Category Archives: Deeper Roots on KOWS

Good Night’s Sleep

A sleepy time themed collection this week as we take a deep dive into classic sounds from the past and present, all with a blend of sentiments we hold close as midnight approaches. We’ll have some old doo wop and early rock chestnuts from Jesse Belvin, The Fleetwoods, The Valentines and The Spaniels with just the right amount of rock, R&B and country. That means a little bit of Fats Domino, some rockabilly from Charline Arthur and Sonny Burgess, middling pop from Doris Day, Jimmy Durant and Dean Martin in store. Little Jimmy Dickens, Milton Brown and Swamp Dogg will also fill the air with country and blues. Friday mornings are the time to tune in for a fresh dose of America’s music from the past 100 years hear on KOWS-LP, Occidental, streaming to all of Planet Earth on kowsfm.com/listen. Be sure to install the Radio Rethink app on your Apple device and look us up. We’d be glad to have you.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Fats DominoSleeping on the JobThis Is Gold Disc 2Amazon
2Doris DayA Little Kiss GoodnightThe Vintage Years Part TwoAmazon
3Jimmy DuranteI'll See You in My DreamsAs Time Goes By: Best ofAmazon
4Dean MartinI Love the Way You Say GoodnightCocktail Hour Disc 2Amazon
5Les Paul and The Andrews Sisters feat Vic Schoen & His OrchestraIt's A Pity To Say GoodnightTrio's Complete Decca Recordings Plus (1936-47) [Disc 2]Amazon
6Linda ScottWho's Been Sleeping In My Bed?The Complete Hits Of Linda ScottAmazon
7The SpanielsGoodnight Sweetheart, GoodnightRhythm 'N' Blues: Early Doo Wop 1943-55, vol. 2Amazon
8The ValentinesDon't Say GoodnightDoo Wop Box, Vol. 3: 101 More Vocal Group Gems from the Golden Age of Rock-N-Roll Disc 2Amazon
9Jesse BelvinGoodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams)Doo Wop Vocal Group GreatsAmazon
10The Fleetwoods(Goodnight My Love) Pleasant DreamsCome Softly To Me: The Very Best Of The FleetwoodsAmazon
11Roy OrbisonGoodnightThe Monument Singles: A-Sides (1960 – 1964) [Disc 1]Amazon
12Aaron NevilleI Bid You GoodnightWarm Your HeartAmazon
13Los LobosGoodnight My LoveLa BambaAmazon
14North Mississippi AllstarsBid You GoodnightPrayer for PeaceAmazon
15Harry NilssonAre You Sleeping?The Point!Amazon
16The TokensDream Angel GoodnightWimoweh!!! – The Best Of The TokensAmazon
17The WeaversGoodnight IreneBest Of Decca YearsAmazon
18Charline ArthurKiss The Baby GoodnightWelcome To The ClubAmazon
19Little Jimmy DickensA-Sleeping At The Foot Of The BedRoughneck Blues 1949 – 1956Amazon
20Sonny BurgessA Kiss GoodnightRock n' Roll LegendAmazon
21Swamp DoggSleeping Without You Is a Dragg (feat. Justin Vernon & Jenny Lewis)Sorry You Couldn't Make ItAmazon
22Los LobosLet's Say GoodnightEl Cancionero: Mas y Mas (1 of 4)Amazon
23Loudon Wainwright IIIWhere the Whippoorwill is Whispering GoodnightHigh Wide & Handsome – The Charlie Poole ProjectAmazon
24Milton Brown & His Musical BrowniesA Thousand GoodnightsDaddy of Western Swing, Vol. 4 : Keep a Knockin'Amazon
25Hank SnowGoodnight Little BuckarooWe'll Never Say GoodbyeAmazon
26Johnnie TaylorSomebody's Sleeping In My Bed [Single Version]The Very Best Of Johnnie TaylorAmazon
27ShirellesDon't Say Goodnight and Mean GoodbyeThe ShirellesAmazon
28The McGuire SistersGoodnight, Sweetheart, GoodnightThe Mid-'50sAmazon
29Barbara MandrellSleeping Single in a Double BedSuperstars Of Country Hello Darlin' [Disc 1]Amazon
30Vera LynnGoodnight Children EverywhereA Tribute, Volume II: It's A Lovely Day TomorrowAmazon
31The Gumm SistersWhere The Butterflies Kiss The Buttercups GoodnightThe Sisters Anthology [Disc 1]Amazon

