Category Archives: Free Form

Halloween 2025

Halloween in America, on the anniversary of the first quarter century of the millennium. We celebrate the night by wearing masks, by flirting with fear, by turning the grotesque into entertainment. But here in 2025, you can’t help but feel like the masks didn’t come off this year. The trick-or-treaters will return home tonight, but the parade of make-believe monsters marched straight into the daylight this past January — and some of them are occupying the most important offices in our fragile democracy. What used to be a night for play-acting power, for pretending to be the villain, has turned into a movement that’s forgotten the difference between costume and conviction. The slogans sound patriotic, the anger sounds righteous, and the cruelty wears the grin of normalcy. Halloween, at least, has an ending — sunrise, candy wrappers, a hangover of sugar and smoke. But America’s current masquerade? The lights came on, and the masks stayed put.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1David & RoselynMarie LavauxThe Mississippi River of Song: A Musical Journey Down the MississippiAmazon
2Dr. JohnMarie LaveauThe Best Of The Parlophone YearsAmazon
3Mississippi John HurtSpider SpiderConcord Music Halloween Eclectic 2020Amazon
4Memphis MinnieBlack Cat Blues – Take 1Queen Of Country Blues [Disc 5] (1936-1937)Amazon
5Bob DunnGraveyard Blues1939-1940 (Warped 3921)Amazon
6Tampa RedWitchin' Hour BluesBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
7Memphis MinnieHoodoo LadyBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
8Robert JohnsonMe And The Devil BluesABC Of The Blues Vol 18Amazon
9Rev. Emmett DickinsonA Black Cat Has Crossed Your PathApple Bobbing Mix Vol. 2Amazon
10Charles SheffieldIt's Your Voodoo Working100 Northern Soul ClassicsAmazon
11St. Louis Bessie (Mae Smith)Ghost Creepin' BluesBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
12The Hollywood FlamesFrankenstein's DenThe Hollywood FlamesAmazon
13EelsFresh BloodHombre LoboAmazon
14AC DCHells BellsBack in BlackAmazon
15Original London Cast recordingIn The Air Tonight  American PsychoConcord Music Halloween Eclectic 2020Amazon
16The FranticsWerewolfThe Roots Of PsychobillyAmazon
17RedboneThe Witch Queen Of New OrleansRockin' 70s [Disc 2]Amazon
18Sam the Sham & the PharaohsI've Got a Voodoo Doll1963-1968 – The Complete Wooly Bully Years vol.1Amazon
19Ike Turner & His Kings Of RhythmShe Made My Blood Run ColdApple Bobbing Mix Vol. 2Amazon
20Louis ArmstrongSpooks!A Very Vintage HalloweenAmazon
21The DupontsScreamin' Ball (At Dracula Hall)Roulette Rock & Roll, Vol. 2Amazon
22John CarpenterHalloween ThemeHalloween: 20th AnniversaryAmazon
23Dr. JohnWitchy RedTelevisionAmazon
24Bettye LaVetteWitchcraft in the AirMotor City SoulAmazon
25The Deep River BoysSwinging at the SianceThe Ultimate Rockin' Halloween Party (American Horror Songs 1930s – 1950s)Amazon
26Parham-Pickett Apollo Syncopaters (W/"Tiny" Parham & Junie C. Cobb)Mojo StrutA Very Vintage HalloweenAmazon
27Truett & GeorgeGhost DanceDiabolical Hoodoo: Vintage Songs Of Devilry, Doom & Hellfire 1920-1952Amazon
28Nina SimoneI Put a Spell on YouAnthology Disc 1Amazon
29Screamin' Jay HawkinsI Put a Spell on YouBlues, Blues, Hoodoo, Halloween – Scary Blues & Jazz 1925-1961Amazon
30Roy BuchananHaunted HouseRoy BuchananAmazon
31Tom WaitsWhistlin' Past The GraveyardUsed Songs 1973-1980Amazon
32Dinah Washington / Max RichterThis Bitter Earth / On The Nature Of DaylightShutter Island [Disc 2]Amazon

