Americana Podcast
Americana Podcast: The 51st State explores the Americana music genre through in-depth interviews with musicians, hosted by Americana pioneer Robert Earl Keen. Each episode covers artists' histories, creative processes, successes, and failures, offering a personal perspective on the genre's roots and evolution. The show aims to expand the definition and reach of Americana music by letting the musicians tell their own stories.
Episodes
Rodeo Sunsets and Silver Screens | Ryan Bingham
On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor, and Academy Award winner Ryan Bingham for a conversation recorded at the legendary Continental Club in Austin, Texas.
Before Hollywood recognition and Yellowstone fame, Bingham's life was shaped by the realities of the American West—rodeo circuits, ranch work, and years spent wr
Take Me to Church | Meat Church with Matt Pittman
On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Matt Pittman to explore the rhythm, tradition, and storytelling behind barbecue.
Born and raised in Texas, Pittman built Meat Church from humble backyard beginnings into a widely followed brand known for its seasonings, classes, and YouTube channel. What started as trial and error became a craft rooted in patienc
REMASTERED: Billy Strings | From The Big Bang to Bluegrass
In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Billy Strings to talk about learning to play, the craft of songwriting, and the evolving world of Americana music.
Born William Apostol and raised in rural Michigan, Billy Strings grew up surrounded by bluegrass. By the time he was a teenager, his blistering flatpicking had already earned him a reputation as a pr
Blue Delta Jeans | The Threads of Life
In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, we listen for a different kind of music.Not the kind that starts on a stage. The kind built into process. The low hum of a sewing machine. The steady rhythm of hands at work. The quiet beat of something being made with intention.The story begins in Tupelo, Mississippi, a town forever tied to music. Gospel, blues, and early rock and roll left th
James McMurtry | A Man of Many Worlds
In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen sits down with one of the most quietly influential voices in American songwriting: James McMurtry.For decades, McMurtry has carved out a singular space where songs are more than melodies. His writing is built on gritty character studies, moral landscapes, and moments of hard-won clarity—stories that feel lived in, observed
Our Alright Guy | Todd Snider Revisited
Today’s episode is a rerun, and we bring it to you with a heaviness that is hard to put into words. When we learned of Todd’s passing on November 14th, it felt as if something vibrant had suddenly drained from the world, as if a familiar warm light we’d always counted on had quietly dissipated into the ether, leaving us in a cold sadness which we may never shake. Revisiting this conversation now f
Terry Allen & Jo Harvey | Lubbock and Life (On Everything) - Part 2
In part two of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen continues his conversation with Terry and Jo Harvey Allen—two legendary Texas-born artists whose creativity has spanned generations, mediums, and continents.From a childhood friendship in Lubbock to a coin toss that took them west, Terry and Jo Harvey’s story unfolds like a piece of living Americana—filled with grit, luck, and
Terry Allen & Jo Harvey | Lubbock and Life (On Everything) - Part 1
In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen sits down with two of Texas’s most revered creative forces—Terry and Jo Harvey Allen. A true artistic duo, their work stretches across music, theater, film, literature, and visual art, each piece carrying the unmistakable edge of West Texas grit and imagination.Terry Allen, celebrated as both a groundbreaking songwriter an
Evan Felker | Worth More Than the Price of Admission
In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen heads into the heart of Red Dirt country with none other than Evan Felker, frontman of the Turnpike Troubadours and one of the most compelling songwriters in modern Americana. From the dusty backroads of Oklahoma to the national stage, Felker has built a legacy rooted in grit, grace, and lyrical honesty. His songs, shaped
Shooter Jennings | Bridging the Gap and Producing the Future
In this special episode of Americana Podcast, host Robert Earl Keen takes listeners on a journey from the heart of Nashville to the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, exploring the rich history and evolving future of Americana and Country music. His guest is Shooter Jennings, an outlaw by birth and a tastemaker by trade, who has carved out a unique role in shaping the genre's direction.As the son
Cheiffalo Americana | A Foray into Fashion