Rock Meets Country

It was without question a natural progression. All of the attributes that country inherited from gospel, blues, and jazz resulted in what amounted to competition in the charts (and in some mid-century cultural clashes). Although The Beatles had suggested a kinship with mid-sixties tributes to Buck Owens and Chet Atkins, the only comfortable way to make the marriage work was to have it come from other directions…specifically from cultural prods of Nudie suits, coupled with folk and country nudges, and the inevitable respect for the music. Gram Parsons’ influence on the late sixties rise of something they called ‘country rock’ is easy to find but Dylan’s John Wesley Harding album from 1968, The Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo, and Leon Russell’s alter-ego Hank Wilson opened the doors to a sound that swept the charts. We’ll hear some originals, covers, and a whole lot more in this week’s Deeper Roots. Hope y’all can join us.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Gram ParsonsStreets Of BaltimoreG.P. / Grievous AngelAmazon
2Gram ParsonsThe New Soft ShoeG.P. / Grievous AngelAmazon
3The BeatlesAct NaturallyHelp! [UK]Amazon
4Buck OwensAct NaturallyRemember the Titans: An Original Walt Disney Motion Picture Soundtrack (2000 Film)Amazon
5The ByrdsYou Ain't Goin' NowhereCountry Music: A Film By Ken Burns – The Soundtrack [Disc 2]Amazon
6The ByrdsThe Christian LifeSweetheart of the RodeoAmazon
7The Louvin BrothersThe Christian LifeLong Play CollectionAmazon
8Tex RitterBlue Canadian RockiesHave I Stayed Away Too LongAmazon
9The ByrdsBlue Canadian RockiesSweetheart of the RodeoAmazon
10Bob DylanJohn Wesley HardingJohn Wesley HardingAmazon
11Leon RussellShe Thinks I Still CareHank Wilson's Back [Bonus Tracks]Amazon
12Leon RussellI'll Sail My Ship AloneHank Wilson's Back [Bonus Tracks]Amazon
13Leon RussellUncle PenHank Wilson's Back [Bonus Tracks]Amazon
14Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass BoysUncle PenDecca Country Classics 1934-1973 [Disc 2]Amazon
15Moon MullicanI'll Sail My Ship AloneThe Very Best OfAmazon
16George JonesShe Thinks I Still CareSwingers [Original Soundtrack]Amazon
17Emmylou Harris & Gram ParsonsLove HurtsDuetsAmazon
18The Louvin BrothersThe Angels Rejoiced Last NightClose Harmony [Disc 4]Amazon
19Emmylou Harris/Gram ParsonsThe Angels Rejoiced Last NightSongbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems Disc 1Amazon
20Hank WilliamsHalf as Much24 GreatestAmazon
21Emmylou Harris & The Nash RamblersHalf As MuchAt The Ryman [Live]Amazon
22Emmylou Harris & The Nash RamblersCattle CallAt The Ryman [Live]Amazon
23Tex OwensCattle CallCattle Call-Early Cowboy Music And It's RootsAmazon
24Emmylou Harris & The Nash RamblersGet Up JohnAt The Ryman [Live]Amazon
25Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass BoysGet Up JohnBill Monroe: AnthologyAmazon
26Neil YoungOh, Lonesome MeAfter the Gold RushAmazon
27Various ArtistsDon Gibson – Oh Lonesome MeFifty Years Of Hits – Vol 7Amazon
28Jackson BrowneRed Neck Friend (LP Version)For EverymanAmazon
29EaglesTake It EasySelected Works 1972-1999: The Early YearsAmazon
30Bob DylanI'll Be Your Baby TonightJohn Wesley HardingAmazon
31Linda RonstadtI Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)Fifty Years Of Hits – Vol. 4Amazon
32Asleep at the WheelIda RedA Tribute To The Music Of Bob Wills (Dance Versions)Amazon
33George JonesYou're Still On My MindComplete Collection 1960-1962 [Disc 4] individual albumsAmazon