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

John Prine 79

We lost John Prine to COVID in 2020. We’re going to celebrate his 79th birthday along with the rest of his fans this morning as two new movies are on the horizon at just the right time. The two movies differ in their angles: one being a new tribute produced by his wife Fiona Whelan Prine called “You Got Gold” and the other is one produced by the Hello In There Foundation called “How Lucky Can One Man Get” which has its first screening this month in Denver. With today being his birth date, we’ll be doing a few different takes on John’s career in music including a couple reminiscences from Todd Snider and Steve Poltz who delivers a delightful memory of a trip to the Disney Store with John. There’s a reason that John is considered an American music treasure: as a songwriter he has few peers with his straight-ahead and simple sensibility. He delivered the goods as well as any of the legendary humorists , and that includes Mark Twain. Drop on in for something special this Friday morning.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Sturgill SimpsonParadiseBroken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2Amazon
2John PrineMy Old Kentucky Home, GoodnightBeautiful Dreamer: the Songs of Stephen FosterAmazon
3The Brother BrothersDear JohnThe January AlbumAmazon
4Kacey MusgravesBurn One With John PrineDemosAmazon
5John PrineFish and WhistleGreat Days: The John Prine Anthology Disc 1Amazon
6Carsie BlantonFishin' with YouFishin' with You – SingleAmazon
7Brandi CarlileI Remember EverythingBroken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine, Vol. 2Amazon
8Steve PoltzA Trip To The Disney StoreSteve Poltz RemembersAmazon
9John PrineSouvenirsTroubadours: Folk And The Roots Of American Music 4: 12 The Heartland And CanadaAmazon
10John Prine/Iris DementIn Spite of OurselvesIn Spite of OurselvesAmazon
11Justin Townes EarleFar From MeBroken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John PrineAmazon
12Donnie FrittsThe Oldest Baby in the WorldLucky 13Amazon
13John PrineColor of the Blues (feat. SusaFor Better, Or WorseAmazon
14Tommy PrineShips in the HarborShips in the Harbor – SingleAmazon
15Tommy PrineCash Carter HillThis Far SouthAmazon
16Todd SniderJohn Prine (Live)Live: Return of the StorytellerAmazon
17John Prine with Peter CooperI Sang The SongMac Wiseman – I Sang The SongAmazon
18Tammy WynetteUnwed FathersTears Of Fire: The 25th Anniversary Collection [Disc 3]Amazon
19Holly Williams/John PrineI'm Telling YouFor Better, Or WorseAmazon
20John Prine Kelsey WaldonLove At The Five & DimeMore Than A Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci GriffithAmazon
21John PrineSummers EndThe Tree of ForgivenessAmazon
22Swamp DoggPlease Let Me Go Round Again (feat. John Prine)Sorry You Couldn't Make ItAmazon
23Laurie LewisWhy'd You Have to Break My Heart_ (for John Prine)TreesAmazon
24John PrineThat's the Way That the World Goes 'RoundGreat Days: The John Prine Anthology Disc 1Amazon
25John PrineHey Ah Nothin'Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)Amazon
26John PrineI Remember EverythingI Remember EverythingAmazon
27Kris KristoffersonJesus Was a Capricorn (Owed to John Prine)The Essential Kris Kristofferson Disc 2Amazon

