Hard Times and Honky Tonks: Dale Watson, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
The sounds may seem old but the songs are not. This week on
American Routes
we visit with a few musicians who are known for crafting modern country music from old-time inspirations.
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
share with us how they fit "an electric peg into an acoustic hole." Then a conversation with Austin's king of the honky-tonks,
Dale Watson
, who literally wears his musical inspirations on his sleeve.
John Sebastian & Bonsoir Catin
American Routes
heralds the 100th birthday of our nation's greatest roving troubadour and social commentator,
Woody Guthrie
, with a two-hour special dedicated to his life in music. We'll visit with friends and relatives who share tales of Guthrie's trials and triumphs, from Okemah, Oklahoma to Coney Island, New York. Guthrie's children, Nora and Arlo, reflect on their father's life, scholar Guy Logsdon discusses Guthrie's Dust Bowl days and Pete Seeger shares the backstory to Woody's anthem for the "down and outers." Plus music and memories from Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Moses Asch, Bob Dylan and so many others.
50 Years of Arhoolie Records
It’s the 50th anniversary concert of the legendary Arhoolie Records and we’re bringing the party to you live from Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. Nick is joined on stage with the pioneering label’s many admirers including roots rock guitarist Ry Cooder, bluesman Taj Mahal, Michael Doucet of Beausoleil, New Orleans’ Treme Brass Band, sacred steel masters the Campbell Brothers, the Mexican-American traditionalists Los Cenzontles and many special guests. We’ll also chat with Arhoolie’s founder, Chris Strachwitz about his passion for putting American roots music on record.