In one of the big surprise stories in roots music of the past six months, Georgia-based Russell Moore was named the newest member of Alison Krauss and Union Station, taking over the male vocal and guitar role held by Dan Tyminski for years. Moore is on the upcoming album Arcadia and set to go on extensive tours in 2025 and ‘26. It’s a big move for this fan favorite. Moore got his start with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver in the 80s and then started his own band - IIIrd Tyme Out - in 1991. Since then he’s been perhaps the most awarded male voice in bluegrass. This is the story of how he launched and managed his impressive and influential career.
-
When I met lifelong musician Red Young on board Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruise, I knew I had to interview him. He’s had one of those journeyman’s careers that ties together all the threads of American music, from pop to R&B to jazz. He’s a pianist, Hammond organ specialist, singer, arranger and producer, and at 76 years old, he’s seen it all. He’s worked with Kinky Friedman, Joan Armatrading, Dolly Parton, Sonny & Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Eric Burdon of the Animals, Marcia Ball, Janiva Magness, and of course Delbert McClinton himself, whom he met in his home town of Fort Worth, TX some sixty years ago. Sit back and enjoy the stories. -
I was raised on instrumental music before I fell in love with songs and songwriters, so I keep my radar scanning for contemporary instrumental records in the roots music space. For years, such albums came predominantly from the bluegrass universe, but through 2024 and on into this year, I kept latching on to sonic excursions encompassing rock, blues, guitar folk and twangy jazz. Here’s a roundup of recent recordings that will set your head bobbing while requiring no verbal skills. -
It would be hard to name any songwriter in Nashville’s long history whose work has been recorded by more stars across more genres of music than Gary Nicholson. The Texas native came to Nashville in 1980 after stints in Ft. Worth and Los Angeles, and not only did he amass an impressive string of country music hits with Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, and more, he became Music City’s go-to soul and R&B man, conjuring songs for Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, BB King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and even Ringo Starr. Now at 74 he’s turned his own performing/recording life to songs of conscience and social protest, as on his new album Common Sense.
LINER NOTES
-
Listen to Jessie Scott as she sits down with William Prince for a Words & Music session. -
The gang from Fruition sat down with Jessie Scott for a special Words & Music set Monday, November 18th. -
A new original song for SAFPAW from Nashville songwriter, Tim Easton. See the video and find out more about SAFPAW and Tim's support of their mission for the past ten years.
WMOT VIDEO: LIVE SESSIONS ON NPR MUSIC
-
Multi-instrumentalist Lizzie No performed "Lagunita" and "The Heartbreak Store" from her album 'Halfsies' live at the 2024 AmericanaFest Day Stage. Watch the performance here. -
Last week, husband-wife duo Chatham Rabbits stopped by the WMOT studio in Nashville for an impromptu 3-song set and interview. Listen to the full episode here. -
We're getting close to the end of our weekly video features cut from the best of our WMOT Americana Day Stage 2024. And this week's feature gets up close with an artist who's usually fronting a funky, greasy band. Paul Thorn, the amazing Mississippi-raised singer, songwriter (and former pro boxer), is just as persuasive and witty performing solo with a guitar, and that's how we got to experience him last September. Plus see the dates for our final two AmFest mini-sets. -
Tiny Desk winner Alisa Amador performed "Extraño" and "Milonga Accidental" at the 2024 AmericanaFest Day Stage. Watch the songs here.
NPR Top Stories
-
Staffing at the HUD office that pays for housing and support services across the country is slated to be cut by 84%. Advocates warn such heavy cuts could make record-high homelessness even worse. -
Students in an elementary school broadcasting club in California are among the youngest winners of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge. -
The tech titan and President Trump say they will avoid any conflicts of interest, but it's difficult for the public to verify that.
Win tickets for The Lumineers with guests, Chance Pena, October 3rd, at Bridgestone Arena
Win a pair of tickets to Alabama Shakes at Ascend Amphitheater on July 25, 2025
Sign up for our weekly newsletter, featuring music news, contests and our concert calendar.
