Category Archives: Free Form

Under Western Stars

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

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

Island Of Dreams

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

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

Good News Bad News

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

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

Summer’s Last Stand

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

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

High Lonesome Country

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

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

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

Trouble Bound

Free form and completely eclectic—that is the absolute best way to introduce this week’s episode of Deeper Roots. Every so often, we love to shake things up by forgoing our usual archival explorations of specific genres, artists, or historical themes. Instead, Dave is opening up his personal vault for a special curation of deep tracks and personal favorites that he has been setting aside over the past couple of months just to share with you.  We are bridging eras and styles in a way only Deeper Roots can. Expect a magical blend of sounds, including early Cotton Club sounds of Cab Calloway alongside beach music from The Catalinas, rocking guitar fuzz with Grady Martin paired with the Buckaroo guitar sounds of Don Rich, and some Dylan, Merle, Berigan and Clooney. Join us for a scenic, unpredictable journey through the back roads of American music each and every Friday morning at 9am Pacific on KOWS Community Radio, streaming 24/7 at kowsfm.com/listen.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Elvis PresleyA Mess Of BluesThe Essential 60's Masters I [Disc 1]196000:00
2John HiattDust Down a Country RoadWalk On199505:01
3Jay & The AmericansThis Magic MomentCome A Little Bit Closer – The Best of Jay and The Americans196808:59
4Emmylou HarrisSave The Last Dance For MeProfile II: The Best Of Emmylou Harris197811:50
5The Neville BrothersSitting in LimboFiyo on the Bayou198115:23
6Jackson BrowneEverywhere I GoI'm Alive199319:18
7Grady MartinThe FuzzI Got A Woman : Gems From The Decca Vaults [Disc 3]196128:31
8Ricky NelsonMy BabeJames Burton – The Early Years 1957-1969030:48
9Don Rich & The BuckaroosI'm a-Comin' Back Home to YouGuitar Pickin' Man201633:20
10Merle TravisPretty Girl (Jolie Fille)The Guitar Picker CD4 (1954-56)035:17
11Chet AtkinsBlue AngelThe Essential Chet Atkins [RCA]199637:16
12Doc WatsonGonna Lay Down My Old Guitar1964-1965 (Warped 6411F)201639:35
13The Nitty Gritty Dirt BandWreck on the HighwayWill the Circle Be Unbroken [Bonus Tracks] Disc 1197248:30
14Red SimpsonThe Highway PatrolSwing West 1: Bakersfield196651:50
15The BlastersTrouble BoundTestament: The Complete Slash Recordings (1981-1985) (2 of 2)200254:00
16Dave EdmundsTrouble BoysSingle Trax 1970-1981197857:43
17Lee HazlewoodTrouble Is A Lonesome Town400 Miles From L.A. 1955-5619561:00:54
18Buck OwensHello TroubleBuck 'Em: The Music of Buck Owens (1955-1967)19641:03:07
19Ernest Tubb & The Texas TroubadorsThis Troubled Mind O'MineDaddy of 'Em All19571:04:52
20Bob DylanIf Not for YouBiograph Disc 119851:12:00
21Ruben BladesOllie's Doo-WopNothing But The Truth19881:14:37
22The TreniersGo! Go! Go!The Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19511:17:01
23The ChantersNo No NoDoo Wop Box Vol. 3: 101 More Vocal Group Gems from the Golden Age of Rock-N-Roll Disc 120001:19:21
24The CatalinasYou're Driving Me CrazyDance The Night Away19991:21:30
25Cab CallowayMama I Wanna Make RhythmChronological 1937-3819371:30:40
26Peggy LeeAlright OK You WinMagic Moments: Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 2)20041:33:42
27Rosemary ClooneyBotch-A-Me (Ba-Ba-Baciami Piccina)Tenderly19521:36:32
28Bunny Berigan & His BoysI Can't Get StartedColumbia Records' 125th Anniv.19361:38:46
29Bob Dylan4th Time AroundBlonde on Blonde19661:42:06
30Buddy HollyBo Diddley [1963 Album Version]Rave On: The Very Best Of ?19631:46:33
31Bo DiddleyDon't Let It Go (Hold On To What You Got)20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection – The Best Of Bo Diddley19591:48:50
32Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys(I've Got A) Humpty Dumpty HeartVintage Collections19471:54:44
33Dean MartinI Don't Care If The Sun Don't ShineCapitol Records' From The Vaults19501:57:05

