JonesIt's Been So LongGeorge Jones The Absolutely Essential 3 CD CollectionAmazon
35Bonnie OwensNumber One HeelWarped 6534 – Bonnie Owens – 1964 – 1966Amazon
36Tony DouglasState Trooper Sammy YoungThere Stands the Man – SingleAmazon
37Marty RobbinsCall Me Up (And I'll Come Calling On You)Talking on the Telephone Vol. 2Amazon
38Willie NelsonThree DaysMr. Record Man – The Early Singles As & BSAmazon
39Willie NelsonDarkness On The Face Of The EarthCrazy: The Demo SessionsAmazon


High On The Hog!

We’ll be rolling back our Hillbilly Wayback Machine to the year 1950 for romance in high pants at the barn dance. Country music really hadn’t yet caught on as a genre so a lot of the music we’ll share today had the misfortune of being coined “hillbilly music”; a blend of silver screen cowboy nostalgia for the lone prairie alongside swinging arrangements and occasional ballads of the heart. You even had yourself some down-home novelty and syncopated vocals that looked out at that land beyond the sun where the tumbleweeds bounced across the horizon. Without further waxing of the poetic, we’ll let you know that you’ll be treated to some very best from under the blanket of the prairie sky including the likes of Smiley Burnette, Jimmy Wakely, Tin Ear Tanner, Zeb Turner and Leon Chappel. These weren’t necessarily the big hits but they were honky tonk and jukebox favorites. Drop in and find out.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Gene AutryDear Heart and Gentle PeopleSing Cowboy Sing [Disc 3]Amazon
2Hank PennyWham! Bam! Thank You Ma'amKing Of Hillbilly Bebop [Disc 2]Amazon
3The Sons Of The PioneersLand Beyond The SunMy Saddle Pals And I ([Disc 4] – Riders In The Sky)Amazon
4Smiley Burnette and The Ewing SistersIt's My Lazy DayThe Singing Cowboys CollectionAmazon
5Ella Mae MorseThe Blacksmith BluesTime-Life – Your Hit Parade: The Early '50SAmazon
6Tex WilliamsI Lost My Gal From MemphisVintage CollectionsAmazon
7Hank SnowI'm Movin' On (Mono)Snow CountryAmazon
8Jimmy WakelyDustThe Melody Kid – 1940-51Amazon
9Audrey WilliamsI'm Telling You1948-1951 (Warped 5021)Amazon
10Hank WilliamsLovesick Blues24 GreatestAmazon
11Leon ChappelYou Hear Me Talkin'Automatic MamaAmazon
12Red FoleyChoc'late Ice Cream ConeHillbilly Fever [Disc 2]Amazon
13Tennesee Ernie FordAnticipation BluesSouthern Belle [Disc 2]Amazon
14Jimmie DolanIt Had To Come SomedayJuke Box BoogieAmazon
15Bill HaleySusan Van DusanRock 'N' Roll Arrives CD1Amazon
16Tennessee Ernie FordAin't Nobody's Business But My OwnMasters 1949-1976 [Disc 1]Amazon
17Red FoleyDon't Be Ashamed Of Your AgeTennessee Saturday NightAmazon
18Ernest TubbThe Lovebug ItchErnest Tubb – The Texas Troubadour – Writers Galore [Disc 4]Amazon
19Zeb TurnerBoogie Woogie LouI've Got The Boogie BluesAmazon
20Al DexterHi-De-Ho Boogie On A Saturday NightStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 4] Saturday Night Rag)Amazon
21Casey SimmonsJuke Box BoogieSwinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys: The West Coast IndiesAmazon
22Johnny BondMean Mama BoogieHillibilly Boogie!Amazon
23Hank PennyBloodshot EyesKing Of Hillbilly Bebop [Disc 2]Amazon
24Hank PennyWhat You've GotKing Of Hillbilly Bebop [Disc 2]Amazon
25Tin Ear TannerI Used To Work In ChicagoBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 1Amazon
26Shot Jackson & Webb PierceI Need You Like A Hole In The HeadSteelin' It: Steeling The MoodAmazon
27Oakie JonesLove FeverSwinging Hollywood Hillbilly CowboysAmazon
28Jimmie DavisThe Poodle Dog SongDoggone CountryAmazon
29Roy Rogers & Dale Evans with Foy Willing & The Riders Of The Purple SageMay the Good Lord Take a Likin' to You (Dale Evans Foy Willing Riders of the PS)The Roy Rogers Collection [Disc 3]Amazon
30Red KirkIt's Raining In My HeartRed Kirk "The Voice of The Country"Amazon
31Hank SnowBreakfast With the Blues (Stereo)Snow CountryAmazon
32Little Jimmy DickensOut Of BusinessThe Essential "Little" Jimmy DickensAmazon
33Lefty FrizzellMy Baby's Just Like MoneyHillibilly Boogie!Amazon
34Spade Cooley (voc. Ginny Jackson & Les Anderson)Hillbilly FeverCrossroads In CowtownAmazon
35Johnny BondIt Ain't Gonna Happen To MePut Me To BedAmazon
36Red FoleyChattanoogie Shoe Shine BoyThe Essential RecordingsAmazon
37Hank WilliamsCold, Cold Heart24 GreatestAmazon