Over The Hill

While we often touch on the contemporary songs of our own and subsequent generations in the show, we also like to drill into the performers and sounds that contributed to our musical heritage. The foundation of America’s music is not just a single flavor. It is a melting pot of many from all corners: the British Isles, the African continent, the islands of the Caribbean, and points south and north. The resulting harmonies, topics, and musical celebrations have further woven themselves into the fabric of our culture. This week’s show leans on some pieces that were suggested by a listener and this allowed me to take liberties when digging a bit deeper for the show. We’ll hear from Pete Seeger, The Million Dollar Quartet, Buck Owens, Alison Krauss and Mississippi Fred McDowell. We’ll also take in the American Songbag’s In The Pines and then proceed down the river and over the hill in the show this week.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives99-1/2 Won't Do [Live]The Gospel Music Of Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives [Live]Amazon
2Annie Mae & Fred McDowellI'm Going Over The HillThe Essential Guide To GospelAmazon
3StringbeanGoing Over the HillLayin' LowAmazon
4John MartynOver the HillCouldn't Love You MoreAmazon
5Mahalia JacksonJust Over the HillSunday Morning Prayer Meeting with Mahalia JacksonAmazon
6Buck OwensGoin' Down To The RiverBuck Owens Four Classic Albums [Disc 4]Amazon
7Alison KraussDown To The River To PrayOxford American Southern Sampler 2000Amazon
8Ray CharlesI'm Going Down To The RiverAin't That FineAmazon
9Suzy BoggusIt All Falls Down To The River w/ McCrary SistersPrayin' For SunshineAmazon
10Mississippi Fred McDowellGoing Down The RiverThe First RecordingsAmazon
11Etta Baker & Taj MahalGoing Down The Road Feeling BadEtta Baker With Taj MahalAmazon
12Bobby BareGoing Down the Road (I Ain't Going to Be Treated This Way) fcc warningDarker Than LightAmazon
13Down Like SilverTo the RiverLight That Match – SingleAmazon
14Lead BellyWhere Did You Sleep Last Night?Best Of LeadbellyAmazon
15The BrownsIn the PinesClassics 1960 (Warped 6062)Amazon
16Dave Van RonkIn the PinesThe Folkway Years: 1959-1961Amazon
17Robert JohnsonCrossroads BluesBob Dylan Presents: Cover to Cover – The OriginalsAmazon
18Elmore JamesStanding At The CrossroadsLet's Cut It: The Very Best Of Elmore JamesAmazon
19The Million Dollar QuartetGreat Speckled BirdThe Million Dollar Quartet: 50th Anniversary Special EditionAmazon
20Buzz CasonHats Off to HankRare Songs of a Tribute to HankAmazon
21Hank Williams & Hank Williams, Jr.There's A Tear In My BeerFifty Years Of Hits – Vol 10Amazon
22Hank Williams, Jr.Tee Tot SongAlmeria ClubAmazon
23Dallas WayneCrank the HankRare Songs of a Tribute to HankAmazon
24Pat JohnsonHank And Tee TotAcoustic Rainbow Roots Volume 48Amazon
25Washboard SamBucket's Got a Hole in It [Remastered 2002]That's Chicago's South Side (When the Sun Goes Down series)Amazon
26Hank WilliamsMy Bucket's Got A Hole In ItLow Down BluesAmazon
27Waylon JenningsHank Williams SyndromeRare Songs of a Tribute to HankAmazon
28OdettaAlabama BoundSings Ballads And BluesAmazon
29Sister Rosetta Tharpe99 1/2 Won't DoGospel TrainAmazon
30Buddy GreeneBig Daddy's Alabama BoundA Tribute to John D. LoudermilkAmazon
31Bob DylanLay Lady LayNashville SkylineAmazon
32Bob DylanI Threw It All AwayNashville SkylineAmazon

