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Backtracks

Backtracks

By: Robert Cochran & Michael Cockram
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About this listen

Deep in the roots of American music, there are artists whose influence and talent have been largely overlooked or forgotten. In the Backtracks podcast, folklore scholar Professor Robert Cochran and musician Michael Cockram explore the music and lives of these under-appreciated pioneers.

Backtracks is a non-profit, educational podcast produced in association with the Ozark Folkways Fayetteville Folk School, a community music space.

Contact us with comments, questions and information at:

backtracks444@gmail.com

Intro: Susan Shore

Intro music: Rent House Stomp by Big Bill Broonzy

ozarkfolkways.org.

Music
Episodes
  • Charlie Rich | The long road to finding his voice
    Apr 24 2026

    Most people remember Charlie Rich for his 1973 country/pop hits and his controversial pyrotechnical antics at the 1975 Country Music Awards. But before his star rose in Nashville, he had early rock and roll hits on Sun Records. Later in his career, after his fame faded, he teamed up with music historian and producer Peter Guralnick to make the album he dreamed of; a soulful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.

    Songs:

    Lonely Weekends

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YD_Ejb450

    Most Beautiful Girl in the World:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLbGeZSUrhg

    Life's Little Ups and Downs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kO7p2bpya0

    Pictures and Paintings:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDNmFzY5Wxw

    Bobby Blue Bland's versions of Who Will the Next Fool Be?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjzY5i3jDbc

    Videos:

    Charlie Rich on the Jimmy Dean Show

    Songs:

    River Stay Away from my Door

    Big Boss Man (Not Lonely Weekends as I said in the podcast)

    1975 CMA Awards:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3t3unp-Gg

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    36 mins
  • Clifton Chenier | The man who brought Zydeco music to the world
    Mar 22 2026

    From the heart of French-speaking Louisiana, Clifton Chenier transformed the rural Zydeco of his father's generation into an international embodiment of high-energy good-time music. He was the first to broaden the genre by incorporating other forms such as blues, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. Despite the addition of electric instruments and new forms, his accordion-driven music never strayed far from it's origins of creating a place for working people to leave their troubles behind and let the good times roll.

    Interview with Chris Strachwitz:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGUqnOYUi1A

    Songs:

    J’Ai Conet, C’Est Pas Me Femme (I Know She’s Not My Woman)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwioXT2UDW4

    Someone Told Me it was Over:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIhc4CQFah8&list=RDcIhc4CQFah8&start_radio=1

    Release Me:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-Q2kKsNNS8

    A Tribute to the King of Zydeco. "Release Me", featuring Lucinda Williams, Tommy McLain, and Keith Frank is available through a variety of services: https://orcd.co/releaseme1

    "A Tribute to the King of Zydeco" available for pre-sale now: https://linktr.ee/valcourrecords

    Reserve your limited-run vinyl copy of "A Tribute to the King of Zydeco" now: https://www.valcourrecords.com/vinyl/... 100% of profits benefit the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship Fund, created by Valcour Records with the Center for Louisiana Studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Learn more about the fund here: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/...

    Grand Mamou (Big Mamou):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh9NhkWWVsw

    I'm Coming Home (to See my Mother):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_06Ig59jo8

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Willie Dunn | The resonant voice of Canada's indigenous people; with guest Kelly Mulhollan
    Mar 1 2026

    Largely unknown on the folk scene in the US, Willie Dunn is an important figure in framing the stories of native Canadians in songs, films, and art. With a rich voice, stong melodies and subtle arrangement, his music brings to light an overlooked chapter in the history of North America.

    For this episode we're joined by musician and author Kelly Mulhollan of the duo Still on the Hill.

    https://www.stillonthehill.com/

    Links:

    Film:

    The Ballad of Crowfoot:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4

    Songs:

    Pity the Country

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qsZsfn6PC4

    Son of the Sun:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ZG-6SxEBk

    Charlie:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWEl9naKPZo

    Pontiac:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svwrIF7atVI

    Digging Roots Band website:

    https://www.diggingrootsmusic.com/

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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