Category Archives: Deeper Roots on KOWS

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

Let’s Do It!

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

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


Twisted Country Tales

We’re taking an encore spin this morning…going back to a show first broadcast as “Country Leftovers” in late 2019. But it deserved a better name “…and I fell asleep with a troubled dream and dreamed I road on the hellbound train.” Just one line from one track from our Friday morning Deeper Roots show which focuses on some country songs ‘from the edge’. An eclectic blend of sometimes morose and other times kitschy stories of mid-century country singers looking for the next “Big Bad John” with stories of engine mishaps, disturbances of mind and relationships, and the general consensus of lyrical country that ‘the world is a monster’. Hillbillies, rabble rousers, and would-be crooners give us those tormented testimonies of country music. Join us for a very unusual collection of sounds from the archives of the fifties and sixties, when country blossomed; the songs we’ll feature had a hard time cracking the Top 100 because the stories told are ‘out there’, even for country music.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Dick FloodHellbound TrainHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)000:00
2Bill AndersonGoodbye Cruel WorldHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter196106:53
3Rocky PorterThe World Is A MonsterThe World Is A Monster009:47
4Johnny TylerGod's Gonna Turn Us To DustHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)195712:05
5Buck RitcheyThe SlaveHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)196814:10
6Anita CarterSatan's ChildHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter196321:03
7Art Kilmer & The Up-Town FourThe Devil's TwistHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)196423:57
8Roy And Georgia And The SO And SO'sDevil Get Away From MeHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Rapture196625:57
9David Ingles(Satan Has Been) ParalyzedHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter197728:43
10Jimmy MinorSatan's ChauffeurHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)196031:06
11Steve BledsoeBang Bang You're DeadHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter197137:26
12The Looper TrioLife Beyond DeathHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Rapture197039:51
13Danny DillThe Eyes Of DeathThe Hangman's Blues: Prison Songs In Country Music (1956-1972)196042:00
14Faron YoungLive Fast Love Hard Die Young1953-1956 (Warped 5455)201244:30
15Autry InmanSix Rounds Of Love And HateHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter196446:47
16Johnny PriceMarijuana The Devil FlowerHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)196955:52
17Don BowmanSpanish Weed1967 (Warped 6706)196758:32
18Wendell Austin (And The Country Swings)LSDHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)19681:00:38
19Bud Freeman & The Summa Cum Laude OrchestraPlease Tell The World (A Message From The Grave)Hillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter19701:02:58
20Travelin' TexansBeating On The BarsTwisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Volume 201:03:52
21Red River DaveCalifornia Hippie MurdersHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)19701:05:40
22Mel TillisLoco Weed (Single Version)The Best of Mel Tillis19901:07:49
23Olin BinghamThey Wouldn't Listen To A KidHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter19711:16:58
24Jack CookMy Evil MindTwisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Volume 101:20:08
25Ray SandersGraveyard DanceHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter19661:22:16
26Bill CarterShot Four Times And Dyin'Twisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Volume 201:23:58
27Len BarrowHades HighwayHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)01:32:50
28Don BaileyFourteen Stories DownHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)19661:35:10
29Charlie GoreSin CityHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter19681:38:00
30Eddie NoackAin't The Reaping Ever DoneHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter19731:41:09
31Eddie NoackBefore You Use That GunHillbillies In Hell – Country Music's Tormented Testament (1952-1974) The Final Chapter19731:43:54
32Johnny Bond & His Red River Valley BoysAll I Can Do Is CryThe World Is A Monster01:46:21
33Troy HessPlease Don't Go Topless MotherHillbillies in Hell19721:46:21
34Jimmy DeanBig Bad John (Uncensored Version)Best of Answer Songs vol 319611:53:05
35Wanda JacksonJesus Put A Yodel In My SoulHillbillies in Hell19741:56:01