In this special episode, Americana Podcast steps beyond music to examine another vital thread of American culture: fashion. Host Robert Earl Keen sits down with Roger and Jackie Chieffalo, founders of Chieffalo Americana, a Fort Worth-based western outfitter reimagining classic style for the modern age.Together, they explore:The origins of Chieffalo Americana and how a shared love of tailoring spa
Steve Poltz | Santa Cruz, Saul Bellow, and Kidnapping John Prine
Americana Podcast explores the artists and ideas shaping American roots music, focusing this episode on the genre-defying Steve Poltz. Poltz is celebrated for his originality, blending tradition with unpredictability in a career that spans decades. Born in Nova Scotia and raised in Southern California, he first gained widespread attention as the co-writer of Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me. Howe
Archival and Revival
As Robert Earl Keen & team look forward to more touring, a new record, and a new season of the Americana Podcast, join us as we take a moment to look back, in order to look forward for what’s to come. This episode contains the previous season’s best-of moments from the 51st State. Hear conversation clips from bluegrass genre-bender Billy Strings (01:41), American Aquarium's BJ Barham (08:56), mode
Ray Wylie Hubbard (Live from KNBT) | A Five Year Anniversary of Rednecks and Radio
Hello and welcome Americana Podcast listeners to a very special and celebratory episode. Long time listeners and new friends, we are so excited to share with you that as of April 29, 2024- we are celebrating the 5th Anniversary of this show. It has been such an honor to have been documenting the story of Americana through the artist’s lens. And we’ve heard some incredible stories, from Billy Strin
Hiss Golden Messenger | The Art of Interpretation
Hello and welcome to a new episode and a new year Americana Podcast listeners. We’re so happy to be back and we have a very exciting episode for you today to celebrate the new year. I’m particularly excited for this show because it really brings us to a full circle moment in the history of this podcast. From long-time audience members to latest episode listeners, you know that every episode featur
Gretchen Peters | The Write Place and Time
Like what you hear? Feel free to support the Show!https://tiptopjar.com/americanapodcastWe have a very special guest in this episode. Today, we're diving into the rich tapestry of the extraordinary songwriter, Gretchen Peters. Growing up next to the legendary Greenwich Village folk scene, before moving to Colorado where she cut her teeth as a performer, and finally settling in Nashville at the hei
Americana Podcast LIVE | State of Americana Panel
It's time to break out the party hats and pop the champagne because the Americana Podcast is celebrating its 4th anniversary! For the past four years, this podcast has been a leading voice in the Americana music scene, sharing interviews, stories, and music from some of the genre's most talented artists. And in our tireless efforts to promote and celebrate the diverse range of sounds and styles, w
John R. Miller and Chloe Edmonstone | Shakedown from Shenandoah
It seems we’re back in that strange space in time where there are days that can 70 degrees and sunny and beautiful. The birds are singing and the blossoms on trees are beginning to light up the branches like a holy and natural Christmas lights… and then the next day we’re right back into the holds of a winter that every year seems to overstay its welcome. You get a taste of that warmth in your bon
Lonestar Lineup | The Voices of Red Dirt and Texas Country
It’s a new year Americana Podcast listeners! And with a new year, means new discussions on what makes Americana… well Americana. When we look at this genre, we talk a lot its history and its future. And over time we’ve been able to piece together this ongoing timeline and certain elements that are key to its existence. Base influences in songwriting, certain instrumentation, and geography. If you’
Vince Herman | Salmon and Solos
Many would know Vince Herman as the guitarist and primary lead vocalist and songwriter of the renowned jam band, Leftover Salmon. Herman has been playing professionally since the late 80’s and, Leftover Salmon aside, also formed and played in ever-evolving project group Great American Taxi. Between the two bands, Herman has recorded over 10 albums and has toured the world over, whilst simultaneous
Paul Thorn | Pimps, Preachers, and Blues Singers
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin but raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, Paul Thorn has had quite the roundabout career. Son of a Pentecostal preacher, Thorn wasn't allowed to indulge in music outside of the church, but honed his skills early on within its walls. Thorn worked as everything from a professional boxer to a furniture manufacturer before being discovered by famed manager Miles Copeland. In 1997,
Billy Bob Thornton, JD Andrews (The Boxmasters) | Resource and Influence