Mean Old Frisco

It’s a City (with a capital ‘C’ to locals) whose cultural history practically hums with musical possibilities. This is due in large part to how the city has always been a meeting point for restless ideas and diverse communities. From the Gold Rush boomtown that lured fortune-seekers from every continent, to the Beat poets of North Beach and the psychedelic counterculture that turned Haight-Ashbury into a world stage, it’s been an easy mark for songwriters. This week’s show will visit that blend of beauty, grit and idealism with performances for and about San Francisco. Join us for a whole batch of vintage sounds covering any old genre we care to share with the likes of Harry “The Hipster” Gibson, Little Walter, Charlie Musselwhite, Linda Martell, and, of course, Tony Bennett. We’ll celebrate from a short distance away with memories of Broadway, the fog rolling through the Golden Gate, and that endless palette of imagery and mood that is a living chorus always ready to be set to music.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Sound Of The CityKSFO 560 – San Francisco78sAmazon
2Tony BennettI Left My Heart in San FranciscoThe Essential Tony Bennett [Columbia/Legacy] Disc 1Amazon
3Logan LedgerThe Lights Of San FranciscoLogan LedgerAmazon
4Chris IsaakSan Francisco DaysSan Francisco DaysAmazon
5JourneyLightsJourney's Greatest HitsAmazon
6Eric ClaptonSan Francisco Bay BluesUnpluggedAmazon
7Linda MartellSan Francisco is a Lonely Town (Remastered 2022)Color Me Country (Sun Records 70th / Remastered 2022)Amazon
8Sugar Pie DeSantoHello, San Francisco (Part I)Putumayo Presents: American BluesAmazon
9The Teskey BrothersSan FranciscoRun Home SlowAmazon
10Otis Redding(Sittin' On) The Dock of the BayThe Dock of the BayAmazon
11Little WalterMean Old FriscoBlues With A Feeling [Disc 2]Amazon
12Charlie MusselwhiteWhen The Frisco Left The ShedMississippi SonAmazon
13Richie HavensSan Francisco Bay BluesMixed BagAmazon
14Eric LindellHere In FriscoMatters Of The HeartAmazon
15Mark SpoelstraSan Francisco Zoo SongOut Of My HandsAmazon
16Marty RobbinsSan Francisco TeardropsSan Francisco With Fond MemoriesAmazon
17Dom FlemonsSan Francisco BabyProspect HillAmazon
18Jimmy MartinFly Me To Frisco – 1973Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mountain Boys 1954-1974 [Disc 5]Amazon
19Johnny PaycheckThe Ballad Of Frisco BayNowhere to Run: the Little Darlin' Years 1966-1970Amazon
20Merle HaggardReturn to San FranciscoLike Never BeforeAmazon
21Harry "The Hipster" GibsonI Flipped My Wig In San FranciscoWho Put The Benzedrine In Mrs. Murphy's Ovaltine?Amazon
22Connie RussellFoggy Night In San FranciscoSan Francisco – With Fond MemoriesAmazon
23Ramblin' Jack ElliottSan Francisco Bay BluesSouth CoastAmazon
24Jeanette McDonald – San Francisco O.S.T.San Francisco (Soundtrack Version)The 30s: Hollywood's BestAmazon
25Tee Vee ToonsStreets Of San FranciscoTelevision's Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: 70's & 80'sAmazon
26Arthur "Big Boy" CrudupMean Ole FriscoThat's All Right (Mama)Amazon
27Tom Darby & Jimmie TarltonLonesome Frisco Line [Album Version]Roots 'N' Blues/The Retrospective 1925-1950Amazon
28Memphis Minnie'Frisco TownQueen Of Country BluesAmazon
29Scott McKenzieSan Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair)San Francisco – With Fond MemoriesAmazon
30Cab Calloway & His OrchestraSan Francisco FanJazz Noire (Darktown Sleaze of 1940s L.A.)Amazon