Country Heartaches

Someone once suggested that country songs about heartache and lost love sound the same as country songs about good times and happy days. Is it just the wailing fiddle intro often referred to as the “fiddle kickoff” that neutralizes the emotional jar of joy or grief that causes a reaction like that? Or is it just country songwriting is geared towards the simple task of expressing emotions in the terms of everyday life? No matter the reason, we’ll be taking on a country-themed collection of songs about heartaches this week in the show. We’ll do this by walking through some of the golden greats from the Golden Age of Country Music where the ways of the heart were a common theme and, thus, the heartache was an easy rhythmic mark for the country songwriter. We’ll share the Walkers’ Charlie and Billy, Jimmie Skinner, Buck Owens, Lefty Frizzell, Patsy, George and Stonewall among a couple dozen others, all with a message that speaks to country heartaches; and may we also say that there was plenty of fodder to draw from. Drop in…and don’t forget the hankies.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Lefty FrizzellI Never Go Around Mirrors (I've Got a Heartache to Hide)Life's Like Poetry (Disc 9)Amazon
2Buck OwensExcuse Me (I Think I've Got A Heartache)Classic Country Vol. 15 The Sixties Legends Disc 2Amazon
3Dwight YoakamThe Heartaches Are FreeTomorrow's Sounds TodayAmazon
4Wynn StewartHeartaches For A DimeCome On – Gonna Shake This ShackAmazon
5Rose MaddoxSing A Little Song Of HeartacheSwing West 1: BakersfieldAmazon
6Leon RussellHeartaches By The NumberBest Of Hank WilsonAmazon
7Little Jimmy DickensHappy HeartachesFour Classic Albums Plus Singles 1954-1962Amazon
8Buddy MillerLooking For A Heartache Like YouCruel MoonAmazon
9Patty LovelessLooking For A Heartache Like YouOn Your Way HomeAmazon
10Jimmie Skinner100 Proof HeartachesOne Dead Man AgoAmazon
11Carl ButlerIf I Could Spend My HeartachesThe Chronogical Classics 1954-1958 (Warped 5592)Amazon
12Hawkshaw HawkinsA Heartache to Recall22 Greatest HitsAmazon
13Billy WalkerHeadin' For HeartachesWhirlpool – Gonna Shake This Shack TonightAmazon
14Charlie WalkerWho's Giving You Heartaches Now1952-1958 (Warped 5230)Amazon
15The Everly BrothersA Brand New HeartacheBob Dylan: Radio Radio – Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 5 [Disc 4]Amazon
16Elvis PresleyThat's When Your Heartaches BeginElvis Presley (8 Classic Albums Plus Bonus Singles)Amazon
17Guy MitchellHeartaches By The NumberThe Sweetest Memories (Newsound)Amazon
18Patsy ClineHeartaches20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection – Classic Patsy ClineAmazon
19Bobby LewisDoggone This Heartache30th Anniversary Collection Disc 2Amazon
20Stonewall JacksonIf Heartaches Were Wine (I'd Be Drunk All the Time)Warped 6742 – Stonewall Jackson – 1966-1967Amazon
21George Jones & Melba MontgomeryMultiply The HeartachesVintage CollectionsAmazon
22Sonny JamesSomebody Else's HeartacheSinglesAmazon
23Mason DixonQueen of My HeartachesCountry & Western NuggetsAmazon
24The MavericksExcuse Me (I Think I've Got a Heartache)From Hell to ParadiseAmazon
25The Time JumpersThis HeartacheKid SisterAmazon
26Rosie Flores & Ray CampiA Little Bit Of HeartacheA Little Bit Of HeartacheAmazon
27Jesse Dayton & Brennen LeighBrand New HeartacheHolidin' Our OwnAmazon
28Jimmie Dale GilmoreDon't Look For A HeartacheDon't Look For HeartacheAmazon
29Patsy ClineThat's How A Heartache BeginsThe Patsy Cline CollectionAmazon
30BR5-49Heartaches By The NumberOne Long Saturday Night, PlusAmazon
31Nicki Bluhm & The GramblersHeartacheLoved Wild LostAmazon
32Johnny TillotsonSuff'rin' from a HeartacheThe Tillotson TouchAmazon
33Cyndi LauperHeartaches By the NumberDetourAmazon
34Dane StinitHeartache Catches Up with Me [Take 15]Original Sun RecordingsAmazon

