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.

Scanning the dial in search of great voices, characters and shows that grace the airwaves locally and nationwide, today and yesterday. Included are an old-time country station based in a Mt. Airy, North Carolina log cabin, sounds from the US-Mexican Border, the mellow grit of New Orleans R & B, and Rev. Isiah’s “spiritual workshop” from Jackson, MS.

A year after his passing, American Routes remembers Alan Lomax, the great folklorist, musicologist and documentarian. While working mostly for the Library of Congress, Lomax made groundbreaking recordings with Leadbelly, Woody Guthrie, Jelly Roll Morton, Muddy Waters and countless others. Family and friends, contemporaries and musicians recall his many accomplishments. Lomax’s sometime collaborator Pete Seeger took a different route as a singer of folksongs. The great social activist, environmentalist, and banjoman, Pete Seeger speaks of his life in music and social justice—two things he’s brought together for over 60 years.

A visit with the mysterious man of antique popular music Leon Redbone in which he discusses his taste in clothes, preferred travel modes, and song styles.  And from closer to home, Steve Riley and David Greely of the Mamou Playboys play new Cajun music live in our studios. Also, Emmylou Harris, Jerry Douglas and others remember the country musician and riverboat captain John Hartford.