Dancing Bears: la danse de l’ours

Dancing bears have been around since at least the Middle Ages. Sheer Folk blogger SERGIO RIBNKIKOV GUNNARSON has been studying the rather obscure history of these mammalian hoofers and herein reports on his findings.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Gordon Stoker Goes Home, and The Jordanaires’ Story Ends

With the death of GORDON STOKER on March 27, THE JORDANAIRES' story has come to an end. We pay tribute to one of the great men of the music world and a group that made a difference when Elvis called them on board.
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
 

 
 

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
 

 

 

‘It’s Time to Shine’: An Interview With Ivy Ford

IVY FORD, riding a wave of acclaim for her 2020 album Club 27 (a Deep Roots Album of the Year), sits down for an interview conducted by LINDA CAIN, founder/managing editor of the essential CHICAGO BLUES GUIDE.
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Mythic Weight Of Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift: A Semicentennial Reflection

November 22, 1963, was a horrible day for the nation, and for PHIL SPECTOR, a personal disaster as well, as his ambitious Christmas album arrived and was promptly forgotten. A semicentennial look back ensues.
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
 

 
 

Chris Morris Writes the Book on a Great American Band

LOS LOBOS is a vitally important American band, and now it has a biography to suit its stature. MICHAEL SIGMAN gets the story behind CHRIS MORRIS's LOS LOBOS: DREAM IN BLUE.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Elite Half Hundred of 2014 (Part 2)

THE 442s and FARMER JASON bookend Nos. 26-50 of the ELITE HALF HUNDRED OF 2014.
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
 

 

 

Video Moment for the Ages

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, back home in NJ, August 20, 1978. 'Badlands." Rock 'n' roll at its apex. No further explanation necessary.
by David McGee
 

 
 

‘It’s Just Like An Unfinished Diamond’

You know the legend. Here's our Listener's Guide to the essential Little Richard on record.
by David McGee