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

Rockabilly Shakin’ Goin’ On

Roll down the windows and put that pedal to the metal because we’ve got two hours of wild rhythms and deep cuts this coming Friday. We’ll be digging into those slap-back echo, train-beat rhythms and wild-eyed energy of rockabilly music — that explosive blend of country, blues, boogie and early rock ’n’ roll that rattled America in the 1950s and helped redraw the cultural map for a generation of teenagers looking for something loud, fast and a little dangerous. Now sure, everybody knows the giants — Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis — but tonight’s show leans into the side roads and back highways of rockabilly history. Alongside a few familiar names, we’ll spend two hours with the obscure cats, regional stars, one-hit wonders and forgotten firebrands producing some of the wildest sounds ever pressed onto vinyl. From Sonny Fisher and Ronnie Self to Roy Duke, Sonny Burgess, Johnny Garner and Laura Lee Perkins, this is the sound of American youth culture before it was polished, corporate or safe.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Louie InnisSing Your Song BabyHillbilly Bop 'n' Boogie: King/Federal Roots of Rockabilly 1944 – 56200200:10
2Tex WilliamsLet's Go RockabillyThe Hillbillies – They Tried to Rock Vol.2195705:28
3Johnny GarnerDidiDidiEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195807:30
4Lew WilliamsCat WalkEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195609:32
5Gene VincentCat ManBluejean Bop-And His Blue Caps011:40
6Sonny FisherPink And BlackClassic Rockabilly-Cool Cats & Hot Chicks195613:56
7Ronnie SelfRocky Road Blues100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201015:53
8Ronnie DawsonAction PackedRockin' Bones: The Legendary Masters [Disc 1]024:29
9The StrikesIf You Can't Rock MeEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195726:36
10Bob LumanMake Up Your MindEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195729:03
11Dave RichRed SweaterGrady Martin195731:29
12Laura Lee PerkinsI Just Don't Like This Kind Of Lovin'Essential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195833:40
13Dave RichBurn On Love FireCountry & Western Nuggets195835:27
14Sid King & The Five StringsGonna Shake This Shack Tonight100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201037:15
15Wanda JacksonWhole Lotta Shakin' Goin' OnQueen Of Rockabilly196445:25
16Ricky NelsonStood UpEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story195748:05
17Johnny Burnette Rock n Roll TrioPlease Don't Leave MeTear It Up195649:53
18Roy DukeBehave Be Quiet Or Be Gone100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201052:05
19The Collins KidsI'm In My Teens100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201054:05
20Billy & Don HartRock-A-Bop-A-Lina100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks201056:20
21Johnny HortonI'm Coming HomeAmerican Originals19561:02:45
22Johnny HortonHonky Tonk Mind (The Woman I Need)100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks20101:04:48
23Jerry Lee LewisReal Wild Child (Wild One)A Half Century Of Hits [Disc 1]19581:06:58
24Warren SmithGot Love If You Want ItThe Best of Sun Rockabilly Vol. 219581:08:49
25Sonny BurgessItchyThe Best of Sun Rockabilly Vol. 219991:10:53
26Johnny CashRockabilly Blues (Texas 1955)The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983 Disc 319921:13:09
27Johnny Burnette Rock n Roll TrioHoney HushTear It Up19561:16:26
28Carl PerkinsHamboneGrady Martin19621:22:33
29Carl PerkinsWhere The Rio De Rosa Flows100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks20101:24:51
30Charlie FeathersMatchboxGood Rockin' Tonight01:27:51
31Tommy BlakeYou Better Believe ItSun Rockabilly Meltdown [Disc 2]20091:30:20
32Tommy BlakeYou Better Believe ItKoolit: The Sun Years Plus19581:32:05
33Unknown Rockabilly BandZynnin'Boppin' By The Bayou – Baby Dolls & Drive-Ins01:34:36
34Conway TwittyI Vibrate (From My Head to My Feet)The Rock 'N' Roll Years CD219971:36:03
35Conway TwittyDon't Cry No MoreGrady Martin19631:38:03
36Mac CurtisGrandaddy's Rockin'Classic Rockabilly19561:40:33
37Skeets McDonaldYou Oughta See Grandma RockClassic Rockabilly19561:42:31
38Gene HensleeRockin BabyEssential Rockabilly The Imperial Story19541:44:27
39Johnny Burnette Rock n Roll TrioYour Baby Blue EyesTear It Up19561:46:25
40Joe ClayDucktailClassic Rockabilly-Cool Cats & Hot Chicks19561:53:26
41Johnny BurnetteDo Baby DoThe Train Kept a-Rollin' Memphis to Hollywood – CD201:55:50
42The Collins KidsWhistle Bait100 Rare '50s Rockabilly Tracks20261:57:33

