Backtracks

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4
4 shares
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OilNFHa1AOc
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcLgJ-K49a8
2 shares

https://www.posada-art-foundation.com/
2 shares
https://dust-digital.com/
2 shares
https://www.michaelcorcoran.net/juneteenth-wash-phillips-son-of-slaves-makes-music-for-the-ages/
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https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/rumble/
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Martin, Bogan and Armstrong | The Legacy of the Old-Time Black String Bands

Season 1 · Episode 11

Saturday, June 13, 2026 • Duration 32:06

From their beginnings in Knoxville Tennessee playing on street corners in the late 1920's through their resurgence on the festival circuit in the 70's and 80's, Martin, Bogan, and Armsrtong carried the torch of the old-time black string band tradition . Their vast repertoire included swing, blues, show tunes, tin pan alley favorites, and any genre that would get their audience tapping their feet. With relentless energy, these consummate entertainers helped keep alive a string band tradition reaching back to the beginnings of African American musical history.

R. Crumb's Sweet Shellac podcast on black string bands of the 20's and 30's:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JB-Nf-x1zM&t=1043s

Allison Williams and Elizabeth Scott - Old time banjo and Music History.

This page has great resources on old-time black string bands

https://folklife.uark.edu/apprenticeships/williamsscott26/

The African-American String Music Tradition - Afro pop interview with Howard Armstrong:

https://www.afropop.org/audio-programs/the-african-american-string-music-tradition-2?curator=MusicREDEF

Howard Armstrong PBS POV documentary "Sweet Old Song" availble for purchase on film maker Leah Mahan's website:

https://www.leahmahan.com/films/sweet-old-song/

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Charlie Rich | The long road to finding his voice

Season 1 · Episode 10

Friday, April 24, 2026 • Duration 35:45

Most people remember Charlie Rich for his 1973 country/pop hits and his controversial pyrotechnical antics at the 1975 Country Music Awards. But before his star rose in Nashville, he had early rock and roll hits on Sun Records. Later in his career, after his fame faded, he teamed up with music historian and producer Peter Guralnick to make the album he dreamed of; a soulful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.

Songs:

Lonely Weekends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YD_Ejb450

Most Beautiful Girl in the World:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLbGeZSUrhg

Life's Little Ups and Downs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kO7p2bpya0

Pictures and Paintings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDNmFzY5Wxw

Bobby Blue Bland's versions of Who Will the Next Fool Be?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjzY5i3jDbc

Videos:

Charlie Rich on the Jimmy Dean Show

Songs:

Clifton Chenier | The man who brought Zydeco music to the world

Season 1 · Episode 9

Sunday, March 22, 2026 • Duration 37:06

From the heart of French-speaking Louisiana, Clifton Chenier transformed the rural Zydeco of his father's generation into an international embodiment of high-energy good-time music. He was the first to broaden the genre by incorporating other forms such as blues, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. Despite the addition of electric instruments and new forms, his accordion-driven music never strayed far from it's origins of creating a place for working people to leave their troubles behind and let the good times roll.

Interview with Chris Strachwitz:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGUqnOYUi1A

Songs:

J’Ai Conet, C’Est Pas Me Femme (I Know She’s Not My Woman)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwioXT2UDW4

Someone Told Me it was Over:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIhc4CQFah8&list=RDcIhc4CQFah8&start_radio=1

Release Me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Q2kKsNNS8

A Tribute to the King of Zydeco. "Release Me", featuring Lucinda Williams, Tommy McLain, and Keith Frank is available through a variety of services: https://orcd.co/releaseme1

"A Tribute to the King of Zydeco" available for pre-sale now:

Willie Dunn | The resonant voice of Canada's indigenous people; with guest Kelly Mulhollan

Season 1 · Episode 8

Sunday, March 1, 2026 • Duration 43:56

Largely unknown on the folk scene in the US, Willie Dunn is an important figure in framing the stories of native Canadians in songs, films, and art. With a rich voice, strong melodies and subtle arrangements, his music brings to light an overlooked chapter in the history of North America.

