If Otis Redding were alive, he'd be turning eighty this month. Instead, the world lost him at the age of 26. Redding revolutionized popular music, created a lasting legacy, and was the personification of soul. This episode of Hidden Track traces his journey, from modest roots to chart-topping hits, and we wonder what might have been. On this episode, Jonathan Gould, author of Otis Redding: An Unfinished Life joins host Grant Stovel to explore the fascinating story of Otis Redding's life and career. 

It’s often been said that they became legends without ever becoming stars. The Replacements' last album was released in 1990, but their visionary work profoundly informed the artists who would roar into the mainstream that decade. August 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the Replacements' ferocious, strident, snarly debut album Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash, and so, we delve into the band's wild history, take stock of the fearless, inspired way they created music together, and appreciate the improbable-seeming legacy that began with that breathless collection of short, super-charged bursts of deceptively poetic expression. Joining us for the ride: Grammy-winning Replacements biographer Bob Mehr; Rhino Records’ Jason Jones; Rheostatics' Dave Bidini; Art Bergmann; Faith Healer's Jessica Jalbert; and Shaye Zadravec. Subscribe to the Hidden Track podcast! 

The Hidden Track podcast is presented by Bent Stick Brewing's Hidden Track Citra Lager.

She was a musical visionary, a champion of women’s voices in the male-dominated industry, a builder of connections between musical worlds, and a true Alberta treasure. Ellen McIlwaine's abilities as a vocalist and guitarist were seemingly endless in scope. She moved effortlessly between genres, styles, settings, and traditions. Her career is dotted with guest appearances by greats like Jimi Hendrix and Jack Bruce. On this episode, we remember Ellen with the help of Taj Mahal, Sue Foley, Cassius Khan, Peter K. Siegel and Holger Petersen. 

k.d. lang's discography has explored everything from cowpunk, to smooth pop, to jazz. Their new album 'Makeover' may be the most delightful surprise of all! It's a stunning collection of dance remixes dating from 1992 to 2000. On this episode, we'll explore this fascinating “hidden zone” in their career. k.d. talks to us about the roots of their love for dance music. Plus, Tegan Quin of Tegan & Sara shares her appreciation for k.d.’s work, trailblazing influence, and the power of the dance floor.  

When he quit the band Fairport Convention at 21, Richard Thompson had already revolutionized folk rock, and become a roots music icon. That was just the beginning of his astounding half-century-long career! It's a journey he traces in his new book, Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice (1967-1975). On this episode, Richard Thompson joins us to reflect on his influential and fascinating career in music. 

He was a celebrated singer-songwriter, activist, award-winning documentarian, and a true trailblazer. As a musician, Willie Dunn was compared to Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Pete Seeger. He’s credited for creating Canada’s first music video. Yet, too few Canadians are familiar with his work.

On this episode, we celebrate the release of  Creation Never Sleeps, Creation Never Dies: The Willie Dunn Anthology with guests Lawrence Dunn, Kevin Howes, Bob Robb, Alanis Obomsawin, and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

In honour of her 80th birthday in February, 2021, CKUA's Hidden Track podcast explores Buffy Sainte-Marie's remarkable artistic journey, featuring fresh insights from Buffy herself. Biographer Andrea Warner walks us through some major milestones in the story of one of music’s most under-appreciated geniuses. Along the way, we’ll hear from a new generation of JUNO Award-winning Indigenous artists influenced by Buffy’s work, including Bear Witness from A Tribe Called Red, Celeigh Cardinal, and Jeremy Dutcher. We’ll also get perspectives from Polaris Music Prize winner Owen Pallett, and Buffy collaborator, Dallas Good of the Sadies. Most exciting, we’ll hear Buffy’s personal reflections, in conversation with CKUA’s Terry David Mulligan. The Hidden Track podcast is presented by Bent Stick Brewing. 

When he died on December 12th, 2020, at the age of 86, Charley Pride left behind a truly mind-blowing legacy. He was flat-out one of the biggest country stars in history. He rather famously was the 2nd-best-selling RCA records artist of the '70s, second only to Elvis Presley. The road to that staggering success, though, required incredible struggle and strife. Charley Pride was a giant star, but he was also a truly transcendent one, who managed to overcome huge barriers of many different kinds. We'll be telling the story of the astonishing journey that Charley took. And as it turns out, you really can't tell that story without also getting  into the much-misunderstood history of Black country music. Our guests include Peter Cooper with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the brilliant musician Valerie June, the ascendent Alberta artist D'orjay the Singing Shaman, and acclaimed music writer Garth Cartwright.

He’s one of the most beloved composers of all time. This month, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth. Author and New York Times music writer Patricia Morrisroe has written extensively about Beethoven, who is also the focus of her debut novel "The Woman in the Moonlight." She’ll join us to provide new insights into his life and music. Plus, we'll hear from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s Alex Prior, and the Calgary Philharmonic’s Jennifer MacDonald. You'll also hear the story of an Edmonton’s family’s connection to one of the greatest composers of all time. This episode features public domain recordings provided by musopen.org. 

On November 12, 2020, Canadian music icon Neil Young celebrated his 75th birthday. He wasn't alone, as fans around the world celebrated right with him! On the latest episode of CKUA's Hidden Track podcast, presented by Bent Stick Brewing, we explore six decades of Neil's career with the help of family, friends, and fans. You'll hear from music journalist Jason Schneider, filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, Sonic Youth's Lee Ranaldo, Travis Good of The Sadies, nêhiyawak's Marek Tyler, Chad VanGaalen and Neil's older brother, Bob Young.