Fortunate Son

The days are getting darker both by season and on the sidewalks of your town. Jackboot thugs with masks, clubs, and weapons are descending for you. Make no mistake. If you believe in your right to free speech and all that our Constitution affords you, think again. Know that you and your neighbor are in the crosshairs of this regime. This week’s show won’t break the spell but it will share with its language of comfort, joy and hope that music delivers as it stimulates the release of dopamine triggering pleasure and relaxation. Our prescription this morning is a compound of a free form eclectic blend that delivers a response from all corners. America’s music has always been built on a foundation of free expression so why not make the best…and that’s what we’ll be doing this morning with tracks from Glenn Miller, Charlie Christian, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Randy Newman and Dean Martin, just to name a few. Dream when you’re feeling blue. Rise up when you’re being pushed down. This week’s show takes us where we want to go.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1John FogertyFortunate SonThe Long Road Home: Ultimate John Fogerty Creedence CollectionAmazon
2Speedy West & Jimmy BryantMidnight RambleStratosphere BoogieAmazon
3Charlie ChristianTill Tom SpecialHittin' On All Six: The Charlie Christian RevolutionAmazon
4Django Reinhardt & Stiphane GrappelliYou're Driving Me CrazyQuintesentialAmazon
5The MiraclesMickey's MonkeyHitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1Amazon
6Mink DevilleYou Just Keep Holding OnThe Mink De Ville CollectionAmazon
7The Staple SingersLet's Do It AgainThe Buddah Box Disc 3Amazon
8Sam CookeI'll Come Running Back To YouSpecialty Profiles: Larry WilliamsAmazon
9Etta JamesI Want to Be Loved (But Only by You)Love Songs [MCA]Amazon
10Bob DylanThe Levee's Gonna BreakModern TimesAmazon
11Randy NewmanBurn OnSail AwayAmazon
12The Secret SistersTennessee MeThe Secret SistersAmazon
13Fats DominoMy Girl JosephineVery Best of Fats Domino [Phantom] (Disc 1)Amazon
14Dean MartinDreamLate at Night with Dean MartinAmazon
15Les Baxter And His OrchestraThe High And The MightyCapitol Records' From The Vaults, Volume 7 – Capitol Goes To The Movies – 1944-55Amazon
16Hugo Winterhalter And His Orchestra With Eddie HeywoodCanadian SunsetMagic Moments: Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 2)Amazon
17Billie HolidayToo Marvelous For WordsLady In Autumn: The Best Of The Verve Years [Disc 1]Amazon
18Doris DayThe Deevil, Devil, DivilComplete Doris Day With Les Brown [Disc 2]Amazon
19Jean ShepardI Didn't Know The Gun Was LoadedRounding Up The Girls/Great Female Country Vocals Vol 1Amazon
20The Andrews SistersRum And Coca-Cola20th Century Masters: MillenniAmazon
21Glenn Miller & His OrchestraA String of PearlsThe Centennial Collection Disc 1Amazon
22Linda LyndellWhat A ManStax 50th [[Disc 1]]Amazon
23The MetersRunning Fast (single version)Funkify Your Life: The Meters Anthology [Disc 2]Amazon
24The Notting HillbilliesRun Me DownMissing….Presumed Having A Good TimeAmazon
25VocaltonesSugar LumpSpotlight Series : Vol. 2-Gee RecordsAmazon
26DominoesSixty Minute ManRisque Rhythm: Nasty 50s R&BAmazon
27The CoastersRun Red Run50 Coastin' Classics [Disc 2]Amazon
28Del ShannonRunawayOldies But Goodies: 21 #1 HitsAmazon
29Buddy HollyThink It OverFrom the Original Master TapesAmazon
30Lovett SistersBacon And EggsBig "D" Jamboree, Gals Of TheAmazon
31Norman Fox & The Rob Roys/Sid Bass/The Rob RoysPizza PieDoo Wop Box Disc 3Amazon
32Creedence Clearwater RevivalRun Through the JungleTropic Thunder (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Amazon
33Party BenSingle Ladies (In Mayberry)The Party Ben ExperienceAmazon

Sixties Songbirds

From the cool and sultry lounge sounds smothered in smoke to the soul venues that celebrated love and all its pitfalls, we bring you the songbirds this week. We’ll be exploring vocalists, known and unknown, that delivered the goods in the first few years of the 1960s. Rock ‘n roll was finding its foothold at the same time as soul music was beginning to bust out in a big way. You’ll be hearing some you know and some you don’t in this week’s Deeper Roots. Yeah, we’ve got The Chordettes, Brenda Lee and The Shirelles but we’ve also got some very special gems from Helen Shapiro, Judy Thomas, Kitty Ford and Betty O’Brian this week. We’ll run a chronological marathon from 1960 to 1963, ignoring the genre guardrails as we make our way along. Hope you can join in on the fun.



