Podcast

The American Songster Radio

Music, Music Interviews

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.

Episodes
29
Releases
Every few months
Typical length
36 min
On air since
2022
Latest episode
1 month ago

Episodes

29 episodes, newest first

  1. Lindsay Lou - The American Songster Radio

    Season 7, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Season 7 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in singer-songwriter & indie folk musician Lindsay Lou, to discuss her new project, Bluegrass Women, among other topics.

    Learn more about Lindsay: https://www.lindsayloumusic.com/

    For more about Dom & Vania: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) on 650 AM WSM in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the second Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and the most recent episode can be heard on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/ or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    39 min
  2. Gaye Adegbalola - The American Songster Radio

    Season 7, Episode 4

    Show notes

    Season 7 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in Blues singer, songwriter, educator, and activist Gaye Adegbalola.

    Learn more about Gaye: https://adegbalola.com/

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) on 650 AM WSM in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and the most recent episode can be heard on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/ or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    36 min
  3. Dante' Pope - The American Songster Radio

    Season 7, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Season 7 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in Dante' Pope, one of Dom's most frequent collaborators.

    Learn more about Dante': https://www.dantepope.com/

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and the most recent episode can be heard on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm CT. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/ or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    42 min
  4. Elana James - The American Songster Radio

    Season 7, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Season 7 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in Elana James, co-founder of the influential group Hot Club of Cowtown!

    Learn more about Elana: https://elanajames.com/

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm during those months. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/ or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    31 min
  5. Jon Jenks - The American Songster Radio

    Season 7, Episode 1

    Show notes

    Season 7 of The American Songster Radio kicks off with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in documentarian Jon Jenks, producer of the new film Pu'uwai Haokila: The Story of How Hawai'i Shaped Modern Music, in conjunction with PBS Hawaii!

    Learn more about the film: https://www.pbshawaii.org/puuwai-haokila/

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm during those months. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/ or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    34 min
  6. Valerie June - The American Songster Radio

    Season 7, Episode 5

    Show notes

    Season 6 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in outstanding Americana artist Valerie June!

    Learn more about Valerie June: https://www.valeriejune.com/

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm during those months. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/ or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    34 min
  7. Tiera Kennedy - The American Songster Radio

    Season 6, Episode 4

    Show notes

    Season 6 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in country music singer-songwriter Tiera Kennedy for an insightful conversation about her career thus far, and her collaboration with Beyoncé on two tracks on the lauded Cowboy Carter album.

    Learn more about Tiera: https://tiera.com/

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and on the Route 650 Americana streaming channel every Saturday night at 9pm during those months. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com or via the free WSM Radio App | Download on iOS & Android.

    35 min
  8. Rissi Palmer - The American Songster Radio

    Season 6, Episode 3

    Show notes

    Season 6 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in Black country artist Rissi Palmer. Dom and Vania talked with Rissi about everything from her start in country music, the Carolina Chocolate Drops reunion at the Biscuits and Banjos Fest in Durham, Linda Martell, and so much more.

    Learn more about Rissi: https://rissipalmermusic.com/home

    For more about Dom: https://www.theamericansongster.com/

    Listen for full episodes of The American Songster Radio (with music curated by Dom and Vania that we can't include in the podcast) quarterly on WSM Radio in Nashville, Tennessee. New episodes air on the third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and on Route 650 every Saturday night at 9pm in those months. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live

    36 min
  9. Sule Greg Wilson - The American Songster Radio

    Season 6, Episode 2

    Show notes

    Season 6 of The American Songster Radio continues with Dom Flemons and Vania Kinard welcoming in drummer, dancer, folklorist, and researcher, Sule Greg Wilson for an insightful conversation.

    Learn more about Sule Greg Wilson: https://www.sulegregwilson.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 third Sunday of January, March, April, June, July, September, October, and December at 7pm CT, and on Route 650 every Saturday night at 9pm in those months. Listen online at http://wsmradio.com/listen-live

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

    Season 6, Episode 1

    Show notes

    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

    44 min
  11. Miko Marks - The American Songster Radio

    Season 5, Episode 4

    Show notes

    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

    42 min
  12. Tony Trischka - The American Songster Radio

    Season 5, Episode 3

    Show notes

    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 Tony: http://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

    45 min
  13. Willi Carlisle - The American Songster Radio

    Season 5, Episode 2

    Show notes

    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

    38 min
  14. Ricky McKinnie of The Blind Boys of Alabama - The American Songster Radio

    Season 5, Episode 1

    Show notes

    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

    36 min
  15. Season 4 Recap - "Traveling Wildfire" - The American Songster Radio

    Season 4, Episode 9

    Show notes

    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

    45 min
  16. Interview and Performance with Sam Bush - The American Songster Radio (September 2023)

    Show notes

    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

    40 min
  17. "Traveling Wildfire" Producer Ted Hutt - The American Songster Radio

    Show notes

    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. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7AYnaSxDNWGS7ssbkkUS3t?si=CNmrjY0VTVKMP6QEK7-otQ&nd=1&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq9TLyczL1jcw87VIDHQxzalMAgD%2BUJs9IAAAAA%3D%3D&_branch_match_id=1166793656277013232TAP 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

    39 min
  18. Cowboy Songs & The Real Wild West - The American Songster Radio

    Show notes

    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. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7AYnaSxDNWGS7ssbkkUS3t?si=CNmrjY0VTVKMP6QEK7-otQ&nd=1&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq9TLyczL1jcw87VIDHQxzalMAgD%2BUJs9IAAAAA%3D%3D&_branch_match_id=1166793656277013232TAP 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

    33 min
  19. Celebrating Black Music Month - The American Songster Radio

    Show notes

    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. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7AYnaSxDNWGS7ssbkkUS3t?si=CNmrjY0VTVKMP6QEK7-otQ&nd=1&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq9TLyczL1jcw87VIDHQxzalMAgD%2BUJs9IAAAAA%3D%3D&_branch_match_id=1166793656277013232TAP 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

    41 min
  20. "The Soul, Roots, and Future of Black Country Music" - The American Songster Radio

    Show notes

    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. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7AYnaSxDNWGS7ssbkkUS3t?si=CNmrjY0VTVKMP6QEK7-otQ&nd=1&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXLy7IL8lMq9TLyczL1jcw87VIDHQxzalMAgD%2BUJs9IAAAAA%3D%3D&_branch_match_id=1166793656277013232TAP 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

    32 min