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

This week we’ll take some time away for a celebration of Americana sounds from every corner. It’s a mixed bag of jazz, blues, country, rock, and everything in between in another of our free form eclectic romps here on Deeper Roots. Count on some wild swings and some quiet moments reserved for the corner booth in the show today. Aretha, Cat Power, Etta Jones and Gale Garnett are some of the female vocalists that we’ll feature this morning. We’ll also visit that ‘boulevard of broken dreams’ with Esquivel, some lighter instrumentals from Ethel Smith and Herb Alpert; classic softer side Americana from Chris Isaak and Pokey LaFarge and the polar opposite from Creedence and BB King. What a way to blast on into 2025. Join Dave Stroud as he begins yet another year with the promise of doing the right thing…always.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Little MiltonWe're Gonna Make ItChess Blues Disc 4Amazon
2Marvin GayeMercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)Singers And Songwriters 1970-1971 [Disc 2]Amazon
3Jimmy RuffinWhat Becomes of the BrokenheartedMotown: The Classic Years Disc 1Amazon
4Cat PowerAretha, Sing One For MeJukeboxAmazon
5Aretha FranklinDon't Play That Song30 Greatest Hits [Disc 2]Amazon
6Jimmy ReedHush-HushThe Roots of the Rolling Stones: MOJO Presents 15 Stones-Approved ClassicsAmazon
7Willie NelsonI'll Love You Till The Day I DieA Beautiful TimeAmazon
8Chris IsaakOnly the LonelyBaja SessionsAmazon
9J.J. CaleI'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)OkieAmazon
10Pokey LaFargeHome Home HomeRhumba CountryAmazon
11The MavericksThat's Not My NameSuited Up and Ready… – EPAmazon
12EsquivelBoulevard of Broken DreamsBetter Call Saul: Season 1 (Original Television Soundtrack)Amazon
13The Watts 103rd St Rhythm BandThe Joker (On A Trip Thru The Jungle)Ultimate Northern Soul – The ClassicsAmazon
14Bob Moore & His OrchestraMexicoInstrumental Favorites- Latin RhythmsAmazon
15Louis JordanRun Joe – Calypso Boys, Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5Number OnesAmazon
16Ethel SmithTico TicoTico Tico – 28 Original Mono Recordings 1944-1952Amazon
17Herb Alpert & the Tijuana BrassSpanish FleaDefinitive HitsAmazon
18Herbie HancockRockitPop Music: The Modern Era 1976-1999 [Disc 1]Amazon
19Dick Haymes & Eileen WilsonIt's A Lovely Day TodayDestination Summer Sea Cruise: 33 Ocean Steamers For Your VacationAmazon
20Julie LondonWatermelon ManWild Cool and Swingin'Amazon
21Etta Jones With J.C. Heard And His BandI Sold My Heart To The JunkmanVol. 3-Blues RootsAmazon
22B.B. KingWhy I Sing the BluesDo the Boogie! B.B. King's Early '50s ClassicsAmazon
23Gale GarnettWe'll Sing In The SunshineLifetime Of Romance: Some Enchanted Evening [Disc 2]Amazon
24ShamirLived and Died AloneNorthtown – EPAmazon
25Creedence Clearwater RevivalRun Through the JungleTropic Thunder (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Amazon
26The Notting HillbilliesRun Me DownMissing….Presumed Having A Good TimeAmazon
27First Aid KitEmmylouThe Lion's Roar (Bonus Track Version)Amazon
28Marshall CrenshawOn the RunGood EveningAmazon
29Eugene Pitt/The Jive FiveWhat Time Is It?The Doo Wop Box, Vol. 2 Disc 4Amazon
30Marshall CrenshawWhat Time Is It?Field DayAmazon