Burning Love Letters

From rocking celebrations to hard-earned reflections, this week’s episode of Deeper Roots turns its attention to the man they called “The King.” We’ve got two hours with songs about Elvis Presley — musical tributes, name-drops, eulogies, and love letters from artists across the past century. Some are playful, some reverent, and some wrestle with the contradictions that made Elvis both larger than life and painfully human. Together, they form a kind of American scrapbook around a figure who never really left the cultural conversation. From the wide-eyed devotion of artists like George Jones, Janis Martin, and Bobby Bare, to later songs reflecting on the strange and tragic arc that carried Elvis from hip-shaking revolutionary to Vegas spectacle, from the Nixon White House photo-op to a lonely and frightening decline, these recordings trace the many ways America mythologized him. Whether delivered as tribute, cautionary tale, obituary, or heartfelt fan letter, the songs on this morning’s show reveal just how deeply Elvis worked his way into the DNA of rock ’n’ roll mythology — and into the imagination of generations that followed.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Elvis PresleyElvis [Excerpt From Interview Held Sept.22 1958]Elvis: A Legendary Performer Vol. 1195800:00
2Pat SmithElvis ElvisGals of the Big D Jamboree195800:25
3Billy BoyleMy Baby's Crazy 'Bout ElvisThe Greatest Novelty Songs196205:31
4Nervous NorvusElvis You're A G.I. NowStone Age Woo195808:03
5Bobby BareAll American BoyAll American Boy – CD 1196310:14
6The Hunt SistersElvis Is Rocking AgainDirty Boogie:The Fortune Records Story196013:09
7Janis MartinMy Boy ElvisLoud Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 1199914:40
8George JonesThe King Is Gone (So Are You)One Woman Man198923:33
9Steve GoodmanElvis ImitatorsArtistic Hair198326:47
10Syd Straw & The Del LordsListening To Elvis200 Cadillacs200329:36
11Horace LoganAnnouncements (& Elvis Has Left the Building)At the Louisiana Hayride Tonight (Disc 7)201733:19
12Gillian WelchElvis Presley BluesArtist's Choice: Emmylou Harris033:52
13Dan ReederClean ElvisOh Boy! A Sampler043:56
14Cris CuddyDear ElvisDear Elvis201546:31
15Greg BrownJesus and ElvisPoet Game199449:49
16John StewartI Want To Be ElvisHavana200353:17
17Loudon Wainwright IIIHappy Birthday ElvisCareer Moves199356:39
18Leon RussellElvis and MarilynAmericana19781:00:37
19Sonny BurgessBigger Than ElvisSonny Burgess19961:09:05
20Stray CatsElvis on VelvetRunaway Boys: A Retrospective '81-'9219971:11:43
21Mojo NixonElvis Is EverywhereBo-Day-Shus!!!19861:15:59
22DerailersI Love Me Some ElvisGenuine20031:20:50
23Hayes CarllJesus and ElvisWhat It Is20191:27:07
24The TractorsThe Elvis ThingFarmers in a Changing World19981:30:25
25Alannah MylesBlack VelvetThe Atlantic Story [UK] Disc 201:35:42
26Kacey MusgravesVelvet ElvisGolden Hour20181:39:38
27Marc CohnWalking in MemphisVH1 Classic: The Cuts20031:42:07
28Paul SimonGracelandGraceland19861:46:11
29Cowboy JunkiesBlue Moon Revisited (Song for Elvis)The Trinity Session19881:54:27

