Remembering Pete Seeger

Remembering PETE SEEGER by those who knew him and in his own words. The first of a two-part tribute.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Remembering ‘The Undefeated Champion,’ Herman Johnson

In a Deep Roots exclusive, MARK O'CONNOR offers a warm reminiscence of one of his fiddling mentors, HERMAN JOHNSON, who passed away on Jan. 20 at age 94.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Bob Durst, Camp Counselor

MICHAEL SIGMAN remembers an odd summer camp season in 1964 when his camp counselor was an odd duck named BOB DURST, now an infamous accused murderer.
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
 

 

 

Field Notes From a Music Biz Life (Part 2)

In Part 2 of his autobiography, MICHAEL SIGMAN recalls the 'extraordinary collection of minds, heart and ears' that gathered for Saturday night festivities at the Sigman household.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Half-Century+ of Classic Animated ‘Rudolph’

On Dec. 6, 1964 NBC premiered an animated version of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER with BURL IVES as host. It drew a 50 share and was an instant holiday classic. From a 50 share to 50+ years as a holiday staple, we pay tribute...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Field Notes from a Music Biz Life (Part 1)

'No Brill Building, no me.' So begins Chapter 1 of MICHAEL SIGMAN's autobiography, FIELD NOTES FROM A MUSIC BIZ LIFE, previewed in serial form in Deep Roots.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Over There: When Americana Doesn’t Mean American

A Deep Roots Exclusive from John E. Simpson: an investigation into what makes Americana Americana when the artists performing it aren't American.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Pt. I: ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ & The Lost Punctuation Mark

What Americans hear when they listen to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' is not anything like what the English peasants meant when they first sang this song more than 500 years ago. So claims best selling author ACE COLLINS.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Remembering Mr. Earl: They Often Called Him Speedo…

REMEMBERING EARL 'SPEEDO' CARROLL and MICKEY BAKER--Earl Carroll and Mickey Baker had but one big hit each, but both are major early rock 'n' roll hits. As a singer and showman, Carroll's influence extended into the dawn of sou...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Pt. 2: ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen’ and The Dickens Connection

Ever wonder what is the Christmas carol of Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol'? Evidence points to 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' as the carol in question. We make our case herein.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Music Industry, Such as It Is…

So this is what A&R has come to? Someone taking English lessons from Beyonce?
by David McGee