No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Ruth Brown with Howard Biggs OrchestraTakin' Care Of BusinessWail Man Wail!: The Best Of King Curtis 1952-1961 (Disc 3)Amazon
2Connie FrancisMy Heart Has a Mind of Its OwnYour Hit Parade – Into the '60SAmazon
3The ShirellesWelcome Home BabyThe Shirelles 1958-1962 As, Bs, Hits and RaritiesAmazon
4Shirley BasseyThe Party's OverWe Love Pirate Radio – 60s FavouritesAmazon
5The ChordettesNever On SundayAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961Amazon
6The MarvelettesWay Over There100 Northern Soul ClassicsAmazon
7Diana Ross & The SupremesThose D.J. Shows25th Anniversary [Disc 2]Amazon
8Tammy MontgomeryIt's Mine100 Northern Soul ClassicsAmazon
9Ann-MargretI Just Don't UnderstandAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961Amazon
10Kitty FordDon't Play No. 9Don't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2]Amazon
11Sarah VaughanTrue BelieverRhythm & Western Volume 4 – I Hang My Head and CryAmazon
12Betty O' BrianShe'll Be Gone100 Northern Soul ClassicsAmazon
13Brenda LeeYou Can Depend On MeAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961Amazon
14Helen ShapiroLittle Miss LonelyHalfway To Paradise_ The Epic Records StoryAmazon
15Helen ShapiroTell Me What He SaidGirl Power – Vol. 3Amazon
16The PipsEvery Beat Of My HeartAmerican Music Library: The Hits Of 1961Amazon
17The ShirellesA Teardrop and a LollipopThe Shirelles 1958-1962 As, Bs, Hits and RaritiesAmazon
18Timi YuroCount EverythingI'm So HurtAmazon
19Barbara GeorgeI Know (You Don't Love Me No More)Highlights From Crescent City Soul: Sound Of New Orleans 1947-1974Amazon
20Sugar Pie DeSantoOpen Your HeartGo Go Power: The Complete Chess Singles (1961-1966)Amazon
21Aretha FranklinJust For A ThrillJazz To Soul [Disc 1]Amazon
22Cathy CarrollYoung OnesNew Discgems From Warner BrothersAmazon
23Judy ThomasNever Say Devil WomanStampede! The United Artists StoryAmazon
24Barbara StephensWait a MinuteThe Complete Stax-Volt Singles 1959-1968 (1 of 9)Amazon
25Linda HopkinsMama's Doin' The TwistThe Forgotten 45's 1960-1962Amazon
26Christine QuaiteYour Nose Is Gonna GrowThe Forgotten 45's 1960-1962Amazon
27Timi YuroWhat's a Matter Baby (Is It Hurting You)The Liberty Records Story (Pt. 1)Amazon
28Joy DawnHang It UpAsk The Girl Who Knows – Best 1958-1969 – RemasterAmazon
29Claudine ClarkWho Will You Hurt?Ask The Girl Who Knows – Best 1958-1969 – RemasterAmazon
30Ann-MargretLet Me Entertain YouDestination Lust – The World Of Love, Sex And ViolenceAmazon
31Miss XChristineDestination Lust – The World Of Love, Sex And ViolenceAmazon
32Barbara & the BoysHooty SappertickerLas Vegas Grind Part 1Amazon
33Glenda & GlenVoodoo DollSongs From The Crazy Cramps Collection Disc 01Amazon
34Betty HarrisCry To MeBirth Of Soul: 2Amazon

How Deep Is The Ocean

A whole new season of Deeper Roots lands on your doorstep…just like the Sunday paper: full of human interest stories (as told in song) and local gab (also told in song). It’s a free form collection of songs from the past century with performances from the usual (and sometimes unusual) suspects. Only minor themes and genre recaps today in a carefully crafted eclectic blend that runs the gamut from Jimmie Dale Gilmore to Mary Wells, The Velvetones, Billy Walker and Hot Lips Page. We’ll hear some Texas tradition from Deep Elem and Milwaukee’s finest from Jerry Lee. But we’re also rolling out some really fine, under the radar, female soul and R&B numbers that come from off the beaten track including Doris Allen, Faye Adams and Mary Wells. And we wonder out loud ‘how deep is the ocean’ with Big Maybelle. Drop on by!

