Dolly Parton talks about her musical and family roots in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee where she first broke into song, performed on the radio, and admired the fashion of the local trollop. With Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” and hear music from across the American spectrum.

In addition to American Routes’ weekly mix of enduring and eclectic musical styles, we interview old and new school alternative country artists. Willis Alan Ramsey, the cult musical hero from Austin, Texas who wrote “Muskrat Love,” released one very successful country folk album in the ’70s — then all but disappeared from the music scene. Neko Case, a former punk drummer turned country chanteuse, serenades us in the studio, and talks about her atmospheric recent album “Blacklisted.”

Sit down and visit with the Crescent City piano professor and hoodoo rock and roller Dr. John as he recalls his early days as a studio guitarist in New Orleans and the West Coast birth of the Night Tripper. And tag along as we drop by the place where time stands still, but the music jumps, Preservation Hall. Meet musicians, fans and the family that started it all.

John Fogerty wasn't born on the bayou, but his music is certainly at home there. A lively L.A. visit with the former Creedence Clearwater Revival guitarist/singer/songwriter. With music by Elmore James, Serge Gainsbourg, Chelo Silva, and Marty Robbins.

Join us and cruise the Gulf Coast Highway with Deep South singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams as she talks about her connection with traditional music, her writing style and sense of place. Plus, Lafayette, Louisiana R&B chanteuse and pianist Carol Fran comes by the studio for conversation and a special live set. There’s also great music from, Johnny Cash, Cassandra Wilson and Gatemouth Brown.