Tears On The Vinyl

They say that tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. Whether they are shed in the dark of a midnight heartbreak, the overwhelming light of a spiritual awakening, or the quiet ache of a memory that just won’t fade, these tiny drops of salt water carry the weight of our history. Today, we’re tracing those trails down the cheeks of American music. with a show whose theme is ‘tears’.  We’ve got two hours of the lonesome, the joyful, and the broken-hearted. Featured artists include Etta James, Mac Wiseman, Big Maybelle, Faron Young and The Pilgrim Travelers, spanning the past century of America’s music from the mid-1930s to a cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Ocean of Tears from 2019. We’ll experience tears that take us from remorse to pure joy and pleasant surprise full circle to tears brought on by physical pain. So pull up a chair, settle in, and let’s let the music do the weeping for us.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Little Anthony & The ImperialsTears on My PillowThe Best of Little Anthony & The Imperials195800:00
2Chuck JacksonTears Of JoyThe Very Best Of Chuck Jackson 1961-1967196305:35
3Gladys Knight & The PipsLetter Full Of TearsSoul Grooves200208:13
4Tammi TerrellTears At The End Of A Love AffairCome On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection196910:52
5Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesTears of a ClownMotown: The Classic Years Disc 2197013:48
6Johnny RiversThe Tracks of My TearsGreatest Hits [Capitol]196716:45
7Etta JamesTears Of JoyThe Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1195624:59
8Bonnie RaittRiver Of TearsGreen Light198227:25
9Big MaybelleOcean Of TearsThe Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-'55195532:10
10Pee Wee CraytonEyes Full Of TearsPee Wee's Blues – The Complete Aladdin And Imperial Recordings195434:37
11Ray CharlesDrown in My Own TearsPure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) (1 of 8)195936:42
12The Jackson SouthernairesNo Tears in HeavenGreat Gospel – No Tears in Heaven200444:04
13The Pilgrim TravelersGod Shall Wipe All Tears AwayGood News Vol. 4: Glory Glory Hallelujah194949:10
14The Staple SingersI Can't Help From Cryin' SometimeGreat Day196251:27
15Robert Plant and The Soweto Gospel ChoirValley Of TearsGoin' Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino [Disc 2]200753:43
16Jean ShepardCrying Holy24 Greatest Gospel Hits200955:51
17Bad LiversCrying Holy Unto The LordDust On The Bible199857:52
18Mac WisemanCrying Heart BluesGrassroots To Bluegrass19901:07:57
19Country GentlemenSilence or TearsWarped 6119 – Country Gentlemen – 196119611:10:20
20David Grisman; Emory Gordy; Herb Pedersen; Jim Buchanan; Vince GillThe Children Are CryingHere Today19821:12:56
21Dolly PartonEndless Stream of TearsThe Grass Is Blue19991:15:28
22Faron YoungTrail Of TearsHello Walls / The Young Approach19611:18:01
23Dick CurlessTears Instead of CheersA Tombstone Every Mile (7CD Set) CD6 (1950-1969)19961:20:10
24Tennessee Ernie FordOcean Of TearsThe History Of Country & Western Music (Disc 20)01:24:50
25JP HarrisOcean of Tears (feat. Miss Tess)Why Don't We Duet in the Road (Again) – EP20191:27:23
26Skeets McDonaldCurtain Of TearsSkeets McDonald – One Classic Album & Singles Collection19521:29:57
27Ray CampiCurtain Of TearsCountry Boy's Dream19881:32:17
28Ella FitzgeraldCrying My Heart Out For YouCryin' Mood19391:36:02
29Anita O'DayAnd Her Tears Flowed Like WineSentimental Journey: Great Ladies of Song19441:39:08
30Dinah WashingtonYou're Crying (from The Swingin' Miss D)Dinah Washington: Eight Classic Albums19561:42:12
31Chris ConnorTime Out For TearsWarm Cool: The Atlantic Years [Disc 1]19991:45:39
32Dinah ShoreLaughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)Your Hit Parade: 194619461:48:18
33Lula ReedI'll Drown In My Own TearsBob Dylan's Theme Time Radio19511:53:57
34Johnny RayCryColumbia Records 125th Anniversary19511:56:47

