The American Songster Radio

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American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”. Throughout this hour-long program, Flemons’ will highlight the influential music and stories of the legendary songsters. These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past.

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    • Mar 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 20 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The American Songster Radio

    Dr. Bryan Pierce from the National Museum of African-American Music - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 44:07


    Season 6 of The American Songster Radio kicks off with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard discussing the National Museum of African-American Music, located just across the street from Ryman Auditorium in Downtown Nashville. They welcome in their guest, Dr. Bryan Pierce, from the museum for the insightful discussion. Learn more about the museum: https://www.nmaam.org/ For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/ Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 7pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live/

    Miko Marks - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 42:19


    As Season 5 of The American Songster Radio wraps up, Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard discuss the highlights of their journey through 2024, then sit down for an insightful chat with country artist Miko Marks, discussing the difficulties and triumphs of her career to date. For more about Miko: https://www.mikomarks.com/ For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/ Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 7pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live/

    Tony Trischka - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 45:19


    As Season 5 of The American Songster Radio continues, Dom Flemons sits down with influential banjoist Tony Trischka, who has recently released an album on Down The Road Records in tribute to the great Earl Scruggs, called Earl Jam. For more about Willi: https://www.tonytrischka.com/ For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/ Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 7pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live/

    Willi Carlisle - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 38:06


    As Season 5 of The American Songster Radio continues, Dom Flemons sits down with influential musician and folk singer Willi Carlisle. For more about Willi: http://www.willicarlisle.com/ For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/ Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 7pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live/

    Ricky McKinnie of The Blind Boys of Alabama - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 36:04


    As Season 5 of The American Songster Radio kicks off, Dom Flemons sits down with Ricky McKinnie of The Blind Boys of Alabama. For more about Ricky: https://www.therickymckinnieexperience.com/ For more about The Blind Boys of Alabama: https://www.blindboys.com/ For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/ Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the second Sunday of March, June, September, and December at 7pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live/  

    Season 4 Recap - "Traveling Wildfire" - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 43:47


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we've been celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! On this episode, Dom and Vania recap the season as a whole. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist for this episode, which can be found here:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0mB7dcNqFUw3YZz9a61oEz?si=jpCzbx4URmq9MGMvMpjTsg&pi=u--22hWa8_QXOW&pt=e39655c41be926855c7d912e6fedbe92 Learn more about the show at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons' new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    Interview and Performance with Sam Bush - The American Songster Radio (September 2023)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 39:15


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we're celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! On this episode, Dom and Vania chat with legendary musician Sam Bush about the intersection between bluegrass and roots music, and it even features an impromptu in-studio jam session with Sam and Dom! The American Songster Radio Playlist- Season 4 Episode 8: Sam Bush Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons' new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    "Traveling Wildfire" Producer Ted Hutt - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 38:27


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we're celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! On this episode, Dom and Vania talk with the record's producer, Ted Hutt, about the development of the album. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with the songs discussed on this month's episode. TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons' new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    Cowboy Songs & The Real Wild West - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 31:31


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we're celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! On this episode, Dom and Vania discuss Cowboy Songs & The Real Wild West. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with the songs discussed on this month's episode. TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons' new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    Celebrating Black Music Month - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 40:25


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we're celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! On this episode, Dom and Vania celebrate Black Music Month. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with the songs discussed on this month's episode. TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons' new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    "The Soul, Roots, and Future of Black Country Music" - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 30:42


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we're celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! This month, Dom and Vania discuss the new single, "If You Truly Love Me", and the music through the years that inspired it. They also discuss the soul, roots, and future of Black country music. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with the songs discussed on this month's episode. TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons' new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    "It's Cold Inside" - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 28:52


    All throughout The American Songster Radio's Season Four, we're celebrating the release of Dom's new album Traveling Wildfire, which is now available wherever you get your music! This month, Dom and Vania discuss the new single, "It's Cold Inside", and the music through the years that inspired it. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with the songs discussed on this month's episode. TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    Black Dylan Covers - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 38:33


    To honor Black History Month on this episode of "The American Songster Radio", Dom Flemons sits down with his wife, Vania Kinard, to discuss some great covers of Bob Dylan songs by African-American artists over the past 60 years. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with all of the songs discussed in this episode! TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs - along with the songs themselves - on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show features brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    Country & Soul Love Songs with Vania Kinard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 29:39


    On this episode of "The American Songster Radio", Dom Flemons sits down with his wife, Vania Kinard, to discuss some of the most influential country & soul love songs ever recorded. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist with the songs discussed in this episode! TAP HERE to listen! Hear more discussion about these songs on the WSM Radio broadcast version of this episode. You can find that - and more about the show - at https://wsmradio.com/shows/american-songster-radio/ Season Four of American Songster Radio Show will feature brand new episodes dedicated to Dom Flemons new solo album Traveling Wildfire on Smithsonian Folkways. Flemons and his co-host Vania Kinard will present curated themed episodes that explore more music from their record collection along with additional commentary about the making of Traveling Wildfire.  In celebration of the release, each episode takes a behind the scenes look at the musical influences that helped shape the album and the creative process that brought it all together.  Flemons and Kinard will also discuss the evolution of the black experience in country music while playing classic songs on the air.  Dom Flemons has built a reputation on presenting 100 years of American roots music,  but with Traveling Wildfire his own songwriting prowess comes into the spotlight. Carefully selected from his personal repertoire, these original songs reveal his love of country, western, blues, Americana, bluegrass and folk music as they tell stories of true love, family legacy, survival, time travel, and the juxtaposition between light and dark. Traveling Wildfire weaves through the themes of hope and humor as it rises above the hard times with strength and lightheartedness. “I hope people will be able to hear the different phases of my life through the lyrics and feel the energy that fuels my creativity within the songs. The past few years for me have been a time of deep reflection and meditation. I hope that the album will light a fire of inspiration inside everyone who experiences it.” -Dom Flemons The Making of ‘Traveling Wildfire' Mini Documentary: https://youtu.be/u_Bko05gALI

    Eric Andersen - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2022 81:14


    American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. In this episode Dom visits with legendary folk music singer-songwriter Eric Andersen. Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”. These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past. Dom has curated two Spotify playlists for this episode! You can hear all of those great songs by clicking here for Part 1 of the interview, and here for Part 2.

    Branford Marsalis - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 24:34


    American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. In this episode Dom visits with saxophone legend Branford Marsalis, as they discuss their involvement in the Netflix film "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman. Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”. These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist for this episode! You can hear all of those great songs by clicking or tapping here.

    Billy Strings - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 66:58


    American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. In this episode Dom visits with Billy Strings!  Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”.  These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist for this episode! You can hear all of those great songs by clicking here.

    Steve Martin - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 41:50


    American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. In this episode Dom visits with the legendary Steve Martin! Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”.  These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past. Dom has curated a Spotify playlist for this episode! You can hear all of those great songs by clicking here.

    Mickey Guyton - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 28:03


    American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. In this episode Dom visits with Mickey Guyton!  Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”.  These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past.

    Bobby Rush - The American Songster Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 48:33


    American Songster Radio is a new monthly show hosted by GRAMMY Winner and Two-Time EMMY nominee, Dom Flemons. In this episode Dom visits with Bobby Rush!  Throughout this brand new season, each episode will explore a wide range of songs within the American roots music genre and invite listeners into the theme of “music that changed your life”.  These tradition-bearers helped build the foundation of roots music and their recordings give us a look into the past.

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