In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen sits down with one of the most quietly influential voices in American songwriting: James McMurtry.

For decades, McMurtry has carved out a singular space where songs are more than melodies. His writing is built on gritty character studies, moral landscapes, and moments of hard-won clarity—stories that feel lived in, observed, and unafraid to sit with complexity. From the early days of his debut album Too Long in the Wasteland to the lived-in wisdom of his most recent work, his catalog reads like a map of roads traveled and lives encountered along the way.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, McMurtry spent much of his youth in Northern Virginia before finding his footing as a songwriter in Tucson, Arizona, studying English and Spanish while cutting his teeth in small rooms and local venues. After time spent traveling—including a period living in Alaska—he returned to Texas, working odd jobs, playing bars and open mics, and gradually forging a life as a working songwriter. For much of his adult life, he’s been based in Lockhart, just south of Austin, though his music has carried far beyond those borders.

In this conversation, Robert and James reflect on the long arc of a songwriting life—from early guitar lessons and teenage gigs to his first record, Too Long in the Wasteland, and through to his latest album, The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy. Along the way, they talk about craft, observation, patience, and what it means to tell the truth in song without flinching.

It’s an intimate, thoughtful look at an artist whose work doesn’t chase trends or spotlight—but endures, quietly and honestly, exactly where it belongs.

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Today’s episode is a rerun, and we bring it to you with a heaviness that is hard to put into words. When we learned of Todd’s passing on November 14th, it felt as if something vibrant had suddenly drained from the world, as if a familiar warm light we’d always counted on had quietly dissipated into the ether, leaving us in a cold sadness which we may never shake. Revisiting this conversation now feels like reaching for that light we all miss.

Todd had a way of making the world feel a little lighter, a lot funnier, and all the more honest. His storytelling did more than briefly fill you car stereo, living room, and favorite live music haunts. It stayed with you long after the music faded, carrying the kind of truth and humor that only he could bring, singing through a one of a kind crooked smile. His voice, his wit, and his beautifully kooky way of seeing things continue to travel with us in the songs, the stories, and the moments he gave so freely.

As we return to this episode, we do so with gratitude for the spirit Todd Snider shared so openly. Listening back is a way of holding onto the warmth, the wonder, and the wild sincerity he carried into every conversation. He may no longer be with us, but his sound will remain forever.

We share this rerun to honor Todd and the lasting imprint of his voice, a memory that continues to glow even in the spaces he no longer fills. We hope you enjoy this show as much as we did, and remember your love for Todd Snider as we do. 

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In part two of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen continues his conversation with Terry and Jo Harvey Allen—two legendary Texas-born artists whose creativity has spanned generations, mediums, and continents.

From a childhood friendship in Lubbock to a coin toss that took them west, Terry and Jo Harvey’s story unfolds like a piece of living Americana—filled with grit, luck, and a touch of magic. This episode picks up with their adventures from Los Angeles to Berkeley to Santa Fe, from early radio beginnings to global artistic recognition, including their most recent roles in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Together, Robert, Terry, and Jo Harvey revisit a half-century of partnership rooted in art, poetry, and the pursuit of truth—a love story told through every canvas, song, and stage.

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In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen sits down with two of Texas’s most revered creative forces—Terry and Jo Harvey Allen. A true artistic duo, their work stretches across music, theater, film, literature, and visual art, each piece carrying the unmistakable edge of West Texas grit and imagination.

Terry Allen, celebrated as both a groundbreaking songwriter and a visual artist, has long blurred the lines between mediums, telling stories that are as cinematic as they are deeply personal. Jo Harvey Allen, equally trailblazing, has carved her path as a writer, actress, and performance artist, bringing the raw complexities of American life—especially through women’s voices—onto stage and screen.

Together, Robert, Terry, and Jo Harvey reflect on decades of creation, collaboration, and connection: from navigating the intersections of music and art to sustaining a marriage and creative partnership that defies convention. It’s part one of a conversation as expansive as the plains they call home—an intimate, fearless, and unforgettable look at two artists who continue to shape the Americana landscape.

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In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen heads into the heart of Red Dirt country with none other than Evan Felker, frontman of the Turnpike Troubadours and one of the most compelling songwriters in modern Americana. From the dusty backroads of Oklahoma to the national stage, Felker has built a legacy rooted in grit, grace, and lyrical honesty. His songs, shaped by weathered landscapes and worn-in truths, echo the spirit of legends like Woody Guthrie and Townes Van Zandt, but his voice, and his vision, are unmistakably his own. Together, Robert and Evan talk about Turnpike’s celebrated return, the unpredictable path of creativity, and the quiet power of staying true to where you come from. It’s a conversation full of craft, conviction, and the kind of insight only earned by living the life behind the lyrics.

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In this special episode of Americana Podcast, host Robert Earl Keen takes listeners on a journey from the heart of Nashville to the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, exploring the rich history and evolving future of Americana and Country music. His guest is Shooter Jennings, an outlaw by birth and a tastemaker by trade, who has carved out a unique role in shaping the genre's direction.

