The Old Guard Hated the Rock But Loved the Bankroll (Field Notes From a Music Biz Life, Part 4)

In Part 4 of his autobiography, MICHAEL SIGMAN explains why the old guard post-war pop songwriters 'hated the rock but loved the bankroll'
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Elite Half-Hundred of 2020, Part 1

THE ELITE HALF-HUNDRED OF 2020, Parts 1 and 2, is topped by the REV. LUTHER BARNES and THE RESTORATION WORSHIP CENTER CHOIR’s LOOK TO THE HILLS.
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘Our Spirit Refuses to Die’: Declaring A National Day of Mourning

The story of the National Day of Mourning marked by Native Americans on the fourth Thursday of November begins in November 1970, the 350th anniversary of 'the first Thanksgiving,' with the suppressed speech of Wamsutta (Frank B...
by David McGee
 

 
 

Learning to Savor Thanksgiving:

Learning to savor Thanksgiving: Two Native Americans explain how they have embraced certain aspects of the white man's Thanksgiving rituals.
by David McGee
 

 

 

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
 

 
 

Video Moment of the Week

NU-BLU releases the third video from its tenth anniversary album, titled Ten. 'Without a Kiss,' a sensitive ballad addressed to a departed spouse, elicits one of Carolyn Routh's most affecting vocals.
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
 

 
 

The Heroic and Visionary Women of Passover

'...at Passover, we must tell the stories of the women who played a crucial role in the Exodus narrative.' JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBERG and RABBI LAUREN HOLTBLATT offer an important perspective.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Hailing An American Treasure

From TheBluegrassSpecial.com's December 2010 issue, Chip Stern's insightful, impassioned missive concerning the life and music of Dave Brubeck on the occasion of the master's impending 90th birthday.
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
 

 

 

‘Where Were You, Lord, When This Was Happening?’

A review of VICTOR LEE AUSTIN's moving 'Losing Susan: Brain Disease, The Priest's Wife and The God Who Gives and Takes Away; and an interview with the author.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Video Moment of the Week

Traditional bluegrass quartet NU-BLU is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, with a new album (Ten) and three new videos of songs from that album. The first of those videos is right here, 'Trains I Didn't Take.'
by David McGee