Category Archives: Deeper Roots on KOWS

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

Heartland R&B

We revisit a show from ten years back that focused on R&B, sax, and a time before rock ‘n’ roll shook the world. A time of honkers and shouters. This week on Deeper Roots, we dig into the wild, joyful, and groundbreaking world of mid-century rhythm and blues through the lens of Arnold Shaw’s classic book Honkers and Shouters: The Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues. From the jump bands and saxophone blowouts to the gospel-fueled vocalists and hard-driving dance records that packed juke joints and ballrooms, we’ll explore the artists, producers, and cultural forces that gave birth to modern popular music. Join us for two hours of the sounds and stories that laid the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll and changed American music forever. We’ve got a wild one in store for you, one that we first tackled a decade ago here on Deeper Roots.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumYearStart At
1Ivory Joe HunterI Got Your Water OnThe Chronological Ivory Joe Hunter : 1947 – 1950194900:00
2Jimmie Lunceford & His OrchestraHarlem ShoutSwingsation: Jimmie Lunceford199805:56
3Lucky Millinder & His OrchestraIntro 1Big Band Jazz Jubilee Sessions [Disc 3]194508:47
4Lucky Millinder & His OrchestraThree BonesBig Band Jazz Jubilee Sessions [Disc 3]194510:01
5Sister Rosetta TharpeShout Sister ShoutShout Sister Shout [[Disc 1]] The Original Soul Sister194119:00
6Lucky Millinder; Sister Rosetta TharpeTrouble in MindThe Gospel of Blues200321:40
7Lucky Millinder; Sister Rosetta TharpeI Want a Tall Skinny PapaThe Gospel of Blues200324:05
8Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra w/Myra JohnsonSilent GeorgeRisque Rhythm: Nasty 50s R&B195026:54
9Wynonie Harris; Lucky Millinder & His OrchestraTeardrops From My EyesAll She Wants To Do Is Rock195029:29
10Wynonie HarrisHard Ridin? MamaPlayful Baby194737:12
11Wynonie HarrisI Don't Know Where to GoWomen Whiskey & Fish Tails039:42
12Eddie DurhamSwingin' the BluesKing Cole Trio: Legendary 1941-44 Broadcast Transcriptions (The)201141:57
13Count BasieTopsyKen Burns Jazz: Count Basie193743:57
14Count BasieSwingin' The BluesKen Burns Jazz: Count Basie193847:07
15Joe LigginsDaddy on My MindJoe Liggins 1948-1950195053:54
16Joe LigginsRag MopThe Chronological Joe Liggins 1948 – 1950195056:35
17Bull Moose JacksonShorty's Got To GoBad Man Jackson194659:56
18Bull Moose JacksonIf You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')Badman Jackson Thats Me19551:02:35
19Bull Moose JacksonWhy Don't You Haul Off and Love MeBadman Jackson Thats Me19491:04:57
20Big Jay McNeely & His Blue JaysDeacon's HopJump Jive & Swing19481:13:30
21Big Jay McNeelyAll That Wine Is GoneJumpin' Like Mad: Cool Cats & Hip Chicks Non-Stop Dancin' [Disc 1]19511:16:16
22Big Mcneely JayWillie And The Cool CatSwing-O-Rama : Beautiful Babies19491:19:08
23The SwallowsIt Ain't the MeatRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55 vol. 220051:21:50
24Tiny BradshawThe Train Kept A-Rollin'Sentimental Journey19511:26:26
25Tiny BradshawIntro 2Big Band Jazz: The Jubilee Sessions19441:29:08
26Tiny BradshawIt's Sand ManBig Band Jazz: The Jubilee Sessions19441:29:26
27Freddie Slack & His Orchestra w; T-Bone WalkerRifetteR&B Jukebox Hits 194319431:32:05
28Freddie Slack With The Will Bradley TrioDown The Road A PieceJuke Joint Jump: A Boogie Woogie Celebration19401:35:05
29Ivory Joe HunterStop Rockin' That TrainThe Chronological Ivory Joe Hunter : 1947 – 195019471:38:09
30Earl BosticFlamingoArtist's Choice: Rolling Stones19461:40:52
31Earl BosticAlwaysThe E.P. Collection19991:43:31
32Big Joe TurnerSun Risin' BluesBig Bad & Blue: Anthology [Disc 1]19401:46:26
33The Cab Calloway OrchestraCab Calloway Introducing Illinois JacquetCarnegie Hall 7/6/197319731:54:40
34The Cab Calloway Orchestra w; Illinois JacqauetJumpin' JacquetCarnegie Hall 7/6/197319731:54:58

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