Old Records

Country, gospel, and rhythm and blues are the major arteries that flow to the heart of Americana musical traditions, each influencing the other through shared themes of storytelling, emotion, and spirituality. Gospel’s uplifting harmonies and spiritual fervor inspired both the heartfelt narratives of country music and the soulful expressions of rhythm and blues. Similarly, rhythm and blues infused gospel energy into secular music, while country music borrowed melodic and vocal elements from both genres. The “golden age” of these genres is often considered to be the mid-20th century, roughly the 1940s through the 1960s, when their innovation and cross-pollination laid the groundwork for modern popular music, including rock and roll. This week on Deeper Roots we’re going to flip through some classic old records (as we love to do) and highlight the morning with performances from the likes of Otis Spann, Merle Travis, Sue Foley, Sturgill Simpson, and a few dozen others.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Margie SingletonOld RecordsOne More Record PleaseAmazon
2Seasick SteveDarkMan from Another Time (Bonus Version)Amazon
3Sturgill SimpsonBreakers RoarA Sailor's Guide To EarthAmazon
4The Everly BrothersBowling GreenWalk Right Back: The Everly Brothers on Warner Bros. Disc 2Amazon
5The Kossoy SistersBowling GreenBluegrass JamboreeAmazon
6Merle TravisSmoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)Ash Grove 12/9/1966Amazon
7Commander Cody and His Lost Planet AirmenSmoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)We've Got a Live One Here!Amazon
8The Louvin BrothersThere's A Grave In The Wave Of The OceanClose Harmony [Disc 7]Amazon
9Hart Valley DriftersNine Pound HammerFolk TimeAmazon
10Van MorrisonDark Night Of The SoulThree Chords And The TruthAmazon
11The Riders Of The Purple SageCool Water (Radio)Cowboy Crooners Sing Songs Of The West Cd 1Amazon
12The Harmonizing FourWade In The WaterJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
13The Soul StirrersJesus I'll Never Forget [Album Version]The Ladykillers Music From The Motion PictureAmazon
14Mahalia JacksonDark Was The NightMoving On Up A Little HigherAmazon
15Bing CrosbyDown to the Old Ox RoadBing Crosby in Hollywood (1930-1934), Vol. 1Amazon
16Sue FoleyFreight TrainOne Guitar WomanAmazon
17Porter WagonerBanks of the Ohio1968 (Warped 6846)Amazon
18Roy Rogers with Country WashburneMy Chickashay Girl26 All-Time Country ClassicsAmazon
19Merle HaggardTime Changes EverythingThe Peer SessionsAmazon
20Jimmie DolanThe Wheel That Does The Squeakin'Juke Box BoogieAmazon
21Raul MaloWeary Blues from Waitin'The Nashville Acoustic SessionsAmazon
22Ted Daffan's TexansBorn To Lose26 All-Time Country ClassicsAmazon
23Norridge Mayhams And The Blue ChipsI'm A Rattlesnakin' DaddyNorridge Mayhams and The Blue ChipsAmazon
24Mae WestI'm An Occidental Woman In An Oriental Mood For LoveThe Mae West CollectionAmazon
25Jewel Paige & Her Brown BrowniesGive It UpIf You Take Me BackAmazon
26Julia LeeSnatch It And Grab It (06-11-47)1947Amazon
27Slim GaillardThunderbirdABC Of The Blues Vol 12Amazon
28John HiattThunderbirdMaster of DisasterAmazon
29Chuck BerryJaguar and ThunderbirdThe Chess Box Disc 2Amazon
30Otis SpannMule Kicking In My StallCryin' TimeAmazon
31Lowell FulsonBlue ShadowsChess Blues Disc 4Amazon

