It’s that time of year again in New Orleans — out come the beads, the king cakes and the music! Our annual Carnival special includes a visit with the Rebirth Brass Band, a quintessential part of so many parades this time of year. Mardi Gras sounds and stories from Mobile, Alabama; their celebration is actually older than New Orleans’! And of course all your favorite Carnival time tunes, in versions new and old.

On the next American Routes, we’re digging through our files to bring you great stories and live performances that never made the air! Lost tapes of Bo Diddley, Bonnie Raitt, Ralph Stanley, Dr. John and more. Plus live music cuts from Willie Nelson, the legendary Flatlanders and Cajun teen band Feufollet.

From creation to criticism, this archive edition of American Routes explores the relationship between language and sounds, words and music. Rock and roll originator Chuck Berry, alt country traditionalist Gillian Welch, and music writer and novelist Nick Hornby give a variety of perspectives on the subject. With a mix of celebrated songwriters, storytellers, and literary heroes in American music.