Who We Lost 2024

It’s our annual look back paying respect to some of the greats who we lost this past year. We find ourselves saying goodbye to a number of artists who contributed in their own way to America’s popular culture…in music. I’ll be sharing the names of the many contributors from the halls of country, jazz, pop, rock, and beyond. Time demands a filter which is based on direct lines of roots descent; either by song selection, expression of a genre, or by Americana popular cultural influence. I’m going to try to keep the talk to a minimum so I can catch you up on many of the artists…and I’m also going to be limiting some of the music to 30 second clips because, frankly…this was another year of loss. ….and I’m sure there are more of the obscure that we just couldn’t fit into our roll call. Tune in for a journey through the past century of America’s music on community radio for West Sonoma Country, streaming to all of planet Earth at the same time on kowsfm.com/listen. We’d love to have you.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Bill HayesThe Ballad Of Davy CrockettYour Hit Parade – 1955Amazon
2Les McCannBlues 5Drivin' BluesAmazon
3Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66Mas Que NadaCocktail Mix, Vol. 2: Martini MadnessAmazon
4Quincy JonesSoul Bossa NovaCocktail Mix, Vol. 2: Martini MadnessAmazon
5Chita RiveraAll That JazzUltimate BroadwayAmazon
6Steve LawrencePretty Blue EyesThe Forgotten 45s 1957-1959 (CD3)Amazon
7Mitzi GaynorWash That Man Right Outta My Hair (South Pacific)Golden Memories of Stage & Screen – Disk 2Amazon
8Jack JonesThis Could Be the Start of SomethingUltra-Lounge: Vegas Baby!Amazon
9James DarrenGoodbye Cruel WorldThe Best Of James DarrenAmazon
10The Collins KidsHot RodThe Oxford American Southern Music CD No. 6Amazon
11The Shangri-LasSophisticated Boom BoomMyrmidons of MelodramaAmazon
12Chan RomeroThe Hippy Hippy ShakeLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 2Amazon
13Duane EddyPeter GunnEspecially for You / Girls! Girls ! Girls!Amazon
14Clarence "Frogman" HenryA Little Too MuchBook of Love – The Argo Records Story [Disc 1]Amazon
15Cissy HoustonDeep River/CampgroundTestify! The Gospel BoxAmazon
16Maurice Williams & the ZodiacsStayDoo Wop Box Disc 4Amazon
17Marlena ShawGo Away Little BoyChess Uptown SoulAmazon
18The Four TopsReach Out I'll Be ThereThe Ultimate CollectionAmazon
19The SpinnersIt's a ShameOne of a Kind Love Affair Disc 1Amazon
20MelanieBrand New Key70s Music Explosion – MiraclesAmazon
21J.D. SoutherYou're Only LonelyYou're Only LonelyAmazon
22Martin MullEggsMartin MullAmazon
23Moby Grape8:05Moby GrapeAmazon
24The Grateful DeadBox of RainAmerican BeautyAmazon
25John MayallRoom to MoveThe Turning PointAmazon
26The Allman Brothers BandRevivalStand Back: The Anthology Disc 1Amazon
27Dave LogginsPlease Come To BostonClassic Soft Rock [Disc 2]Amazon
28It's a Beautiful DayWhite BirdWalk on the MoonAmazon
29Brewer & ShipleyOne Toke Over The Line70s Music ExplosionAmazon
30Eric CarmenHungry EyesThe Ultimate Rock Ballads Collection: The Flame [Disc 2]Amazon
31Greg KihnThe Breakup Song (Re-Recorded)True Kihnfessions (Re-Recorded Versions)Amazon
32Mojo NixonElvis Is EverywhereBo-Day-Shus!!!Amazon
33Kinky FriedmanRapid City, South DakotaKinky FriedmanAmazon
34The Oak Ridge BoysElviraThe Best Of Classic Country 80'sAmazon
35Kris KristoffersonMe And Bobby McGeeKristoffersonAmazon
36Toby Keith/Willie NelsonBeer for My HorsesLost HighwayAmazon
37Jo-El SonnierTear-Stained LetterVarious Artists: THEME TIME RADIO HOUR – SEASON 2/[Disc 2]Amazon
38Happy TraumChurch Street Blues (feat. Byron Isaacs, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams)Just For the Love Of ItAmazon
39Rick NelsonTravelin' ManThe Best of Rick Nelson, Vol. 2Amazon
40Malcolm HolcombeBits and PiecesBits & PiecesAmazon
41Barbara DaneI Hate the Capitalist SystemI Hate the Capitalist SystemAmazon
42John "Spider John" KoernerDuncan and BradyFolk Song America-A 20th Century Revival [Disc 3]Amazon
43MC5The American RuseJon Savage's 1969-1971: Rock Dreams On 45 [Disc 2]Amazon
44Lou ReedWalk On The Wild SideBest Of NRJAmazon
45Monty NormanJames Bond ThemeDr. NoAmazon
46Rachel SweetEverlasting LoveFool Around: The Best of Rachel SweetAmazon
47Ella Jenkins & Nannie McNeilHow Do You Do Ev'rybody? (Greeting Shout)The Long Road To Freedom: An Anthology Of Black Music [Disc 1]Amazon

Time

Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’ into the future…and it’s tickin’ tickin’ tickin’, too. Steve Miller certainly summed it up and our theme this week is all about the passing of time, events that take place in time, biding our time, and recalling a time. We’ll be making a swing through a number of genres and performers including Little Joe, Booker T., Bobby Bare, Evie Sands, Tom Waits and Harry James. But there’s plenty more including classic country, mid-to-late century rock n’ roll, folkie business, and the sweet torch songs that take us back. We’ve chosen to forego the Christmas celebrations because, for the most part, we can hear it elsewhere and the season is a short one with some desperation on the doorstep. Tune in for a journey through the past century of America’s music on community radio for West Sonoma Country, streaming to all of planet Earth at the same time on kowsfm.com/listen. We’d love to have you.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Steve Miller BandFly Like An Eagle (2006 Digital Remaster)Fly Like An Eagle – 30th AnniversaryAmazon
2Little Joe CookIt's Been a Long TimePeanuts and Other Delicacies: The Little Joe Cook Story (1951-1962)Amazon
3Steve ForbertIt's Been a Long TimeYoung Guitar DaysAmazon
4Harry James & His OrchestraIts Been A Long Long TimeThe Women of WW2 [V 4]Amazon
5Ella Mae MorseA Long Time AgoBarrelhouse, Boogie, And The Blues [Disc 5]Amazon
6Crosby, Stills & NashLong Time GoneCrosby, Stills & NashAmazon
7Tom WaitsTimeBeautiful Maladies: The Island YearsAmazon
8Mick LloydA Long Long Time Ago…Next Stop Is Vietnam – The War On Record, 1961-2008Amazon
9Los Lobos Feat. Dave AlvinSomewhere In TimeThe RideAmazon
10Charley CrockettTime of the Cottonwood TreesThe Man from WacoAmazon
11Connie SmithPlenty of Time1970-1971 (Warped 7108F)Amazon
12Evie SandsUntill It's Time For You To GoAny Way That You Want MeAmazon
13Junior BrownBaby Let The Bad Times Be12 Shades of BrownAmazon
14The Louvin BrothersAre You Wasting My TimeLong Play CollectionAmazon
15Don WilliamsTulsa TimeThe Definitive CollectionAmazon
16Bobby BareOne Day at a Time (1965)All American Boy – CD 4Amazon
17Willie NelsonHealing Hands of TimeWillie and the Boys: Willie's Stash vol. 2Amazon
18Danny DillHe's Biding His TimeTwisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Volume 2Amazon
19Bob DylanTime Passes SlowlyBiograph Disc 3Amazon
20Dwight YoakamJust Passin' TimeBlame The VainAmazon
21The Sweetback SistersKing Of Killing TimeKing Of Killing TimeAmazon
22Harry NilssonAs Time Goes ByAll-Time Greatest HitsAmazon
23Dooley Wilson & Elliot CarpenterAs Time Goes BySomewhere Over The Rainbow: The Golden Age Of Hollywood Musicals [Disc 1]Amazon
24The PlattersTwilight TimePure R&B: Vol. 2- Somethings Got a Hold on Me [Disc 2]Amazon
25Irma ThomasTime Is On My SideDave Godin's Deep Soul Treasures Volume 4Amazon
26The Chambers BrothersTime Has Come TodayTime Has Come: The Best Of The Chambers BrothersAmazon
27Booker T. & the MG's; The MG'sTime Is TightClassic Rock: 1969 – The Beat Goes OnAmazon
28The Blind Boys Of AlabamaThe Last TimeSpirit Of The CenturyAmazon
29Marvin RainwaterThe Last TimeWhole Lotta WomanAmazon

