PODCAST · music
Backtracks
by Robert Cochran & Michael Cockram
Deep in the roots of American music, there are artists whose influence and talent have been largely overlooked or forgotten. In the Backtracks podcast, folklore scholar Professor Robert Cochran and musician Michael Cockram explore the music and lives of these under-appreciated pioneers. Backtracks is a non-profit, educational podcast produced in association with the Ozark Folkways Fayetteville Folk School, a community music space. Contact us with comments, questions and information at: [email protected] Intro: Susan Shore Intro music: Rent House Stomp by Big Bill Broonzy ozarkfolkways.org.
Episodes
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The Persuasions | Expanding the boundaries of a cappella music
The Persuasions began as a doo wop a cappella quintet singing on the street corners of Brooklyn, New York. From that simple beginning their career careened in surprising and innovative directions. "Discovered" over the phone by rock musician, satirist and composer Frank Zappa, the group created...
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Martin, Bogan and Armstrong | The Legacy of the Old-Time Black String Bands
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…
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Charlie Rich | The long road to finding his voice
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...
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Clifton Chenier | The man who brought Zydeco music to the world
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...
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Willie Dunn | The resonant voice of Canada's indigenous people; with guest Kelly Mulhollan
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…
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Henry Thomas | The mystery of the hobo songster
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"...
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Lydia Mendoza | Idol of Mexican-American music
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...
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Link Wray | The power chord and beyond
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:...
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Arlene Smith and the early “girl groups” that pioneered the sound of R & B and rock vocalists
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...
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Eddie Hinton | A soulful raw talent and the career that should have been
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...
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Brenda Patterson - A Vocal Powerhouse Revisited
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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Washington Phillips - Unearthly Music of Morality, Mystery and Glory
The quintessential outsider artist, Washington Phillips composed unique ethereal gospel and morality songs that have influenced artists including Sister Rosetta Tharp, Ry Cooder. and Ralph Stanley. Phillips, an eccentric "jack-leg preacher" made his living selling wares from his mule cart in...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Deep in the roots of American music, there are artists whose influence and talent have been largely overlooked or forgotten. In the Backtracks podcast, folklore scholar Professor Robert Cochran and musician Michael Cockram explore the music and lives of these under-appreciated pioneers.
Backtracks is a non-profit, educational podcast produced in association with the Ozark Folkways Fayetteville Folk School, a community music space.
Contact us with comments, questions and information at:
Intro: Susan Shore
Intro music: Rent House Stomp by Big Bill Broonzy
ozarkfolkways.org.
HOSTED BY
Robert Cochran & Michael Cockram
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Backtracks have?
Backtracks currently has 12 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Backtracks about?
Deep in the roots of American music, there are artists whose influence and talent have been largely overlooked or forgotten. In the Backtracks podcast, folklore scholar Professor Robert Cochran and musician Michael Cockram explore the music and lives of these under-appreciated pioneers. Backtracks...
How often does Backtracks release new episodes?
Backtracks has 12 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Backtracks?
You can listen to Backtracks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Backtracks?
Backtracks is created and hosted by Robert Cochran & Michael Cockram.
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