Honky Tonks, Hymns, & The Blues - American Musical Traditions

Each Friday from 07/4/03 to 09/12/03, Honky Tonks, Hymns and the Blues highlighted American musical traditions on NPR's Morning Edition. These country sounds are the building blocks of America's popular music. The weekly Honky Tonks segments explored the roots music with historic performances, rare archive tape, and interviews with artists including country legend Merle Haggard, bluesmen Honeyboy Edwards and Taj Mahal, and fiddle greats Alison Krauss and Mark O'Connor.

Now you too can explore this wonderful glimpse of American Musical Tradition through the use of this website. Simply click on a headline from the 12 part series which includes subjects such as ‘The Changing Role of Women in Country Music’, ‘The Technology and Evolution of Country Guitar’, or ‘The Rise of Country Blues’. Hear various sound clips and read background information on each subject , and there are even links to further sites.

There is a wealth of information hidden within these pages just waiting for music enthusiasts (or for that matter, Americans!) to discover. Have fun!

Source: National Public Radio®