For this episode we're joined by musician and author Kelly Mulhollan of the duo Still on the Hill.

https://www.stillonthehill.com/

Links:

Film:

The Ballad of Crowfoot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4

Songs:

Pity the Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4

Son of the Sun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ZG-6SxEBk

Charlie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWEl9naKPZo

Pontiac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svwrIF7atVI

Digging Roots Band website:

Henry Thomas | The mystery of the hobo songster

Season 1 · Episode 7

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 • Duration 34:18

Little is known about the life of Henry Thomas, but his legacy of 23 recorded songs influenced generations of folk, rock, and blues musicians. He often accompanied himself on the "quills" a pan flute-like instrument probably fixed in a brace around his neck. Often using the name "Ragtime Texas" Thomas was born in east Texas and was known to travel by train as a hobo, Otherwise his life is a mystery.

Songs:

Fishing Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OilNFHa1AOc

Bull Dog Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcLgJ-K49a8

Arkansas:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdtoZzctg1c

Video: Otha Turner cane fife player in the Mississippi fife and drum tradition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MgK8RtFWQY&list=WL&index=11

Sid Hemphill - Devil's Dream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP3GKaX_Kz8

Video of African Quill playing

Ritual dance nsambo and panflutes Nyanga (Mozambqie)

Lydia Mendoza | Idol of Mexican-American music

Season 1 · Episode 6

Sunday, December 28, 2025 • Duration 34:58

From her modest beginnings in the Mendoza family band playing for migrant farm workers, Lydia Mendoza became the undisputed queen of Tejano music, receiving awards from presidents and appearing on a US postage stamp. In her 70 years of performing, she never strayed from her Tejana roots, singing cinematic tales of love, treachery and courage. Whether singing alone accompanying herself on bajo sexto or performing with a conjunto band, Mendoza’s voice rings out strong and pure.

Thanks to Scott Newby for suggesting Lydia Mendoza for this episode, and also to Cathy Whitney and Oscar Calzada for helping with translation.

Songs:

Mexico in la Laguna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvm6BeoAvj8

Celosa (Live)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X-L39r1oTI&list=RD9X-L39r1oTI&start_radio=1

Mal Hombre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwTSPb3YVbI

Corrido de Juaquin Murrieta

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymR2oV9W9VQ

Noche de Estrellas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ4yaiW1h4g

La Boda Negra

Link Wray | The power chord and beyond

Season 1 · Episode 5

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 • Duration 44:22

Most often cited as the inventor of the power chord, Link Wray's loud gritty sound had a big influence on rock, heavy metal and punk music. Later in his career he embraced his Native American roots and produced a strong body of work that ranged from acoustic blues to southern rock.

Documentary: Rumble | The Indians that Rocked the World

https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/rumble/

Youtube interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql_4wAinGig

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Arlene Smith and the early “girl groups” that pioneered the sound of R & B and rock vocalists

Season 1 · Episode 4

Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Duration 37:06

In the 1950’s, the 16-year-old lead singer for the Chantels, Arlene Smith wrote hits and sang with a confidence and power. While the content and production of the songs are simplistic by todays standards, her full-throttled singing would influence vocalist from Janis Joplin to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sings the Arlene Smith song "Maybe" at Slane Castle, Ireland:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dd-X-lkc70

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Eddie Hinton | A soulful raw talent and the career that should have been

Season 1 · Episode 3

Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 32:18

From his beginnings as a session guitar player at the famed Muscle Shoals Sound studio to writing hits and his “larynx-shredding” vocals, Eddie Hinton was the “young genius who could do it all.” But as popular tastes shifted away from rhythm and blues, Hinton refused to crossover to pop music and his career faded. He continued to perform and record but his rough and tumble life style took its toll and died at 51 in his mother’s home.

Audio of Eddie Hinton singing She Caught the Katy at the Poretta (Italy) Soul Festival 1991. Video footage at his mother's house in Alabama circa 1994.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdXqmCJvPEg

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Brenda Patterson - A Vocal Powerhouse Revisited

Season 1 · Episode 2

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 • Duration 36:44

While Brenda Patterson had several strong solo albums, movie soundtracks and sung backup for Dylan and Ry Cooder, she somehow missed broad mainstream success. We look back at the span of her career in multiple genres - all with a soulful Memphis-infused sound.

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Backtracks – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

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Backtracks – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Youtube34

Other13

PBS1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Youtube34

Other13

PBS1

Apple Podcasts

Spotify