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
Charley Pride and Charlie Musselwhite
June 11, 2025
This week we toe, walk and cross the blurry line between country and blues, as performed by both Black and white artists. Guests include white blues harmonica player Charlie Musselwhite, who tells us about his lifetime journey from Mississippi to Memphis to Chicago to California; and the late Charley Pride talks about his upbringing in Sledge, Mississippi, his baseball career, and being an African American country singer with 29 number one hits to his name. Plus bluesy-country and country blues from Hank Williams, Howlin’ Wolf, Aretha Franklin and more.
NEXT WEEK
Juneteenth with the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters
For Juneteenth, it’s music from the Staple Singers, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Bob Dylan, plus classic jazz, reggae and a new generation of singers: the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Norah Jones and Questlove. Then, songs, rhythms and histories from the Georgia Sea Islands Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters.
The Art of Music: Richie Havens, Peter Max & Hatch Show Print
American Routes delves into the colorful convergence of art and music… from artist-musicians to painterly album covers and audacious poster art. The late Richie Havens was one such artist turned musician. We’ll learn about his tenure as a Greenwich Village portraitist and his legendary opening act at Woodstock. Then, conversation with artist Peter Max, known for his pop-art colors, cosmic subjects and iconic album covers. And a visit to Nashville’s Hatch Show Print, who printed posters for musicians from Bessie Smith to Johnny Cash, for a primer on the art of letterpress.
Urge Congress: Save Public Media Funding
The White House is planning to release a proposal that would claw back already approved public media funding. If Congress agrees, your local stations could lose critical support – immediately.
Save your local stations. Urge your lawmakers to oppose the rescissions package.