It’s Halloween… a time of spirit and flesh, tricks and treats. We’ll hear from Houma Indian carver and instrument-maker, Ivy Billiot, about rougarou – or werewolves – and the spirit world. Then Bentonia bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes tells us about the devil in daily life. Also songs about murder, mayhem, and beings from beyond the stars… and beyond the grave. Plus music from Dr. John and Memphis Minnie, Hank Williams, and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.

Follow American Routes as we travel the back roads for some new Southern sounds. The Drive-By Truckers have been up and down the highways since the mid-90s, delivering their unique mix of social commentary, old-fashioned storytelling and rock n’ roll, between stops in their hometowns of Muscle Shoals, AL and Athens, GA. We sit down with the band in uptown New Orleans to learn more about their journey in music and fascination with the South. Then we head backatown to catch up with New Orleans’ own Troy Andrews, a.k.a. Trombone Shorty, to hear about how he mixes trad jazz, rock and hip-hop to create ‘Superfunkrock.’

This week we visit with two masters of Southern soul. Multi-instrumentalist Booker T. Jones, along with his group the MGs, helped to create the legendary Stax sound. We talk with Booker T. about growing up in Memphis and his current work with the up and coming Southern rock band the Drive-By Truckers. Soul singer Jimmy Hughes got his start at another landmark of Southern music, Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Hughes shares stories about his classic hits “Steal Away” and “Why Not Tonight,” as well as his move from gospel to soul and back again.