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:
backtracks444@gmail.com
Intro: Susan Shore
Intro music: Rent House Stomp by Big Bill Broonzy
ozarkfolkways.org (http://ozarkfolkways.org).
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 huge discography from the sacred to the profane; all with impeccable arrangements and harmony.
Spike Lee's film "Do it A Capella"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UZZpkRwnNQ&t=4334s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UZZpkRwnNQ&t=4334s)
Interview with front man Jerry Lawson on Frank Zappa and the Persuasions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuT710R9tjk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuT710R9tjk)
Two of the harder to find songs:
Good Old A Capella
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vInVtExVw0Y&list=RDvInVtExVw0Y&start_radio=1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vInVtExVw0Y&list=RDvInVtExVw0Y&start_radio=1)
The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (Frank Zappa tribute album):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c9EfRZXglg&list=RDvInVtExVw0Y&index=2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c9EfRZXglg&list=RDvInVtExVw0Y&index=2)
13 Jun 2026
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, 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 (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/ (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 (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/ (https://www.leahmahan.com/films/sweet-old-song/)
24 Apr 2026
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 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YD_Ejb450)
Most Beautiful Girl in the World:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLbGeZSUrhg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLbGeZSUrhg)
Life's Little Ups and Downs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kO7p2bpya0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kO7p2bpya0)
Pictures and Paintings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDNmFzY5Wxw (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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjzY5i3jDbc)
Videos:
Charlie Rich on the Jimmy Dean Show
Songs:
River Stay Away from my Door
Big Boss Man (Not Lonely Weekends as I said in the podcast)
1975 CMA Awards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3t3unp-Gg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3t3unp-Gg)
22 Mar 2026
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 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 (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 (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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIhc4CQFah8&list=RDcIhc4CQFah8&start_radio=1)
Release Me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Q2kKsNNS8 (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 (https://orcd.co/releaseme1)
"A Tribute to the King of Zydeco" available for pre-sale now: https://linktr.ee/valcourrecords (https://linktr.ee/valcourrecords)
Reserve your limited-run vinyl copy of "A Tribute to the King of Zydeco" now: https://www.valcourrecords.com/vinyl/ (https://www.valcourrecords.com/vinyl/)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFI2em9qUjhFczNhbGw4a1pPZWZrNUZsNUJhZ3xBQ3Jtc0trV2VfLXNHMEstQ082VS15bFVYc21wM2NSWlVUWVZyakt1OExpTERoMDVOdDhHT2pObkpCYzZubUZycERTTHVqVF94MEMtUEhPa19XdnlIcnBCV3JhRHVVWGJEUlV1RWRXTGJIbGhrTE1aaExDWWVRVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.valcourrecords.com%2Fvinyl%2Fa-tribute-to-the-king-of-zydeco-clifton-chenier&v=A-Q2kKsNNS8) 100% of profits benefit the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship Fund, created by Valcour Records with the Center for Louisiana Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Learn more about the fund here: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/ (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0lheXhyODZCc0dxcnFLWC0tNUlRbHJhOUpCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttMTZZMUN0TmVJVVBmLV80NGVYeEJaUmxZZ1FRUkNWOFNhdjFMTHFhQjdyRGpzaGhvV21KbEpSOUNZUm5FMDlTM1NCZFlzUVl5ODh4WlRwbllLeFlxaUh3d3ppbUVrSzBGRDBCNkF3NFA1Z0xxbE95Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givecampus.com%2Fcampaigns%2F48096%2Fdonations%2Fnew&v=A-Q2kKsNNS8)
Grand Mamou (Big Mamou):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh9NhkWWVsw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh9NhkWWVsw)
I'm Coming Home (to See my Mother):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_06Ig59jo8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_06Ig59jo8)
1 Mar 2026
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 this episode we're joined by musician and author Kelly Mulhollan of the duo Still on the Hill.
https://www.stillonthehill.com/ (https://www.stillonthehill.com/)
Links:
Film:
The Ballad of Crowfoot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4)
Songs:
Pity the Country
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4)
Son of the Sun:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ZG-6SxEBk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ZG-6SxEBk)
Charlie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWEl9naKPZo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWEl9naKPZo)
Pontiac:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svwrIF7atVI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svwrIF7atVI)
Digging Roots Band website:
https://www.diggingrootsmusic.com/ (https://www.diggingrootsmusic.com/)
20 Jan 2026
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" 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OilNFHa1AOc)
Bull Dog Blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcLgJ-K49a8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcLgJ-K49a8)
Arkansas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdtoZzctg1c (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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MgK8RtFWQY&list=WL&index=11)
Sid Hemphill - Devil's Dream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP3GKaX_Kz8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gP3GKaX_Kz8)
Video of African Quill playing
Ritual dance nsambo and panflutes Nyanga (Mozambqie)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLLX_xqoK_0&list=WL&index=11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLLX_xqoK_0&list=WL&index=11)
Possible video of Henry Thomas playing guitar and quills:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75v6uwO5tVA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75v6uwO5tVA)
Don Flemmons, contemporary songster, demonstrates the quills and "hooting" technique:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqIdB9cNt5Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqIdB9cNt5Q)
28 Dec 2025
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 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvm6BeoAvj8)
Celosa (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X-L39r1oTI&list=RD9X-L39r1oTI&start_radio=1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X-L39r1oTI&list=RD9X-L39r1oTI&start_radio=1)
Mal Hombre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwTSPb3YVbI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwTSPb3YVbI)
Corrido de Juaquin Murrieta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymR2oV9W9VQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymR2oV9W9VQ)
Noche de Estrellas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ4yaiW1h4g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ4yaiW1h4g)
La Boda Negra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1sInnfrxjc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1sInnfrxjc)
Information about the artwork of Jose Guadelupe Posada can be found at the Posada Art Foundation.
https://www.posada-art-foundation.com/ (https://www.posada-art-foundation.com/)
One book on his work is entitled Posada's Broadsheets – Mexican Popular Imagery 1890-1910;
Patrick Frank; University of New Mexico Press; 1998
25 Nov 2025
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: Rumble | The Indians that Rocked the World
https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/rumble/ (https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/rumble/)
Youtube interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql_4wAinGig (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql_4wAinGig)
23 Oct 2025
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 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dd-X-lkc70)
29 Sept 2025
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 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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdXqmCJvPEg)
20 Aug 2025
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.
21 Jul 2025
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 central Texas. He eventually recorded his music in the late 1920's but remained in obscurity until other artists discovered his songs.
Special thanks to the major sources for this episode:
Dust to Digital Records
https://dust-digital.com/ (https://dust-digital.com/)
Michael Corcoran
https://www.michaelcorcoran.net/juneteenth-wash-phillips-son-of-slaves-makes-music-for-the-ages/ (https://www.michaelcorcoran.net/juneteenth-wash-phillips-son-of-slaves-makes-music-for-the-ages/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Host of Backtracks?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