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Eric ClaptonIf I Had Possession Over Judgement DaySessions For Robert JAmazon
2Hot Lips Page and His Texas BlusiciansHarlem Rumbain' The Blues52nd Street Swing: New York In The '30sAmazon
3Johnnie & JoeWho Do You LoveThe Very Best of Johnnie & Joe – Over the Mountain, Across the SeaAmazon
4Ruth BrownSea of LoveAlong Comes RuthAmazon
5Big MaybelleHow Deep Is the OceanThe Very Best Of Big MaybelleAmazon
6Mae WestMister Deep Blue SeaThe Mae West CollectionAmazon
7Blue Sky BoysAsleep in the Briny DeepThe Chronological Classics 1937-1938 (Warped 3807)Amazon
8Kristi Jean & Her Ne'er-Do-WellsCryin' In The Deep Blue SeaCountry-billy CollisionAmazon
9Anita CarterSatan's ChildHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final ChapterAmazon
10The Sunshine BoysWhat's the Matter With Deep ElemThe Western Swing: Doughboys, Playboys, and Cowboys – Oakie Boogie [Disc 4]Amazon
11Levon HelmDeep Elem BluesRamble at the RymanAmazon
12Jimmie Dale GilmoreDeep Eddy BluesJimmie Dale GilmoreAmazon
13Asleep at the WheelAll My Exes (Live in Texas)Riding High In TexasAmazon
14Geraint WatkinsDeep In The Heart Of TexasGeraint Watkins & The DominatorsAmazon
15Geraint WatkinsWalking to MilwaukeeAide MemoireAmazon
16John Prine With Melba MontgomeryMilwaukee Here I ComeIn Spite Of OurselvesAmazon
17Dolly PartonMilwaukee, Here I Come1968-1969Amazon
18Billy WalkerTill I Drink Milwaukee Dry20 HitsAmazon
19Jerry Lee LewisWhat's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)All Killer, No Filler: The Anthology (Disc 1)Amazon
20Clyde McPhatterLovey Dovey (LP Version)Deep Sea Ball – The Best of Clyde McPhatterAmazon
21The VelvetonesGlory Of LoveVarious Artists: THEME TIME RADIO HOUR – SEASON 2/[Disc 2]Amazon
22Bobby Moore & The Rhythm AcesSearching For My LoveChess Uptown SoulAmazon
23Doris AllenA Shell Of A WomanDave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures Vol. 2Amazon
24Mary WellsMy Heart Is Like A Clock (Previously Unreleased)Looking Back 1961-1964Amazon
25Mary WellsCan You Fix It (My Broken Heart) (Previously Unreleased)Looking Back 1961-1964Amazon
26Faye AdamsKeeper Of My HeartCrescent City SoulAmazon
27Reverend Gary DavisI Am The Light Of This WorldHarlem Street SingerAmazon
28Jorma KaukonenBlues Stay Away From MeBlue Country HeartAmazon
29Big Daddy WilsonCouldn't Keep It to MyselfDeep in My SoulAmazon
30Ingrid Lucia & the Flying NeutrinosLove Is Coming BackThe Hotel ChildAmazon
31Hot TunaCandy ManHot TunaAmazon

Deeper Roots of Rock

Deeper Roots means just that…and this week we’re spinning some blues, gospel, r&b, and swing … all music that introduced the rhythm that would become known as rock ‘n roll. We’ll go as far back as the late 1930s with Joe Turner and Pete Johnson and make the picaresque journey across the alleys, juke joints, and house parties where tradition and urban electric blues became the foundation of a sound. We’ll share blues from Little Walter, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker and a handful of others. Also on tap, Goree Carter, Sticks McGhee, Amos Milburn and Julia Lee with some rhythm and blues and jump whose beat and attitude would influence many a rock ‘n roll musician and songwriter. Also on board: Hadda Brooks, Ray Charles, Louis Jordan and Tiny Bradshaw. Don’t miss a wailin’, rockin’ morning here on KOWS Community Radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Big Joe TurnerRoll 'em PeteMalcolm X: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackAmazon
2Champion Jack DupreeJunker's BluesJunker's Blues (The Blues Collection Vol.59)Amazon
3Joe LigginsThe Honeydripper Part 1The R&B Years – 1942-45 [Disc 3]Amazon
4Sister Rosetta TharpeStrange Things Happening Every DayGospel Blues – the Very Best OfAmazon
5Charles BrownDriftin' BluesRay Charles – Music that Matters to HimAmazon
6Hadda BrooksSwingin' The BoogieI've Got News For You [Disc 2]Amazon
7The RavensWrite Me A LetterBob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 3Amazon
8T-Bone WalkerCall It Stormy MondayRaw BluesAmazon
9Julia Lee & Her BoyfriendsSnatch It And Grab ItKuties And KroonersAmazon
10Roy BrownGood Rockin' TonightSound Of The City, The – New Orleans [UK] Disc 1Amazon
11John Lee HookerBoogie ChillenThe Definitive CollectionAmazon
12Amos MilburnChicken Shack BoogieDevil in a Blue DressAmazon
13Goree Carter & His HepcatsRock AwhileElectric BluesPart 1: Beginnings 1939-1954Amazon
14Arthur "Big Boy" CrudupMy Baby Left Me [Remastered 2002]That's All Right (When the Sun Goes Down series)Amazon
15Percy MayfieldPlease Send Me Someone To LoveBlues Masters Vol. 3: Texas BluesAmazon
16Tiny BradshawThe Train Kept a-Rollin'Breaking Up the House [Disc 2]Amazon
17Sticks McGheeDrinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-o-DeeThe Atlantic Story [UK]Amazon
18Lloyd PriceLawdy Miss ClawdyPure R&B: Vol. 5- Pioneers [Disc 1]Amazon
19Little Junior ParkerMystery TrainMOJO: Rock! Rock! Rock!Amazon
20Jimmy Liggins And His Drops Of JoyDrunkVintage Songs of Sex, Drugs & CigarettesAmazon
21Muddy WatersGot My Mojo WorkinPure R&B: Vol. 1- Got My Mojo Workin [Disc 1]Amazon
22Little WalterMy BabePure R&B: Vol. 2- Somethings Got a Hold on Me [Disc 1]Amazon
23Sonny Boy Williamson IIDon't Start Me Talkin'Blues Masters, Vol. 2: Postwar Chicago BluesAmazon
24Howlin' WolfSmokestack Lightnin'Roots Of Rock & Roll – Rough And Rowdy [Disc 7]Amazon
25Louis JordanCaldoniaNumber OnesAmazon
26John Lee HookerDimplesThe Ultimate Collection 1948-1990 [Disc 1]Amazon
27Slim HarpoI Got Love If You Want ItRoll Your MoneymakerAmazon
28Lazy LesterI'm a Lover, Not a FighterLouisiana & The Old New Orleans SoundAmazon
29Ray CharlesNight Time Is the Right TimeGenius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection Disc 1Amazon
30Bo DiddleySay Man20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection – The Best Of Bo DiddleyAmazon
31Billy Boy ArnoldI Ain't Got YouRoots Of Rock & Roll – Rough And Rowdy [Disc 2]Amazon
32Sonny Boy WilliamsonGood Morning Little SchoolgirlThe History of Rhythm & Blues 1925-1942Amazon