Heaven and Hell

On this Friday the 13th, our show takes on the constructs of heaven and hell as its chosen theme. Songs that explore the debatable and sometimes fantastical concepts that, while they vary significantly across cultures and tradition, still remain human constructs rather than universal truths. Or are they? I sure don’t know and I doubt that you do. They have no doubt been formed as symbolic or metaphorical ideas formulated to help humankind find a straight path to that ‘great morning’…or something like that anyway. We’re not here to practice heresy or blasphemy, only to observe…and there’s plenty of music to call this theme one of mixed metaphors. Tune in for some Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Eric Clapton, Solomon Burke, Bill Neely and a whole crowd of other sinners and saints pounding out the concepts of heaven and hell in song with melodies both fierce and solemn. Tune in for quite the time.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1David Lindley and Wally IngramOh DeathTwango Bango IIAmazon
2John Lee Hooker & Ben HarperBurnin' HellThe Best Of FriendsAmazon
3Dr. JohnParty HellfireAnutha ZoneAmazon
4Miss Rhapsody & OrchestraThe Night Before Judgement DayBlues WomenAmazon
5Eric ClaptonIf I Had Possession Over Judgement DaySessions For Robert JAmazon
6The Louvin BrothersThe Great Judgement MorningClose Harmony [Disc 8]Amazon
7Johnny CashRedemptionAmerican RecordingsAmazon
8Joe Strummer/MescalerosRedemption SongStreetcoreAmazon
9Vera HallDeath, Have MercySounds of the South [Disc 3] – Negro Church Music & White SpiritualsAmazon
10Jimmy ReedGoing By The River (Pt. 1)ABC Of The Blues, Vol. 37Amazon
11Hank WilliamsThe Angel Of DeathLost Highway December 1948 – March 1949Amazon
12Dave Van RonkSt. James InfirmaryTwo Sides of Dave Van RonkAmazon
13Ralph StanleyThe Death Of John Henry [Album Version]Ralph StanleyAmazon
14David Johansen & The Harry SmithsOh DeathDavid Johansen and the Harry SmithsAmazon
15Solomon BurkeThe JudgementDon't Give Up on MeAmazon
16Sister Rosetta TharpeBeams of HeavenSister Rosetta Tharpe and the Spirit of Gospel (Vol. 4)Amazon
17The Zion HarmonizersOld Time ReligionUltimate Gospel FestAmazon
18Camille HowardWhen I Grow Too Old to DreamBrown GalAmazon
19The Cats & The FiddleWhen I Grow Too Old To DreamThe Very Best OfAmazon
20John Prine & Mac WisemanDon't Be Ashamed of Your AgeStandard Songs for Average PeopleAmazon
21Red FoleyDon't Be Ashamed Of Your AgeTennessee Saturday NightAmazon
22Bill NeelySatan's Burning HellThe Essential Guide To GospelAmazon
23Sheryl CrowGo Tell It On The MountainHome For ChristmasAmazon
24Iris DeMentI've Got That Old Time Religion (In My Heart)LifelineAmazon
25Patsy ClineLife's Railway To HeavenJubilation! Great Gospel Performances: Vol. 3: Country GospelAmazon
26Grandpa JonesOpen Up Them Pearly Gates For MeAn American OriginalAmazon
27Carl StoryWhen the Pearly Gates Swing Open1951-1952 (Warped 5158)Amazon
28The Golden Gate QuartetNo Restricted Signs (Up In Heaven) (1946)Vol. 5 (1945-1949) (Complete Recorded Works In Chronologial Order, Vol. 5, 1939-1949)Amazon
29Flatt & ScruggsThe Drunkard's HellThe Stanley Brothers: Selected Sides 1947-1953 [Disc 2]Amazon
30Mississippi Fred McDowellSoon One Mornin' (Death Come A-Creepin' In My Room)Ken Burns Jazz [Disc 1]Amazon
31Fannie Bell ChapmanHe's My Rock, My Sword, My ShieldFire In My Bones : Raw + Rare + Otherworldly African-American Gospel, 1944-2007Amazon