There are four types of discourse in language- descriptive, narrative, expository and argumentative. And it seems that all four of those are readily present in any niche interest group on the internet these days. Anything from the way a machine works (descriptive), the exact timeline of Tolkien's world building (narrative), someone breaking down the latest universe development in a comic-book base
Jim Lauderdale | Zen There, Done That
If it’s one thing that we love here at americana podcast, it is the concept of the artistic process. We’re not alone in this, it seems that when anyone speaks about artists, musical, visual, conceptual- you name it- one of the first things people will go into or ask about, is how a piece of art came to exist.We’ve been doing it for three years on this show. And even when you ask an artist “how did
Rob Bleetstein | The Man with a Thousand Tickets
Over the course of nearly three years, we at Americana podcast have spoken with a wonderful collective of artists and industry professionals alike about the workings in and of this ever expanding umbrella of music we lovingly refer to as Americana music. Parts of that discussion have at times touched on its history- but we have never really broached the subject of its early days and what that enta
Americana Podcast | Artist's Archive
This show is going to be a little different from our usual programming. As I’m sure you’ve noticed- we’ve taken a little bit of a break over the last few months as we’ve taken the time to regroup, and reconstruct etc. As we move forward, it is important to us to reiterate that we are still very much dedicated as a platform to the expansion and definition of Americana Music through conversations wi
Elizabeth Cook | Jack of All Trades, Master of None
We’ve all heard the common phrase “a master of none” in reference to an individual who is seemingly versatile, flexible, and knowledgeable in their pursuits. Regardless of what they are. We’re not surprised when an artist is an avid reader nor are we shocked when a mathematician takes an interest in subjects like music. The term “master of none” alone, suggests that having multiple interests and b
Kam Franklin (The Suffers) | The Renaissance Woman in Her Element
It’s happened to all of us. we’re chatting with another person, getting to know each other and then the question “What kind of music do you like” comes up.. At which point many of us are better off reading a thesaurus outloud trying to describe it as we do our best impression of that scene in High Fidelity where Dick is describing the enigmatic Mardie de Salle to Rob “She's kind of Sheryl Crow-ish
Brent Cobb | This Place Called My Life (Anniversary Episode)
Hailing from Americus Georgia, Brent Cobb got his start with his first record “No Place to Leave” in 2006, a roots meets red hot chilli peppers- esque album produced by his cousin Dave Cobb. After “no place to leave”, Brent returned to Georgia but moved to Nashville shortly after with the encouragement of singer Luke Bryan- where Cobb then joined carnival music publishing as a regular songwriter.
Billy Strings | From The Big Bang to Bluegrass
Okay y'all… We need to talk about something. at first we only heard about it in whispers or read it in citations or saw the occasional New Yorker comic about it. But now’s it’s been going on for a bit and we can’t ignore the elephant in the room any longer.. Bluegrass music is considered cool now. I know. I'd like to say i’m surprised, but I’m really not. Bluegrass music has a rich and vibrant hi
John Craigie | People Remember the Stories
John Craigie began his career like many artists of the early 2000’s- playing in coffee shops up and down the coast of California with the occasional intrastate appearances in other coffee shops. during this time, Craigie honed his craft as a songwriter but also took the time to develop a real stage experience. looking to artists he admired such as Todd snider and Arlo Guthrie- John Craigie adopted
Todd Snider | Never Met a Story(teller) I didn't like
Storytelling is as old as communal language itself and songwriters are an extension of the great tradition of sharing experience through words... And Americana music is as loyal to that part of our history as it is dedicated to continuing to share those experiences between artists and listeners. Possibly one of the most talented of those writers working now is Todd Snider. Originally born in Port
Waylon Payne | All the Trouble
Waylon Payne's road to country music stardom seemed to be paved with gold. Son of songwriting legend Sammi Smith, guitar player Jodi Payne, and godson to Waylon Jennings.. The pedigree was there and it didn't take long to see that Waylon Payne's way with words and musical ability were also flourishing.. But sometimes life takes us on different paths and we find that our story becomes one fo redemp
Josh Morningstar | Pullin' Weeds
