American Roots Radio

[Rock Historian]

There is a unique program/FM broadcast based out of New Orleans, and conducted from a college in the city (Tulane University)

"American Roots"

Focusing on (but not limited to) Americana, Blues, Country Blues, Folk, Traditional New Orleans Jazz, Swing, R&B, etc...(read below).

You will find/discover many artist who have inspired and influenced Robert Plant (and Zep) within the framework of the program. The history and origin of the music is also briefly discussed, giving you a more in-depth experience and knowledge of the arist being presented.

The archives date back to 1998 - present, and can be streamed online (anytime) or found on your FM dial (if within range) 89.9 - Sunday's @ 8pm.

Robert Plant's Preservation Hall performance from July, 2011 can also be found here. (under "show archives")

Here is a brief desciption of the program:

“In the history of American radio, no series has come close to Nick Spitzer’s American Routes in exploring the many streams of this nation’s music.”

— Nat Hentoff, Wall Street Journal

American Routes is a weekly two-hour public radio program produced in New Orleans, presenting a broad range of American music — blues and jazz, gospel and soul, old-time country and rockabilly, Cajun and zydeco, Tejano and Latin, roots rock and pop, avant-garde and classical. Now in our 12th year on the air, American Routes explores the shared musical and cultural threads in these American styles and genres of music — and how they are distinguished.

The program also presents documentary features and artist interviews. Our conversations include Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, B.B. King, Dr. John, Dave Brubeck, Abbey Lincoln, Elvis Costello, Ray Charles, Randy Newman, McCoy Tyner, Lucinda Williams, Rufus Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others. Join us as we ride legendary trains, or visit street parades, instrument-makers, roadside attractions and juke joints, and meet tap dancers, fishermen, fortunetellers and more.

The songs and stories on American Routes describe both the community origins of our music, musicians and cultures — the “roots”— and the many directions they take over time — the “routes.”

Please enjoy:

http://americanroutes.wwno.org/