The Rise of Soul Music

Soul music’s roots come from the urbanization and commercialization of rhythm and blues in the late fifties and early sixties. Young black musicians, often nurtured in black churches, enjoyed and listened to R&B sounds and began a fusion of R&B, blues and gospel that would later take on the moniker “soul music”. The term “soul” had been used in African American culture, particularly among musicians, to emphasize the feelings of power, spirit and creativity found in its culture. Regional acts and labels took this genre into different directions that included, among other things, vocal interplay, gospel rhythms and themes that were translated from the sacred to the secular, all with mix heavy on standard rock or brass rhythm sections. The blend and variety brought out the contrasting tones of grit and pop-infused sounds. From Sam Cooke to James Brown and Etta James to Brenda Holloway…we’ll take a journey through the rise of soul music.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Southern TonesIt Must Be JesusSouthern GospelAmazon
2Ray CharlesI Got a WomanGenius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection Disc 1Amazon
3Etta JamesTears Of JoyThe Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1Amazon
4Clyde McPhatterSeven DaysLondon American Label Year By Year 1956Amazon
5Ray CharlesLonely AvenueArtist's Choice: Joni MitchellAmazon
6James BrownPlease, Please, PleasePure R&B: Vol. 2- Somethings Got a Hold on Me [Disc 1]Amazon
7Sam CookeYou Send MeGreatest HitsAmazon
8Sam CookeI'll Come Running Back To YouBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
9Etta JamesCome What MayThe Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1Amazon
10The ChantelsMaybePure R&B: Vol. 4- What'd I SayAmazon
11Clyde McPhatterLover's QuestionThe Atlantic Story [UK]Amazon
12Ray Charles(Night Time Is) The Right TimeUltimate Hits Collection [1 of 2]Amazon
13Eugene ChurchPretty Girls EverywhereSolid Gold Soul 1959Amazon
14Jackie WilsonThat's Why ( I Love You So )Lonely TeardropsAmazon
15Jackie WilsonLonely TeardropsSolid Gold Soul 1959Amazon
16The FiestasSo FineSolid Gold Soul 1959Amazon
17James BrownTry Me20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of James BrownAmazon
18The DriftersThere Goes My BabyAll-Time Greatest Hits & More 1959-1965 [Bonus Tracks] [Disc 1]Amazon
19The ImpressionsShorty's Got To GoBirth Of Soul: 3Amazon
20Jerry ButlerHe Will Break Your HeartBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
21Marie KnightCome TomorrowBirth Of Soul: 2Amazon
22Gloria LynneYou Don't Have To Be A Tower Of StrengthBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
23The ImpressionsGypsy WomanBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
24The Mar-KeysLast NightLast Night!/Do the Pop-EyeAmazon
25Brenda HollowayI'll Give My LifeBirth Of Soul: 2Amazon
26Jan BradleyMama Didn't LieBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
27Claudine ClarkThe Telephone GameBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
28William BellAny Other WayBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
29Jimmy HughesI'm QualifiedBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
30Barbara LynnYou'll Lose A Good ThingBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
31Joe HendersonSnap Your FingersBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
32The FalconsI Found A LoveBirth Of Soul: 2Amazon
33Solomon BurkeDown In The ValleyBirth Of Soul: 2Amazon
34Etta JamesSomething's Got A Hold On MeBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
35Garnet Mimms & The EnchantersCry BabyBirth Of Soul: 1Amazon
36Barbara LewisSnap Your FingersDon't Forget About Me: The Atlantic & Reprise RecordingsAmazon

