This episode of Backroads and Banjos serves as a memorial for the recently deceased old-time banjo player and singer Wade Mainer. Often considered the Grandfather of Bluegrass, Mainer managed to bridge the gap between bluegrass and old-time mountain music

Dust-to-Digital founder Lance Ledbetter stops by to chat with Art about Dust-to-Digitals most recent offering, ...i listen to the wind that obliterates my traces. This set is a hardcover book with 2 CDs that brings together a collection of early photograp

Art takes a look at the Mexican corrido. Much like folk music from Europe and the United States, the corrido is a narrative style of ballad from Mexico that centers on themes of oppression, daily life and social commentary. The show opens with one of Arâ€

Art looks at the life and music of Amede Ardoin, a man often considered the King of Creole music. Born in the late 19th century, Ardoin was an expert at the Creole accordion and had a voice noted for its expressive and emotive sound. Along with his musica

As the dog days of summer wear on, Art decides it is time to hit the high seas and takes a look at one of his favorite nautical LPs. Released in the early 70s, Roberts and Barrands LP Across the Western Ocean is chock full of faithful renditions of classi

Art shares some of his recordings from Midwest Banjo Camp from earlier in June. The show opens with a conversation and a couple of tunes from legendary fiddle player Byron Berline. Berline was major player in the country rock movement in the late 1960s pl

After a few days of teaching banjo at Midwest Banjo Camp 2011, Art returned to the South and stopped by the AM 1690 studios itching to play some of his favorite banjo tunes and share some camp stories. Art plays songs in a variety of styles including his

Art pays tribute to the music made by various Native American tribes throughout the country. Most often associated with war dances, Art looks at the music aside from these dances which includes storytelling songs, ballads and even a contemporary blues num

Art looks at the career of blues and gospel musician Rev. Gary Davis. As an infant in Laurens, South Carolina, Davis was mistakenly given medicine to help his vision that led to him going blind at a young age. Much like many other Southern African-America

Art takes a look at one of his recordings with Howard Finster from 1984. This segments focuses on one track from the recording that has Finster recalling events from his childhood. While in previous segments we have heard Howard's music and his signatur