Twist & Shout

A little bit of twisting and a little bit of shouting…as well as some gospel rhythms, hand clapping, and some back beat rhythms from the gulf and whole lot more. This week’s show will be a free form extravaganza which means there’s a bright day ahead, as always. My springboard was an afternoon’s listen to the music of David Lindley who, in addition to being a fine musician, he had extraordinary taste in music. We’ll hear some gospel tracks from Sister Marie Knight and the Reverend James Cleveland, classic funk and soul from The Temptations, Billy Butler and The Isleys. We’ll also spinning up some Wild Tchoupitoulas, Otis Rush and be featuring some three-time track samples and a brand new track from the 30th anniversary release of John Prine’s Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings, slated for release in early September. There’s a whole lot more to share with everyone out there so it’s a good morning to drop in and here a Twist and Shout sample from Top Note going back to 1961…oh yes, as well as a couple David Lindley tracks.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley BoysThree Times SevenDance RanchAmazon
2Dave EdmundsThree Time LoserTwangin'Amazon
3Corey GloverThree Time LoserBack To The Streets – Celebrating The Music Of Don CovayAmazon
4Otis RushThree Times a FoolEssential Collection: The Classic Cobra Recordings 1956-1958Amazon
5Robert GordonThree Alley Cats (feat. Dave Alvin )Rockabilly for LifeAmazon
6Chris BouchillonI've Been Married Three Times1925-1928 (Warped 2690F)Amazon
7David Lindley & El Rayo-XI Just Can't Work No LongerVery GreasyAmazon
8Billy Butler & The EnchantersI Can't Work No LongerKent's Cellar Of Soul: Volume 2Amazon
9Top NoteTwist And ShoutAtlantic Vocal Groups – [Disc 4] – Group RevivalAmazon
10The Isley BrothersTwist And ShoutGrandson Of Frat Rock! Vol. 3Amazon
11The TemptationsDon't Look BackThe Temptations [Disc 1]Amazon
12John Lee HookerDon't Look BackThe Best Of FriendsAmazon
13John PrineHey Ah Nothin'Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings (30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)Amazon
14John PrineLake MarieLost Dogs and Mixed BlessingsAmazon
15The Righteous BrothersSomething's Got A Hold On MeThe Moonglow YearsAmazon
16Reverend James ClevelandSomething Got A Hold On MeI Walk With GodAmazon
17Johnny CashUnclouded DayVoice of the Spirit, Gospel of the SouthAmazon
18Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Anita Kerr SingersThere'll Be Peace in the Valley for Me101 Great Black Gospel, Vol. 1Amazon
19Laurie LondonThe Gospel TrainSentimental Journey, Folge 3 – Last Train To San FernandoAmazon
20Sister Marie Knight And The Sam Price TrioTrouble In MindNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel 1945-1958Amazon
21David Lindley and Wally IngramOh DeathTwango Bango IIAmazon
22David Lindley and Wally IngramShame And Scandal In The FamilyTwango Bango IIIAmazon
23OdettaShame And ScandalSings Ballads And BluesAmazon
24Waylon JenningsJole BlonNashville Rebel (1958-1969)Amazon
25Gary U.S. BondsJole BlonThe Best of Gary U.S. BondsAmazon
26Wild TchoupitoulasBrother JohnTheme Time Radio Hour With Your Host Bob Dylan – Season 3 [[Disc 2]]Amazon
27John SebastianMinglewood BluesChasin' Gus' GhostAmazon
28Grateful DeadDire WolfWorkingman's DeadAmazon
29Fats DominoShurahA Lot Of DominosAmazon