Backbeat ’50

It’s a 1950 heatwave of rhythm and blues sounds this morning on Deeper Roots. We’ll move away from anything that might be polite or polished and turn our attention to the sweat-soaked, neon-lit world of rhythm and blues, a sound that was the early morning thunder and lightning just ahead of the dawn of rock ‘n roll. We’re focusing on the year 1950 where jump blues started to grow teeth — where the saxophones were honking, the backbeats hitting harder, and indie labels from Memphis to LA were capturing lightning in a bottle. From the smoky corners of the Delta to the high voltage clubs of the North, we’re digging deep into the crates for the some pounding rhythms from Dave Bartholomew, Julia Lee, Bull Moose Jackson, Jimmy McCracklin as well as Buddy and Ella Johnson…oh, and some Tiny Bradshaw’s Breaking Up The House. As Chuck Berry pointed out: “…it’s got a backbeat, you can’t lose it, any old time you use it”.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sister Wynona CarrDon't Miss That TrainDragnet For Jesus195000:00
2Buddy & Ella JohnsonWalk the Chalk LineRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2 [Disc 7]195005:22
3Ella JohnsonNo More LoveVoodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties Females195007:56
4Jimmy McCracklinRockin? All Day (a/k/a Rockin? and Reelin?)Electric Blues?Part 1: Beginnings 1939-1954195010:56
5Bull Moose JacksonBig Fat Mamas Are Back In Style AgainBull Moose Jackson 1947-1950195013:34
6Cleo BrownRoll It BoogieBoogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195015:54
7Eunice DavisRock Little DaddyBoogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195025:17
8Austin McCoyHappy Pay Day Part 1More Mellow Cats & Kittens195027:46
9Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra w/Myra JohnsonSilent GeorgeRisque Rhythm: Nasty 50s R&B195030:56
10Jewel King3×7=21Get Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 3195033:32
11Jewel KingI Broke My Mother's RuleGettin' Funky [Disc 4]195036:04
12Julia LeeCan't Get Enough Of That StuffKansas City Star [Disc 5]195038:17
13Violet HallHe's An Ivory Beating Baby (On The Baby Grand)Boogie Woogie Gals – 1939-57195041:16
14Johnnie BrownI'm Gonna Stop (Foolin' Around)Jumpin' The Blues:MCA Label(ACE CD)195048:49
15Tiny BradshawBreaking Up the HouseBreaking Up the House [Disc 2]195051:12
16Tiny BradshawWell Oh WellBreaking Up the House [Disc 2]195053:51
17Wynonie HarrisI Want To Love You BabyAll She Wants To Do Is Rock195056:29
18Dave BartholomewAin't Gonna Do It (Rest Of My Life)Gettin' Funky [Disc 2]195059:21
19Connie JordanI'm Gonna Rock (Till My Rocker Breaks Down)Jumpin' The Blues:MCA Label(ACE CD)19501:07:07
20Ruth BrownI'll Wait For YouMiss Rhythm Greatest Hits And More Disc 119501:09:52
21Ivory Joe HunterWe're Going to BoogieRhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll Vol 2 [Disc 13]19501:12:25
22King PerryEverything's Gonna Be Alright TonightVarious Artists: Rhythm & Blues Goes Rock & Roll/Volume 2/[Disc 1]19501:15:25
23Gene PhillipsWomen Women WomenHot R&B and Cool Blues 1946-5219501:17:46
24Erline HarrisJump And ShoutGet Hot Sleazy Rhythm & Blues Vol. 319501:20:35
25Percy MayfieldStrange Things HappeningPoet of the Blues19501:25:26
26The RobinsIf It's SoThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19501:28:12
27The DominoesChicken BluesThe Dawn Of Doo-Wop Vol. 4: Doo-Wop Dancin'19501:31:14
28H-Bomb FergusonRock H-Bomb RockStompin' 1419501:34:02
29Roy Brown & His Mighty Mighty MenLove Don't Love NobodyOriginal Blues/Greatest Hits19501:36:10
30Little Esther & Mel Walker w; Johnny Otis OrchestraCupid's BoogieRoots of Rock 'n' Roll – Rough and Rowdy Vol. 319501:38:51
31The RavensMy Baby's GoneOKeh Rhythm & Blues19501:41:24
32The Three RiffsCherry In My Lemon And LimeHot Harmony Groups 1932-1951: Vol 1: That's the Rhythm19501:44:09
33Harry Van WallsTee-nah-nahAtlantic Rhythm & Blues: 1947-1974 [Disc 1]19501:46:34
34Fats DominoHey La Bas BoogieGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The Hitmakers19501:53:53
35Fats DominoThe Fat ManGettin' Funky [Disc 3] – The Hitmakers19501:56:14

