Folk Alley Radio Show

{Audio for this episode no longer available} This week on Folk Alley, join Cindy Howes for songs to welcome in April from Simon & Garfunkel and David Mallett, along with new music from Mumford & Sons, Taj Mahal, and Kacey Musgraves; plus, we celebrate Emmylou Harris on her birthday, and pay tribute to the great John Prine on the anniversary of his passing in April of 2020.

{Audio for this episode no longer available} This week on Folk Alley, we celebrate the arrival of spring with songs inspired by the season from Gillian Welch, David Francey, Sierra Hull, Tom Waits, Anjimile, Greg Brown, John Gorka, Richard Shindell, and more. In hour two, hear new music from Rodney Crowell with Emmylou Harris & Lera Lynn, The Milk Carton Kids, Andrew Bird, Tinariwen, and Gipsy Kings. Plus, a Basic Folk interview excerpt with Joe Henry and Mark Erelli—and a tribute to the late bluesman Paul Geremia.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley—we wrap up our Women's History Month celebration by sharing songs by many of our favorite contemporary women artists in folk, roots, and Americana. Hear from Brandi Carlile, Molly Tuttle, Anais Mitchell, Rose Cousins, Rhiannon Giddens, Allison Russell, Aoife O'Donovan, Kacey Musgraves, and so much more.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley—in honor of Women's History Month and St. Patricks's Day—join host Cindy Howes for celebration of Irish & Irish-American women in folk music. Hear from Mary Black, Dolores Keane, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Cathy Jordan, Moya Brennan, Karan Casey, Sharon Shannon, Niamh Parsons, and so much more!

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, in honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate legendary and iconic women of folk, country, and roots music whose voices have shaped the sound and spirit of these genres—and continue to inspire artists today. Hear from trailblazers like Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Odetta, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard, Maddy Prior, Sandy Denny, and many more extraordinary women whose influence remains indelible.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, as Black History Month winds down and we look ahead to Women’s History Month in March, we celebrate the contributions of amazing Black women of folk, roots, and Americana – both historical and contemporary. Hear music from Bessie Jones, Odetta, Etta Baker, Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman, Allison Russell, Sunny War, Yasmin Williams, Valerie June, Miko Marks, and more.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, we continue our Black History Month celebration, highlighting iconic Black folk and blues musicians—alongside the artists they’ve influenced. Hear music from Muddy Waters, Son House, Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and more.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, join Cindy Howes to celebrate of Black History Month as we spotlight legends Robert Johnson, Nina Simone, Sleepy John Estes, Jesse Fuller, The Staple Singers, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee and contemporary artists they have influenced including Cassandra Wilson, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Hot Tuna, Rhiannon Giddens, Guy Davis, and more. In hour two, enjoy new music from Ye Vagabonds, Jesse Appelman, Aysanabee, Mon Rovîa, Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence, Laurie Lewis, along with many other faves.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, love is in the air as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with songs about romance and “matters of the heart” from some of our favorite folk, roots, and Americana couples, including Buddy & Julie Miller, The War and Treaty, Pharis & Jason Romero, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Jeffrey Foucault & Kris Delmhorst, The Honey Dewdrops, Johnny & June, and much more!

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, we celebrate the winners of this year’s International Folk Music Awards, presented January 21 in New Orleans. Hear music from Carsie Blanton, I’m With Her, Crys Matthews, and The Baltic Sisters, along with new releases from Steve Poltz, Ye Vagabonds, and Emily Scott Robinson, plus a classic from John Prine and much more.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on Folk Alley, we remember and honor Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir, who passed away on January 10. You’ll also hear new January releases from Della Mae, Langhorne Slim, and Lonesome Ace Stringband, an advance single from Mark Erelli’s forthcoming March album, and a birthday shoutout to the ever-inspiring Lucinda Williams. Stick around for hour two for more new music from Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence, David Huckfelt, Eric Brace & Thomm Jutz, Boy Golden, Tyler Ramsey & Carl Broemel, Anna Tivel, and Bywater Call, along with favorites from Sierra Hull, Greg Brown, Dan Hicks & the Hot Lick, and more.

{Audio for this episode is no longer available.} This week on the Folk Alley Radio Show, join Cindy Howes to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. Hear songs from Nina Simone, Richie Havens, Ruthie Foster, Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers, Odetta, Resistance Revival Chorus, Rhiannon Giddens, Patty Griffin, and more. In hour two, enjoy new music from The Lowest Pair, Courtney Marie Andrews, Jenna Nicholls, and Carsie Blanton; along with a Basic Folk interview excerpt with Mary Chapin Carpenter, plus a birthday salute to Dolly Parton in honor of her 80th trip around the sun on January 19th.