Legend: Grady Martin

He was a member of Nashville’s A-Team. He invented the electric guitar ‘fuzz’ effect by accident in a Marty Robbins recording session. He played on some of the most recognizable hit songs and landmark albums; not just country but rock, soul, folk, country rock and released some jazz guitar albums of his own. You can hear his work day in and day out: the Spanish-style acoustic work on Marty’s El Paso, the opening and unforgettable lick on Roy Orbison’s Oh Pretty Woman, plus dozens upon dozens more. He was one of the most sought after session men in the industry. Oh, and his jazz work with Mancini, Hirt and Fountain were followed by a gig as session leader for Vanguard Records’ album releases of Joan Baez, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Country Joe. If there’s a word that goes a step beyond prolific, it describes Grady Martin. Join us for a show that celebrates the legend. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Roy OrbisonOh, Pretty WomanShades of Roy OrbisonAmazon
2Grady Martin & Don CherryLong John BoogieGrady MartinAmazon
3Mimi RomanLittle Lovin'Foot Tappin' & Dance At Screamin' Festival Vol. 1Amazon
4Patsy ClineStop, Look and ListenRockin' PatsyAmazon
5Janis MartinWill You WillyumGrady MartinAmazon
6Roy HallWhole Lotta Shakin' Goin' OnGrady MartinAmazon
7Red FoleyChattanoogie Shoe Shine BoyHillbilly Fever [Disc 3]Amazon
8Red Foley, Grady MartinPinball BoogieHillbilly Fever [Disc 4]Amazon
9Red FoleyMy Window Faces SouthHillbilly Fever [Disc 4]Amazon
10Burl Ives With Grady Martin & His Slew Foot FiveDiesel Smoke, Dangerous CurvesRoughneck Blues 1949 – 1956Amazon
11Marvin RainwaterWhole Lotta WomanWhole Lotta WomanAmazon
12Jimmy LloydWhere The Rio De Rosa FlowsGrady MartinAmazon
13Red SovineHow Do You Think I FeelGrady MartinAmazon
14Brenda LeeLittle Jonah (Rock On Your Steel Guitar)Brenda Lee RocksAmazon
15Johnny HortonI'm Coming HomeHonky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960 (1 of 2)Amazon
16Johnny BurnetteThe Train Kept A Rollin'Loud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 4Amazon
17Warner MackRoc-A-ChickaRock'N'Roll & Rock-A-Billy InfernoAmazon
18Autry InmanMary NellGrady MartinAmazon
19Marty RobbinsDon't WorryAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961Amazon
20Lefty FrizzellSaginaw, Michigan (Grady Martin)Classic CountryAmazon
21Marty RobbinsEl PasoA Lifetime of Song (1951-1982)Amazon
22Elvis PresleyPlease Don't Drag That String AroundFrom Nashville To Memphis: The Essential 60's Masters [Disc 2]Amazon
23Joe HendersonSnap Your FIngersOxford American Music Issue #13-MississippiAmazon
24Ray PriceFor The Good TimesColumbia Country Classics – Volume 4: The Nashville SoundAmazon
25Brenda LeeI'm SorryMiss DynamiteAmazon
26Jeanne PruettSatin SheetsClassic Country: 1970-1974 [Disc 2]Amazon
27Loretta LynnCoal Miner's DaughterClassic Country: 1970-1974Amazon
28Willie NelsonOn The Road AgainOne Hell Of A RideAmazon
29Sammi SmithHelp Me Make It Through The NightCountry LadiesAmazon
30Conway TwittyDon't Cry No MoreGrady MartinAmazon
31Johnny HortonHonky Tonk ManColumbia Country Classics Volume 2: Honky Tonk HeroesAmazon
32Johnny HortonThe Battle Of New OrleansClassic CountryAmazon
33Mervin Shiner & Grady MartinSettin' The Woods On FireGrady MartinAmazon
34Johnny BurnetteRock Billy BoogieRoughneck Blues 1949 – 1956Amazon