As the son of country legend Waylon Jennings and a producer for artists like Tanya Tucker, Brandi Carlile, and The Turnpike Troubadours, Shooter brings deep insight into both the legacy and the innovation within the genre. He and Keen discuss the differences and connections between the Nashville and California country scenes, his approach to producing, and the upcoming release of never-before-heard music from Waylon Jennings.

Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on the official Robert Earl Keen YouTube channel.

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In this special episode, Americana Podcast steps beyond music to examine another vital thread of American culture: fashion. Host Robert Earl Keen sits down with Roger and Jackie Chieffalo, founders of Chieffalo Americana, a Fort Worth-based western outfitter reimagining classic style for the modern age.

Together, they explore:

The origins of Chieffalo Americana and how a shared love of tailoring sparked a creative partnership

How fashion, like music, plays a key role in expressing cultural identity

The intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and urban influence in their designs

The evolution of stagewear and trends in the Americana scene

Why their approach favors quality, intentionality, and timelessness over fast fashion

Whether you're a music lover, fashion enthusiast, or cultural observer, this episode reveals how style and storytelling go hand in hand—and why Americana is more than a genre, it’s a way of life.

Guests: Roger and Jackie Chieffalo
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Brand Featured: Chieffalo Americana

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Americana Podcast explores the artists and ideas shaping American roots music, focusing this episode on the genre-defying Steve Poltz. Poltz is celebrated for his originality, blending tradition with unpredictability in a career that spans decades. Born in Nova Scotia and raised in Southern California, he first gained widespread attention as the co-writer of Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me. However, his true impact lies in his continual reinvention and subversion of Americana norms. His work reflects the folk tradition’s emphasis on storytelling and community, while also embracing humor, vulnerability, and improvisation. Poltz serves as a creative link between the West Coast’s DIY folk-punk movement and the broader narrative tradition of American roots music. This episode examines how his artistic approach challenges expectations and keeps audiences engaged. Listeners are also invited to watch a live performance of You Were Meant for Me with the Robert Earl Keen Band on YouTube.

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As Robert Earl Keen & team look forward to more touring, a new record, and a new season of the Americana Podcast, join us as we take a moment to look back, in order to look forward for what’s to come. This episode contains the previous season’s best-of moments from the 51st State. Hear conversation clips from bluegrass genre-bender Billy Strings (01:41), American Aquarium's BJ Barham (08:56), modern day troubadour Brent Cobb (14:45), REK’s good friend and touring pal Elizabeth Cook (18:23), zen-master and songsmith Jim Lauderdale (21:54), the everywoman wonderwoman Lori McKenna (29:38), wild and wonderful Todd Snider (33:21) , and the unmistakable baritone of Jake Smith aka White Buffalo (43:17). We also have insight from Will Vogt (41:28), long-time friend, contributor, and supporter of Americana Podcast.

Consider this 5-Year Anniversary recap as your “CliffNotes”, something to study up on before we begin to release next season’s episodes in April 2025, which will feature more of what you’ve come to expect and love about the podcast: in-depth and candid conversations about the craft of songwriting within the greater Americana genre with our trusted and time-tested host, Robert Earl Keen. As well as a very exciting sneak peek from Robert himself about the future of Americana Podcast, and where we are growing and evolving with the genre for the future!!

o    Billy Strings (01:41)

o    BJ Barham (08:56)

o    Brent Cobb (14:45)

o    Elizabeth Cook (18:23)

o    Hiss Golden Messenger (21:48)

o    Jim Lauderdale (24:54)

o    Lori McKenna (29:38)

o    Todd Snider (33:21)

o    Vince Herman (37:50)

o    Will Vogt (41:28)

o    White Buffalo (43:17)

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Hello and welcome Americana Podcast listeners to a very special and celebratory episode. Long time listeners and new friends, we are so excited to share with you that as of April 29, 2024- we are celebrating the 5th Anniversary of this show. It has been such an honor to have been documenting the story of Americana through the artist’s lens. And we’ve heard some incredible stories, from Billy Strings to Lori McKenna, to Shinyribs and most recently Hiss Golden Messenger. From the young blood of Jamestown Revival to the stalwart rockers in the image of Jim Lauderdale. We’ve only scratched the surface of what makes Americana what it is today and what its future can only hold. As we mark a momentous occasion, five years of weaving tales and tunes, let us embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of our show's legacy.

To honor this milestone, we are joined by one of the true luminaries of the Americana scene. First, a troubadour whose name is synonymous with the genre, a man whose songs echo with the spirit of the American heartland, the one and only Ray Wylie Hubbard. I know I’ve been your temporary host for a while so the celebration doesn't stop there. Also returning to the show is our very own, revered songwriter whose wit and wisdom have endeared him to audiences far and wide, the incomparable Robert Earl Keen. Together, they represent the very essence of Americana, embodying its spirit and sound with every chord and lyric.

Live from KNBT’s Roots and Branches show- join us as Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, and Americana radio pioneer Mattson Rainer recount their songwriting journey, the passion for music, and indulge us in some very special performances (this is a long show- but I can assure you it is worth every minute).

So join us as we raise a toast to the history of our show, to five years of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of musical truth. I’m your producer Clara Rose, and this is Americana Podcast- the 51st State 

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