Spinnin’ The Fifties

The 1950s were an incredibly vibrant decade for music, clearly a reflection of a post-war energy and relief. Urban jazz, the bright lights of broadway, and the crooning magic moments that lept off the silver screen were a paradox to the golden age of country music, the passionate rhythm of swing and R&B and, of course, the new audiences celebrating youth at sock hops, malt shops and sleepovers. It was an age of celebration and discovery if you were young; an age of culture shock if you weren’t. This week on Deeper Roots, we’ll tiptoe through the sounds of Dave Brubeck, Dion, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry and a host of others who planted their flag in the decade of the fifties. An unusual playlist for sure. Drop on by and try to get past the fact that Black Friday will soon be over and holiday madness gets into full swing.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Rosemary ClooneyHey ThereMagic Moments – The Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 1)Amazon
2Peggy LeeBali Ha'iAmerican BeautyAmazon
3Doris DayWhatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)Magic Moments – The Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 1)Amazon
4Sarah VaughanLover ManGreat American SongbookAmazon
5Chet BakerMy Funny ValentineBlue Note Blend: On The Count Of 3Amazon
6The Dave Brubeck QuartetTake FivePop Memories of the '60sAmazon
7The ChampsTequilaRock Instrumental Classics vol. 1 – The '50SAmazon
8Duane EddyRebel RouserTwang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology [Disc 1]Amazon
9Santo & JohnnySleepwalkBillboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1959Amazon
10Hank WilliamsHey, Good Lookin'24 GreatestAmazon
11Johnny CashI Walk The LineOriginal Greatest HitsAmazon
12Porter WagonerA Satisfied MindA Slice Of Life & Satisfied MindAmazon
13DionI Wonder WhyDoo Wop Box Disc 3Amazon
14Frankie Lymon & The TeenagersWhy Do Fools Fall In LoveGlory Days Of Rock 'N' Roll: Doo-Wop [Disc 1]Amazon
15The BobbettesMr. LeeThe Doo Wop Box, Vol. 2 Disc 2Amazon
16The FleetwoodsCome Softly To MeMalt Shop Memories – Top Down Convertible Sound ( Disc 1)Amazon
17The PlattersOnly You (And You Alone)All-Time Greatest HitsAmazon
18The PlattersThe Great PretenderDoo Wop Box Disc 1Amazon
19Fats DominoBlueberry HillThis Is Fats DominoAmazon
20Frankie AvalonVenusBillboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1959Amazon
21Ricky NelsonLonesome TownDestination Lonely StreetAmazon
22Ricky NelsonPoor Little FoolRicky NelsonAmazon
23Paul AnkaDianaGems from the Columbia Vaults, Pt. 1Amazon
24Elvis PresleyDon't Be CruelMemories: Jukebox Gems (Disc 1)Amazon
25Chuck BerryRoll Over BeethovenBlowing The Fuse: 1956Amazon
26Little RichardTutti FruttiPure R&B: Vol. 1- Got My Mojo Workin [Disc 1]Amazon
27Eddie CochranSummertime BluesLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 3Amazon
28Bill Haley & The CometsRock Around The ClockRock N' Roll Greats Volume 1Amazon
29Elvis PresleyJailhouse RockCan't Help Falling In Love (Remastered)Amazon
30Danny & the JuniorsAt the HopThe Rock 'N' Roll Era: 1957Amazon
31Chuck BerryJohnny B. GoodeJohnny B. Goode-His Complete 50's Chess RecordingsAmazon
32Big Joe TurnerShake, Rattle & RollAtlantic Rock & RollAmazon
33Little RichardLong Tall SallyBlowing The Fuse: 1956Amazon
34Shirley & LeeLet The Good Times RollBlowing The Fuse: 1956Amazon
35Ray CharlesWhat'd I SayThe Soul Story, Vol. 1 [Disc 2]Amazon

American Banned Stand

The past century’s puritanical interlopers, better known as the ‘thought police’, have had their way with music. And we’re not talking about just the lyrics (which will no doubt be the source of most of the songs in the show today)…whether that be the sound of the saxophone or Link Wray’s sinister fuzz and feedback…telling us how to think or suggesting that your children would be swayed to the dark side due a mention of Susie getting home past curfew. It’s an age old problem. It’s really stinkin’ thinkin’ if you’d have asked Frank Zappa. And someone did and summarized his opinions thusly: “Bad facts make bad law, and people who write bad laws are, in my opinion, more dangerous than songwriters who celebrate their sexuality.” All the songs this week suffered from some form of censorship, whether corporate or governmental. And we’re going to play them…damned be the fools.