Deep Roots Magazine

Deep Roots Magazine

Roots Music and Meaningful Matters

 
 

 

Surf in Verse, 2021 Edition

Return to one of our most popular summer features, SURF IN VERSE, four evocative poems about the surf experience. This year's edition includes the oldest known surfing poem, THE SONG OF THE SURF, circa 1867, by ADAM LINDSAY GORDON
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
 

 

 

The Anti-Slavery Roots of ‘O Holy Night’

Attacked for his opposition to inequality, slavery, injustice and other kinds of oppression, French poet PLACIDE CAPPEAU insinuated his unpopular thoughts into an 1847 poem that became 'O Holy Night'
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Soft, The Warm, The Syncopated Yule

A trifecta of outstanding stocking stuffers for this--and every--Yuletide season: AMBER WEEKES's THE GATHERING; ROBERT PRESTA & ADRIANA SAMARGIA's FIRST SNOW; and RALLY 'ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE, PARAGON RAGTIME ORCHESTRA
by David McGee
 

 

 

Dear Santa Claus

From 1901, a collection of charming holiday stories for boys and girls. They don't write 'em like they used to
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Deep Roots Yuletide Baedeker 2025

The annual DEEP ROOTS YULETIDE BAEDEKER is online, with links to new and vintage content published in Deep Roots over the years--a holiday bonanza of vintage music, animated evergreens, holiday-themed films, holiday fiction, ho...
by David McGee
 

 

 

Gone Home

A tribute to Alvin Lee, who walked away from the mammoth success of Ten Years After to pursue his solo muse. A true '60s guitar legend, Lee passed away on March 6.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Hubble Sees a Supermassive, Super-hungry Galaxy

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has located spiral galaxy NGC 4845, more than 65 million light-years away in the constellation of Virgo (The Virgin). At its glowing center is a supermassive black hole.
by David McGee