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The Big Rock Candy Mountain

At the outset, Big Rock Candy Mountain seems like a child’s dreamland. So…why all the cigarette trees?

October 21, 2016
On Top of Old Smoky

Pete Seeger recorded his arrangement of “On Top of Old Smoky” with The Weavers in 1951, but the tune had been traveling the Appalachians and Ozarks for over a century. You’re on the Sound Beat. The Weavers recorded the song for Decca Records and it reached #2 on Billboard that year. It’s classic Seeger, his characteristic ...

October 17, 2016
“To be…or not to be…”

Sir John Gielgud as the original Dark Knight

October 3, 2016
Yep-Roc-Heresy

There’s not a word in the English language to describe how cool Slim Gaillard was.

September 16, 2016
Cubs on Parade

Sadly for some, all dances must come to an end.

August 23, 2016
Hail to the Chief!

Some guys really know how to make an entrance. And…some need a little bit of help.

June 28, 2016
Father’s Day

No one complained when Mother’s Day was made a national holiday in 1914…

June 17, 2016
Joe Turner Blues

Not to be confused with Big Joe Turner, the “Joe Turner” in this song is actually Joe Turney.

June 3, 2016
Cotton-Eyed Joe

Sports fans who recognize this tune might be cringing…

May 10, 2016
Rite of Spring

Simply put, one of tne most revolutionary compositions in musical history.

April 11, 2016