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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Hello and welcome to a new episode and a new year Americana Podcast listeners. We’re so happy to be back and we have a very exciting episode for you today to celebrate the new year. I’m particularly excited for this show because it really brings us to a full circle moment in the history of this podcast. From long-time audience members to latest episode listeners, you know that every episode features a  break in programming to feature the wonderfully written recommendations from our friend and contributor Will Vogt. Will has been with us since the very first episode of the show and has been on the ground floor for many artists—kindly sharing with our audience who he’s been listening to during his segment. Which brings us to this episode’s guest- Hiss Golden Messenger. 

One of the first picks Will ever submitted was one detailing the works of M.C. Taylor, aka Hiss Golden Messenger. A native of California but long time North Carolina resident, Hiss Golden Messenger brings together the elements of soul, rhythmic rock, blues and experiential lyricism. His punk-rock DIY acumen combined with an elevated style of songwriting has garnered praise from both fans and critics alike, as well as grammy nominations. And since his first ever feature as a Will’s Pick, I can biasedly say he’s one of my all time favorite artists working in the Americana scene today. 

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We have a very special guest in this episode. Today, we're diving into the rich tapestry of the extraordinary songwriter, Gretchen Peters. Growing up next to the legendary Greenwich Village folk scene, before moving to Colorado where she cut her teeth as a performer, and finally settling in Nashville at the height of the traditional country to pop country split in the 90’s and early aughts. Peters’ story is something that music journalists and authors could only dream of living. And during all this time, she has etched her name into the annals of American music history with her poignant lyrics and haunting melodies.

In the early '90s, Peters released her debut album, 'The Secret of Life,' which quickly garnered attention for its lyrical depth and Peters' distinctive, emotive voice. Throughout her illustrious career, Peters has penned songs that resonate with a raw, emotional honesty and capture complexities of the human condition. Her songs have been cut by the likes of Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood, and has been a longstanding advocate for musician’s rights in an increasingly complicated industry that looks more and more like a battleground everyday. 

Having recently retired from touring, it’s time to take stock of  Gretchen Peters' immeasurable impact on music. Her dedication to storytelling has earned her a place among the most revered songwriters of our time. So join us today as we speak with Gretchen Peters about her serendipitous career, women’s music in country and Americana, and whether or not there really is a difference between being a songwriter and being a performer. 

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It's time to break out the party hats and pop the champagne because the Americana Podcast is celebrating its 4th anniversary! For the past four years, this podcast has been a leading voice in the Americana music scene, sharing interviews, stories, and music from some of the genre's most talented artists. And in our tireless efforts to promote and celebrate the diverse range of sounds and styles, we’ve made plenty of memories and laughter along the way. We’ve strived to provide insights into the creative process, the challenges of the music industry, and share the rich history and culture that inspires Americana music. In order to celebrate this fun little birthday of ours, I’m very pleased to invite you to a live panel recording we did at the Arcadia Live in Kerrville Texas!

Moderated by Tamara Saviano, Americana Podcast welcomes Robert Earl Keen, Bruce Robison, Richard Skanse, Jamie Lin Wilson, Dr. Ian Peddie, and Clara Rose to talk about the history and future of Americana music. With special live recordings by Terry Allen!

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It seems we’re back in that strange space in time where there are days that can 70 degrees and sunny and beautiful. The birds are singing and the blossoms on trees are beginning to light up the branches like a holy and natural Christmas lights… and then the next day we’re right back into the holds of a winter that every year seems to overstay its welcome. You get a taste of that warmth in your bones, and it’s just enough to whet your appetite for all the things that feel so far away… long walks outside, swimming, afternoons on restaurant patios with friends… and the sun not setting at 4:30 pm. 

It's like a brief kind of nostalgia. We know that these things were within our grasp just few months ago but a few months darkness is enough to make it feel like it’s been that much longer. And it’s in this liminal space, it’s nice to reflect on some of the things that reminds of these warmer points in time.

Its in the sunshine and humid air of the summer of 2022 that we sat down with John R. Miller and Chloe Edmonstone. John is a singer-songwriter and West Virginia native, orginally from the Shenandoah Valley. A long-time songsmith, Miller has been running in the Appalachian circuit for a few years before settling in Nashville. His first studio album “Depreciated” was released in July of 2021. Miller’s songwriting style is as natural as flowing river and and is backed by voice that has a crackling warmth to it. It is friendly and picturesque, even in his darker moments across the album. Backed by harmonies and almost familial sounding fiddle playing by Chloe Edmonstone (who was a founding member of the group Locust honey)- the album is all parts familiar and strange. 

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