American Routes is blues and jazz, gospel and soul, rockabilly and country, Cajun and swamp pop, Tejano, Latin… and beyond. Songs and stories from musicians describe a deep and diverse nation with sounds and styles shared by all Americans. From the bayous to the beltways, from crossroads to crosstown, on interstates and city streets, turn up your radio for the sonic journey!
American Routes—produced in New Orleans since 1998
Antique and Modern Music New Orleans Style: Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet
May 27, 2026
It’s our curated mix of trad and modern jazz, blues, soul and country from Cannonball Adderley and Betty Carter, Guitar Slim and Slim Harpo. We’ll come in out of the blues pouring down like rain and get to the sunny side of the street with Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman, party with Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald; and walk on with Waylon Jennings and Nancy Sinatra. Then, a live genre blending, but not bending, set with New Orleans’ trombonist Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet.
NEXT WEEK
Give the Drummer Some: with Earl Palmer, JM Van Eaton, Adonis Rose, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
It’s time to give the drummer some, with late New Orleans native Earl Palmer talking about his creative percussion for Fats Domino and Little Richard sessions; and conversation with Memphis rockabilly JM Van Eaton about backing Jerry Lee Lewis; plus rhythm and time-keeping in music from Elvis and Johnny Cash to Smokey Johnson and Slim Gaillard. Then a live set dedicated to the soul, funk and jazz of New Orleans drummer James Black with Adonis Rose and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.
Memorial Day with the 2025 National Heritage Fellows
This Memorial Day weekend, we hear from the 2025 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows. As our country gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, we meet the great traditional musicians, storytellers, artisans, and cultural advocates who have received our nation’s highest honor in the folk arts. We’ll visit with the honorees, including Creole French musician, Edward Poullard; Haitian dancer and drummer, Peniel Guerrier; Japanese folk dancer, Adrienne Reiko Iwanaga; bit and spur maker, Ernie Marsh; Sicangu Lakota artist and educator, Steve Tamayo; Mexican Folk costume maker and dancer, Carmen Baron; and men's choral and bandura ensemble, the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America. We’ll also hear music and conversation from some of our favorite fellows from years past: bluegrass hero Del McCoury, dancer and drummer from the West African Congo, Sidiki Conde, and New Orleans jazz clarinetist Dr. Michael White, plus a glimpse into an historic Clifton Chenier box set, released in early 2026 for the late Louisiana Creole French King of Zydeco’s 100th birthday.
Support Little Freddie King and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson
Two beloved New Orleans musicians, Al "Carnival Time"Johnson & Little Freddie King need support right now. They both recently had some health challenges and Freddie is working his way through some house challenges. 100% of all donations will go to the musicians. If you can support or share this fundraiser by Krewe of Red Beans, we'd appreciate it!