Updike & Easter

JOHN UPDIKE's 1960 poem 'Seven Stanzas at Easter' is easily the best known of all Easter verse. In this Easter special, we trace the poem's origins and offer seven perspectives on the intent and meaning of 'Seven Stanzas'
by David McGee
 

 
 

Thoughts on Passover

In 'Thoughts on Passover,' RABBIE STEPHEN LEWIS FUCHS reflects on this sacred occasion as a time 'to work for the day when all people everywhere are free of Pharaoh-like bondage and able to practice their religion freely.'
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘A Man of Exceptional Character’

Oklahoma football great STEVE DAVIS died in a plane crash in Indiana on March 18. As the quarterback of the OU Sooners from '73--'75, Davis won two national championships, three Big 8 titles and 32 of 34 games.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Pianist-Entrepreneur-Innovator

Pianist-entrepreneur-innovator LARA DOWNES is back with her most ambitious project, EXILES' CAFE, focusing on the concept of music written in exile. The album, though, is only the beginning.
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow’

George Morton came and went like a shadow, producing great '60s singles for the Shangri-Las and Janis Ian, and shortly thereafter, disappearing. But the Shadow left his mark. Remembering a pop great.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Silenced: Magic Slim’s ‘Raw, Unadultered Chicago Blues’

Remembering MAGIC SAM, keeper of the flame of 'raw, unadulterated Chicago blues,' who passed away on February 21.
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘What a Hero’: ALS Claims Guitarist ‘Dangerous’ Dan Toler, 64

A versatile, distinctive Southern rock guitarist, Dangerous Dan Toler succumbed to Lou Gehrig's Disease on Feb. 25. 'He really showed people how to live,' said his friend Bonnie Bramlett.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Bobby Sharp, Heart Unchained

Remembering BOBBY SHARP, who passed away on January 28. Sharp wrote Ray Charles's #1 R&B/#9 pop hit of 1962, the classic 'Unchain My Heart.'
by David McGee
 

 

 

Cleotha Staples, 78, Is Called Home

Remembering CLEOTHA STAPLES, Pops Staples' firstborn child and a vital element in the Staple Singers' success. Afflicted with Alzheimer's, Ms. Staples died in her Chicago home on Feb. 21.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Ranchers 4 Peace Mark Trayvon Martin Anniversary, Ready 2nd EP

RANCHERS 4 PEACE, the father-daughter duo of Charles and Ray Duncan, marks the anniversary of the Trayvon Martin shooting and continues work on its new EP. Free download for Deep Roots readers.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Breaking News: Chubby Checker Says Penis Measuring App Damages His Reputation. Question: What Reputation?

Chubby's riled up about the Chubby Checker App. He should be thankful for the publicity.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Talking Animals Seeks Your Support

NPR's Talking Animals, hosted by Deep Roots columnist DUNCAN STRAUSS, is in the midst of a fundraising drive. A small donation keeps it going and brings you a snazzy t-shirt to boot.
by David McGee