American Routes is blues and jazz, gospel and soul, rockabilly and country, Cajun and swamp pop, Tejano, Latin… and beyond. Songs and stories from musicians describe a deep and diverse nation with sounds and styles shared by all Americans. From the bayous to the beltways, from crossroads to crosstown, on interstates and city streets, turn up your radio for the sonic journey!
American Routes—produced in New Orleans since 1998
Remembering Flaco Jiménez and Eddie Palmieri
September 17, 2025
This week, we feel the Pan-Latin vibe and remember the late Flaco Jiménez and Eddie Palmieri. San Antonio native and king of the conjunto accordion, Jiménez recalls his father’s influence on his playing. And NuYorican jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri talks about reshaping Latin bands with his La Perfecta group in the early 1960s. Plus, hear how Latin music influenced American roots rock, jazz and even Cajun music.
NEXT WEEK
Autumn Equinox: Changes & Sounds of the Season
As temperatures begin to dip and the leaves turn color, we celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with a soundtrack for the changing season. We hope for crisp air in Fall with Nina Simone’s plea, “Chilly Winds Don’t Blow,” and Sarah Vaughan’s take on Kurt Weill’s “September Song.” For the harvest, we spin Johnny Cash’s “Pickin’ Time.” And with shorter days and longer nights, it’s Ahmad Jamal playing “Old Devil Moon” and Van Morrison with “Moondance.” Plus, we pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin, whose spirit prevails for all seasons, with memories from her Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler, studio musicians from Muscle Shoals, and her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin.
How Blue Can You Get?: Howard Tate and Lyle Lovett
When we asked Lyle Lovett why he didn’t stick with journalism, he said “It’s hard to sing the newspaper.” From blues to country to Texas swing, Lyle and his large band can tell some good stories, and they’re not all about penguins. We’ll hear all about it (and more) when we sit down in conversation. The late Howard Tate was a master of soulful singing, bringing his bluesy touch and deep meaning to such classics as “Get it While You Can” and “Ain’t Nobody Home.” We’ll talk about his life in Philadelphia’s gospel and soul scenes, and his path back to the stage.
Remembering Flaco Jiménez & Eddie Palmieri
Flaco Jiménez, king of the conjunto accordion, passed away Thursday, July 31, at age 86.
Nuyorican jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri passed away on Wednesday, August 6, at the age of 88.
You can find our interviews with Flaco Jiménez and Eddie Palmieri here.