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About This Podcast
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:
Intro: Susan Shore
Intro music: Rent House Stomp by Big Bill Broonzy
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Recent Episodes
S1E11 Martin, Bogan and Armstrong | The Legacy of the Old-Time Black String Bands
From their beginnings in Knoxville Tennessee playing on street corners in the late 1920's through their resurgence on the festival circuit in the 70's and 80's, Martin, Bogan, and Armsrtong carried…
S1E10 Charlie Rich | The long road to finding his voice
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…
S1E9 Clifton Chenier | The man who brought Zydeco music to the world
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…
S1E8 Willie Dunn | The resonant voice of Canada's indigenous people; with guest Kelly Mulhollan
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, strong melodies and subtle…
S1E7 Henry Thomas | The mystery of the hobo songster
Little is known about the life of Henry Thomas, but his legacy of 23 recorded songs influenced generations of folk, rock, and blues musicians. He often accompanied himself on the "quills" a pan…
S1E6 Lydia Mendoza | Idol of Mexican-American music
From her modest beginnings in the Mendoza family band playing for migrant farm workers, Lydia Mendoza became the undisputed queen of Tejano music, receiving awards from presidents and appearing on a…
S1E5 Link Wray | The power chord and beyond
Most often cited as the inventor of the power chord, Link Wray's loud gritty sound had a big influence on rock, heavy metal and punk music. Later in his career he embraced his Native American roots…
S1E4 Arlene Smith and the early “girl groups” that pioneered the sound of R & B and rock vocalists
In the 1950’s, the 16-year-old lead singer for the Chantels, Arlene Smith wrote hits and sang with a confidence and power. While the content and production of the songs are simplistic by todays…
S1E3 Eddie Hinton | A soulful raw talent and the career that should have been
From his beginnings as a session guitar player at the famed Muscle Shoals Sound studio to writing hits and his “larynx-shredding” vocals, Eddie Hinton was the “young genius who could do it all.” But…
S1E2 Brenda Patterson - A Vocal Powerhouse Revisited
While Brenda Patterson had several strong solo albums, movie soundtracks and sung backup for Dylan and Ry Cooder, she somehow missed broad mainstream success. We look back at the span of her career…
S1E1 Washington Phillips - Unearthly Music of Morality, Mystery and Glory
The quintessential outsider artist, Washington Phillips composed unique ethereal gospel and morality songs that have influenced artists including Sister Rosetta Tharp, Ry Cooder. and Ralph…
Frequently Asked Questions
Backtracks has published 11 episodes since July 2025, covering topics in Music, Music History.
Backtracks is currently highly active with new episodes monthly. Average episode length is 35m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Backtracks, including email and social media links.
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