Originally from Funkstown, Maryland- Josh is a singer-songwriter now based in Kentucky. He’s toured with the contemporary greats including Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Shooter Jennings, and Todd Snider- and has written hit songs for artists including Cody Jinks and Hayes Carll and is just an overall song-smithing son of a gun. Morningstar only has one album out currently - but it’s the kind of rec
Lori McKenna | Always Be Humble and Kind
Grammy-winning Lori Mckenna was born, raised in, and remains in Stoughton Massachusetts. If you’re unfamiliar with her solo career I would personally bet that you’re still familiar with her songwriting. Having penned and/or co-penned songs like Faith Hill’s “Stealing Kisses”, Little Big Town’s Girl Crush, and Tim McGraw’s “Humble & Kind”. Her work has not only rooted itself in every class of Nashv
Milk Carton Kids | Songs, Soundtracks, and Stages
Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan have been writing and working together as the Milk Carton Kids since 2011. In that time they have released five records, been included in various small and big screen enterprises and, as of 2018, are the acting hosts of the Americana Music Awards. This colorful history can most likely be particularly attributed to two aspects of their work together: there mellifluo
One Year of Americana Podcast | Jamestown Revival + Robert Keen
In the summer of 2018, we said "We need to talk about Americana music". At the time it felt that there was an apparent disconnect in not only the discussion around the genre but in the would-be community as well. Industry workers and audiences were leading the conversation, but there appeared to be a disturbing absence of input from the most important individuals in American-roots-based music… Th
Mandolin Orange | Spread Like Wildfire (Live At Railbird)
"Sentimental music has a great way of taking you back somewhere at the same time it takes you forward, so you feel nostalgic and hopeful at the same time."- Nick Hornby Robert Earl Keen speaks live from Railbird Music Festival with Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Mandolin Orange about developing a setlist from a large catalog, building a community, and the future of Americana music. Americana Po
Drew Holcomb | A Special Kind of Souvenir (Live at Railbird)
Drew Holcomb, originally from Memphis and currently residing in Nashville, TN, formed his band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors in 2006 and was an early adopter of the term "Americana". Holcomb's discography is impressive, extending as far back as 2005, and has a nearly consistent output of a 2-year album cycle. His most recent record, Dragons, was released in August of 2019. Holcomb's musical ident
Chris Shiflett | A West Coast Take (Live at Americanafest)
BE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE WALKING THE FLOOR PODCAST TO HEAR THE OTHER HALF OF THIS LIVE-RECORDED EVENTRecorded life at AMERICANAFEST in Nashville, TN, host Robert Earl Keen speaks with Chris Shiflett. Some of you may recognize him as the guitarist of the famed rock-band the Foo Fighters while others (or both) might know him from his podcast Walking the Floor with Chris Shiflett.Shiflett was podcast
I'm With Her | Live at Railbird Music Festival
The individuals we bring into our lives are sources of happiness, pain, direction, growth, etc. Some may be new and others may have been there from what feels like the very beginning. And like that, there stands a physical embodiment of the intersection of time and influence all wrapped up into one person, or two… or maybe three.On today's episode of Americana Podcast, recorded LIVE at Railbird, h
Shinyribs | Soul, Surrealism and Santa Claus
On today's episode of Americana podcast: the 51st State - Kevin Russell. Also known as Shinyribs.Kevin Russell, or as we've been calling him "the physical embodiment of sound"- was born in the late '60s in Beaumont, Texas. In his formative years, Russell's family relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he was exposed to one of the richest hotbeds for roots-based music. At 17 he began to play in
Baptiste W. Hamon | Pour le Salut de la Chanson
Up to this point, Americana has been defined as American root-based music. What then when the roots grow deeper and expand beyond the borders of the continent? What if the sounds, cadence, and singer-songwriter qualities of Americana are there.. just not the language? Baptiste W. Hamon has been playing and writing music professionally since about 2015. Releasing his first record in 2016 and his se
Cody Canada | Roots in Red Dirt (Live from Gruene Hall)
Americana, for all intents and purposes, is roots-based music. Sounds, songs, and stories are as much a part of the region as they are apart of the artist. Although the Americana generally adopts regional sounds and sub-genres and provides a platform with a wider national and international reach, we have to wonder what we as listeners might be losing when not defining a song or a band by where it/