Sun Shadows: The Untold Tracks

In the long view, rock ‘n roll’s rise was no surprise as it’s sound had been peeking through the tall grass since the 1930s with some risque (and risky) rhythm and blues, gospel celebrations and fast-paced swinging country sounds. When Sam Phillips’ small operation in Memphis kicked off, who would have guessed that the fusion of all these sounds would somehow resonate with it’s blend of hillbilly, blues, rhythm and gospel influences. But it did. And here we are. Tune into Deeper Roots as we go a bit deeper into the sounds of Sun Records, beyond the Elvis, Roy, Johnny, Carl and Jerry Lees. We’ll turn our attention to others from the early years including The Miller Sisters, Slim Rhodes, Barbara Pittman and The Prisonaires. The music we’ve got is sometimes raw, sometimes wild and always headed in the same direction. Don’t miss this one!

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Bobbie JeanCheaters Never WinSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
2Jack ClementBallad of a Teenage QueenThe Sun Country Box CD6 I Was There When It HappenedAmazon
3Bobbie & the BoysTo Tell the TruthSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
4The PrisonairesThere Is Love in YouSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
5The PrisonairesJust Walking in the RainSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
6Miller SistersFinders KeepersSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
7Miller SistersIt Only Hurts for a Little WhileSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
8Roy OrbisonTrying to Get to YouSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
9Slim Rhodes BandBad GirlSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
10Slim Rhodes Band (Vocal: Sandy Brooks)Take and GiveSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
11Slim RhodesDo What I DoThe Sun Country Box CD1 Memphis BounceAmazon
12Ken CookI Was a FoolSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
13Ray SmithSail AwaySun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
14Charlie FeathersSo AshamedThe Sun Country Box CD6 I Was There When It HappenedAmazon
15Jimmy WilliamsThat Depends On YouSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
16Sonny BurgessSweet MiserySun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
17Carl MannI'm Bluer Than Anyone Can BeSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
18Tommy BlakeBallad of a Broken HeartThe Sun Country Box CD6 I Was There When It HappenedAmazon
19Warren SmithI'd Rather Be Safe Than SorrySun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
20Jeanie Greene aka Mary JohnsonRiver of No ReturnSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
21Mikki WilcoxI Know What It MeansSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
22Mikki WilcoxAin't Got Nothin' But the BluesSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
23Barbara PittmanTwo Young Fools in LoveSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
24Barbara PittmanNo Matter Who's to BlameSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
25Little Hannah FayThe Miracle of YouSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
26Maggie Sue WimberlyDaydreams Come TrueSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
27Harold Jenkins aka Conway TwittyJust in TimeSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
28Vernon TaylorBreezeSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
29The SunraysLove Is a StrangerSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
30The Five TinosSitting By My WindowSun Ballads 1953-62Amazon
31Scotty Moore & Elvis PresleyHow Do You Think I FeelThe Sun Country Box CD2 Boogie BluesAmazon
32Harmonica Frank FloydStep It Up and GoThe Sun Country Box CD1 Memphis BounceAmazon
33Smokey Joe BaughThe Signifying MonkeyThe Sun Country Box CD2 Boogie BluesAmazon