American Routes takes a trip through the music of the Yellowhammer State—Alabama. Visit the Muscle Shoals Sound studio and find out what’s in the water around “the Shoals” to make it a historic hotbed for R&B hits by Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin and more. Also, a trip through Hank Williams’ childhood home in Georgiana, and W.C. Handy Music Festival in Florence. And music from Shelby Lynne, the Birmingham Sunlights and the Delmore Brothers.

Music and opinion on patriotism as pluralism, and sometimes protest, from guests Merle Haggard and Joan Baez. Plus blues and New Orleans jazz versions of classic freedom songs. Also American anthems from the late King of Bluegrass Jimmy Martin and the Grateful Dead. Then we’re off on a summer road trip to sample Ted Drewes’ Frozen Custard at his venerable stand on Route 66 in St. Louis, and play “Drown the Clown” at a Massachusetts county fair. Join us for a star spangled edition of American Routes.