American Aquarium | Road Dogs and Work Logs
Host, Robert Earl Keen speaks with frontman and lyricist BJ Barham of the band American Aquarium.BJ Barham, originally from Rockingham, North Carolina, started American Aquarium in 2006. Despite going through a number of members, Barham has stuck with the band through and through acting as the frontman and primary lyricist throughout its changes. Touring anywhere from 200 to just over 300 dates a
Word on the Street | Mark McKinney
Historic music venues are such special places. Beacons of history and culture, these venues are ones act almost as a road between the past and the present. For newer musicians taking the same stage as their heroes- and audiences getting to be apart of that moment, is a magical experience. On this episode of Word on the Street, Americana Podcast speaks with talent buyer, Mark McKinney of Floore's C
The White Buffalo | The Voice is an Instrument
On Americana Podcast: The 51st State, Robert Earl Keen speaks with The White Buffalo aka Jake Smith. Smith has a way of combining plain-speak lyrics with punk-like acoustic chord progressions that become all the more powerful when partnered with his resounding and unmistakable baritone. Smith's work was used heavily in the hit show "Sons of Anarchy" and his last record Darkest Darks, Lightest Ligh
Ben Dickey | If I Could Only Fly
The legendary songwriter Blaze Foley died tragically in 1989. His catalog has lived on in the hearts of music lovers everywhere and was brought back to life in the biopic "Blaze". Adapted from Sybil Rosen's book "Living in the Woods in a Tree" and directed by Ethan Hawke, the film was released in 2018 and introduced the world to musician/actor, Ben Dickey.Ben Dickey has been playing music most of
Word on the Street | Tamara Saviano
At Americana Podcast it is our goal to define and expand on the term Americana as it applies to music.Word on the Street are brief interviews with music industry professionals and dedicated music lovers alike.On this episode of our Word on the Street segment, we speak with author, producer, and Americana champion Tamara Saviano. Saviano is a prolific author, Grammy-award-winning producer, music le
Reckless Kelly | Rubber on the Road
Since the word Americana was first used in application to music, Reckless Kelly has championed it throughout their career. Beginning in Idaho and moving down to Austin, TX, Reckless Kelly has had a long and fulfilling career without any signs of slowing down. Having made 9 studio records, attracted a loyal following, and overseen the transition of the famed Braun Brother Reunion from regional cele
Word on the Street | Mike Morgan
Welcome to our Word on the Street Segment of Americana Podcast! As part of our goal to define and expand the term Americana in regards to music, Word on the Street is a brief interview with either music industry professionals or a dedicated music lovers. "Word on the Street" is released two weeks after episodes of "Americana Podcast: The 51st State".Our first episode of "Word on the Street" featur
Bruce Robison | The Songwriter's Songwriter
Robert Earl Keen talks with singer/songwriter Bruce Robison. During his career, Robison has written hits for acts including but not limited to Tim McGraw and George Strait. On this episode, Bruce Robison discusses his songwriting, changes in music production, and his thoughts on how to expand the reach of Americana music. Americana Podcast: The 51st State is a platform dedicated to sharing and ex
Lucero | Walk Among the Ghosts
Host Robert Earl Keen speaks with Brian Venable and Ben Nichols of the band Lucero. Having celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band in 2018, Lucero talks about longevity, their growth as musicians and their particular take on Americana music. Americana Podcast: The 51st State is a platform dedicated to sharing and expanding on the Americana genre's roots, reach, and definition. Each episode is
Jamestown Revival | Education of Wandering Men
Our host, Robert Earl Keen speaks with Zach Chance and Jonathon Clay of Jamestown Revival about the early formation of their band, their songwriting process, and their growth and education as musicians. Americana Podcast: The 51st State is a platform dedicated to sharing and expanding on the Americana genre's roots, reach, and definition. Each episode is told from the point of view of the musicia
Coming Soon!
Americana Podcast: The 51st State is a platform dedicated to sharing and expanding on the Americana genre's roots, reach, and definition. Each episode is told from the point of view of the musicians that have dedicated their lives to it. Robert Earl Keen, Americana pioneer and host, interviews musicians, exploring their unique histories, creative processes, successes, failures, and everything in b
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