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Soundcheck

Friday, May 02, 2008
  • Country Music Originals: The Legends and the Lost
    Country Music Originals: The Legends and the Lost

    Country Music Originals

    Long before Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson, a cadre of small-town preachers, hell-raisers, cowboys and blind men were among the first to record what we now know as country music. Today: a look at the evolution of the genre and its unsung heroes. Plus: Grammy nominated banjoist Tony Trischka brings bluegrass to our studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.

Tony Trischka

Tony Trischka says he didn’t choose to play the banjo -- it chose him. But during his 40-year career, he’s inspired a generation of bluegrass musicians to pick up the instrument. On his Grammy nominated CD "Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular," he collaborates with banjoists ranging from Bela Fleck to comedian Steve Martin. Trischka joins us for an in-studio performance.

Tony Trischka's website
"Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular" on Amazon.com

When Country Wasn't Cool

Country music goes back much further than Hank Williams or Johnny Cash - all the way to the 19th century. It's an early history of colorful characters and surprising musical innovations. We'll talk to Tony Russell, a country music historian, and author of the new book, "Country Music Originals: The Legends and the Lost."

Our Blog: John Schaefer's thoughts on country music.

Tony Russell's "Country Music Originals" on Amazon.com

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

Soundcheck

Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

Soundcheck