Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 

The Wounded Wanderer, Restored

U.S. Route 50 lives in the shadow of Route 66 in the lore of legendary American highways, but it’s no less awesome as either myth or fact. Built in 1926 as part of the original U.S. Highway system, Route 50 runs east and west...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Stranger On the Shore

In 1962 British jazz clarinetist ACKER BILK penned a haunting instrumental for his daughter Jenny, changed its title and saw it sell a million copies. Here's how YouTube commenters remember it.
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘It Must Have Been the Mistletoe’: Mandrell Knew It Was Cool Before It Was Cool

"It Must Have Been the Mistletoe,' written by JUSTIN WILDE and DOUG KONECKY, has become a contemporary seasonal standard, but it wasn't an easy sell. The story behind the song follows.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Chaplin As a Composer

Skepticism greeted the credit 'Music Composed by Charlie Chaplin' on a CITY LIGHTS title card. Attitudes changed as subsequent films showed the flowering of a 'Chaplinesque' style.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Christmas Blues with a Positive Spin

Appraising a Yuletide gem from Carolina beach music legend, soul veteran CLIFFORD CURRY, and a look back at Curry's interesting career.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The True Meaning of Passover

Author-essayist CHARLES S. WEINBLATT explains why Passover and Easter are occasions for people of all faiths to 'eradicate the evil that surrounds us,' and declares, 'The rebirth of this spirit is the true meaning of Passover.'
by David McGee
 

 

 
Mike Zito Life Is Hard

Deep Roots Albums of the Year, 2024 Edition

MIKE ZITO's 'Life is Hard' tops the 2024 Deep Roots Albums of the Year selections
by David McGee
 

 
 

Letter to a Friend

In 1868, JOHN MUIR, then a University of Wisconsin student, wrote to his 'spiritual mother' to tell her of his recent travels and his growing devotion to a joyous and reverent communion with Nature.
by David McGee