Travelin’ Blues 2026

This Friday, Deeper Roots presents an encore broadcast from February 2020, exploring the rich intersection of gospel, blues, and tradition through the theme of the “Travelin’ Blues.” Whether the journey leads down the King’s Highway toward salvation or along a lonely back road toward temptation, we’ll steer clear of the toll roads and follow the winding paths where sacred and secular music have traveled side by side for generations. Along the way you’ll hear performances from Rory Block, Chris Smither, Eric Clapton, Freddie King, The Golden Gate Quartet, and many more. Originally conceived as the first installment in a series of programs about songs of the road, this episode explores highways and journeys through the language of the blues and gospel. Join us for two hours of American roots music where every mile has a story to tell.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Maria MuldaurTravelin' Shoes197400:00
2Blind Sammie (Blind Willie McTell)Travelin' Blues192905:42
3Taj MahalFarther On Down The Road200008:49
4Roland StoneDown The Road196011:56
5Freddie SlackDown The Road200314:15
6Eric ClaptonFurther On Down the Road201320:57
7Chris SmitherLook Down the Road026:32
8Mattie DelaneyDown The Big Road Blues193029:06
9Unidentified QuartetI Look Down The Road And Wonder201036:43
10The Golden Gate QuartetI Looked Down The Road And Wondered193939:49
11Rory BlockIf You Haven't Any Hay Get On Down The Road201444:12
12Paul Butterfield's Better DaysHighway 28197252:29
13Johnny Guitar WatsonHighway 60200655:28
14Lowell FulsonHighway 99200857:47
15Gatemouth MooreHighway 61 Blues20001:00:42
16Honeyboy EdwardsStrollin' Down Highway 6101:03:13
17Snooks EaglinTraveling Mood19951:08:42
18Doc PomusTraveling Dog19491:10:54
19Ella Johnson & Buddy JohnsonGet On Down The Road19581:13:19
20Ernie Andrews With Maxwell Davis OrchestraTravelin' Baby19511:16:17
21Slim Gaillard & His BoogiereenersTravelin' Blues19451:18:44
22T-Bone WalkerTravelin' Blues19501:21:44
23Smiley LewisLonesome Highway20101:28:47
24Howling WolfDriving This Highway19521:31:00
25Freddie KingKey To The Highway19701:33:51
26Freddie KingLiving On The Highway19711:37:11
27Little WalterKey To The Highway01:41:20
28Eric ClaptonTraveling Riverside Blues20041:44:04
29Tommy McLennanTravelin' Highway Blues19411:50:03
30Cripple Clarence LoftonTravelin' Blues19391:52:58
31Eric Bibb/Rory Block/Maria MuldaurTravelin' Woman Blues20041:55:03

Wake Up Everybody

Tomorrow isn’t a guarantee; it’s a promise we keep to one another. In times when the airwaves and headlines feel crowded with division, hatred, and the loud noise of demagoguery, all in reaction to barbarous and vile language from the highest quarters, the antidote has always been found in the music. This week on Deeper Roots, we are celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary by stepping directly into the storm with a playlist designed to uplift, fortify, and remind us of what’s worth fighting for.  Count on sounds from Gillian Welch, Willie Nelson, Sam Cooke, Chet Baker and a few dozen more as we dive deep into a century of American music, bringing you powerful songs of the spirit from the gospel canon alongside timeless anthems of resistance that call on us to rise above the attacks on our shared democracy. This isn’t just a look back at history—it’s a toolkit for the present.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Mahalia JacksonI Will Move On Up A Little HigherFolk Blues & Gospel: Will the Circle Be Unbroken199900:00
2The Edwin Hawkins SingersI'm Going ThroughOh Happy Day: The Best Of The Edwin Hawkins Singers196908:19
3The Blind Boys Of AlabamaI Shall Not Be MovedI'll Find A Way201313:20
4Taj Mahal & Ry CooderI Shall Not Be MovedGet On Board202215:56
5Connie SmithFarther AlongConnie Smith 1965-1966201120:10
6Sam Cooke And The Soul StirrersFarther AlongThe Complete Specialty Recordings [Disc 3]195622:59
7Larry CampbellKeep Your Lamp Trimmed and BurningLarry Campbell & Teresa Williams201530:59
8The BrownsFair and Tender LadiesClassics 1963-1964 (Warped 6384)201034:59
9Willie NelsonHealing Hands of TimeWanted! The Outlaws [Bonus Tracks]199637:25
10Elvis Presley(There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)Elvis By The Presleys [Disc 1]195739:39
11The ImpressionsKeep On PushingUltimate Collection: The Impressions196442:58
12Joe ElyThe Road Goes On ForeverThe Best Of Joe Ely 20th Century Masters The Millennium Collection199250:29
13Sara EvansBorn To FlyLaying Tracks200354:56
14B.B. King & Dr. JohnThere Must Be A Better World SomewhereDeuces Wild199758:46
15The BronzemenHold On (Keep Yo' Hand On The Plow)The Bronzemen – Radio Transcriptions (1939)19391:03:24
16Mahalia JacksonKeep Your Hand on the PlowThe World's Greatest Gospel Singer19541:10:33
17Sam CookeA Change Is Gonna ComeHard To Find Jukebox Classics 1960-64: 30 Amazing Stereo Hits20161:12:58
18Curtis Mayfield & The ImpressionsPeople Get ReadyAkeelah And The Bee (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)20061:15:32
19Fats DominoWalking To New OrleansThe Rock 'n' Roll Era: 196019601:18:08
20The Four TopsReach Out I'll Be ThereThe Classic Sixties: 196619661:20:02
21Ray CharlesI Believe to My SoulGenius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection Disc 119971:22:58
22Keb' Mo'Wake Up EverybodyPeace…Back By Popular Demand20041:30:06
23The Staple SingersI'll Take You ThereI'll Take You There19721:34:07
24Jo StaffordOn The Sunny Side of the StreetCandy19441:37:14
25Chet BakerLook for the Silver LiningChet Baker Sings19561:40:07
26Louis ArmstrongWhat A Wonderful WorldLifetime Of Romance: Falling In Love [Disc 2]19671:42:44
27The BandThe WeightNorthern Songs – Canada's Best And Brightest19681:44:59
28Sly & the Family StoneEveryday PeopleAnthology19811:52:11
29Bruce SpringsteenStreets of MinneapolisStreets of Minneapolis – Single20261:54:30

Nine Pound Hammer

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

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