Trouble In Mind

Get ready for a deep dive into the last 100 years of America’s musical DNA. This week’s Deeper Roots is a ‘romp’ in the truest sense—a free form show celebrating the winsome, the lonesome, and everything in between. We’ve got a heavy-hitting lineup including Etta James, Jimmie Davis, and Billie Holiday, spanning the full spectrum of gospel, country, blues, and jazz. Dave’s been digging through the “digital crates” of the past century to bring you two hours of essential, sometimes irreverent, always authentic sounds. Whether the selections are wholesome or a bit rowdy, this episode runs the full gamut of the American songbook. Pull up a chair at the Deeper Roots dining hall this Friday morning on KOWS Community Radio—there is plenty of soul to go around.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Sister Rosetta TharpeTrouble In My MindGospel Blues – the Very Best Of200800:00
2Louis ArmstrongNobody Knows De Trouble I've SeenLouis And The Good Book193805:34
3Sam CookeNobody Knows the Trouble I've SeenThe Man Who Invented Soul [Box Set] (4 of 4)196308:34
4The Whitstein BrothersI'm TroubledOld Time Duets198912:04
5Sam Cooke And The Soul StirrersI'm So Glad (Trouble Don't Last Always)The Complete Specialty Recordings [Disc 2]195514:42
6The Harlem HamfatsI'm In So Much Trouble NowHarlem Hamfats Vol. 3 1937-1938200517:53
7Fats DominoBad Luck and TroubleFats Domino Out of New Orleans196126:02
8Mavis Staples Levon HelmTrouble In My MindCarry Me Home202228:38
9Lee HazlewoodTrouble Is A Lonesome Town400 Miles From L.A. 1955-56195633:33
10Kay StarrI'm The Lonesomest Gal In TownCapitol Collectors Series194735:47
11The ModernairesIt's A Lonesome Old Town (When You're Not Around)The Complete Modernaires On Columbia Vol 2 (1946-1947)194738:30
12Jimmie DavisLouisiana Hayride IntroAt the Louisiana Hayride Tonight (Disc 9)201746:03
13Jimmie DavisPi-Rootin' AroundNobody's Darlin' But Mine: 1928-1937193747:13
14Scott Miller & the CommonwealthDrunk All Around This TownReconstruction200749:57
15Wayne HancockLife's Lonesome RoadA-Town Blues200152:32
16Rick NelsonLonesome Town (Unreleased)Legacy [Disc 1]195854:08
17Happy Valley BoysHomecoming Time In Happy ValleyClassic Field Recordings19401:01:08
18Tom T. HallHomecoming (Single Version)The Definitive Collection: Tom T. Hall20061:03:54
19Josh RitterHomecomingSermon on the Rocks20151:07:00
20Bob Dylan & The BandKickin' My Dog AroundThe Basement Tapes Complete: The Bootleg Series Vol. 1120141:12:19
21Gid Tanner & The Skillet LickersYa Gotta Quit Kickin' My Dog Aroun'Various Artists: Bob Dylan – Cover To Cover – The Originals VOL. 2 [Disc 2]19261:15:00
22Leon Chappel(I'm A) Long Gone DoggieAutomatic Mama19511:17:42
23Betty Hall JonesThis Joint's Too Hip For MeJumpin' Like Mad: Cool Cats & Hip Chicks Non-Stop Dancin' [Disc 1]19491:25:17
24Julia LeeTell Me DaddyThe Essential Julia Lee Vol 119481:27:47
25Mabel ScottWailin' DaddyRhythm'n'blues Nasty20051:30:34
26Etta JamesTell MamaBlues Classics '27_'69 [Disc 3]19671:33:17
27The Shangri-LasI'm BlueMyrmidons of Melodrama19651:35:34
28Willy DeVilleI'm Blue So BlueUnplugged in Berlin20111:38:58
29Dan PennBlues Of The Month ClubSmoke Filled Room20261:42:52
30Willie NelsonAm I BlueNite Life: Greatest Hits & Rare Tracks (1959-1971)19641:47:26
31Billie HolidayAm I Blue?The Quintessential Billie Holiday Vol. 9 (1940 – 1942)19411:53:54
32Julie LondonI Must Have That Man!Wild Cool and Swingin'19991:56:40

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