This episode of High Cotton Radio dives deep into the legendary collaboration between Bob Dylan and The Band, exploring their tumultuous 1966 world tour, Dylan’s shift to electric rock, and the music that emerged from their time together. Hosts Zulu Doc and DJ Unit are joined by returning guest River City Willie, who curates a playlist celebrating Dylan's evolution alongside The Band.

The show opens with Lead Belly’s "Where Did You Sleep Last Night?", setting the tone before launching into the history of Dylan’s controversial move to electric music. The discussion centers around Dylan’s 1966 world tour, where he and The Band—then known as The Hawks—faced relentless booing from folk purists. The infamous Royal Albert Hall Concert is revisited with live recordings of "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" and "Tell Me Mama," showcasing the tension and energy of the era.

As the episode progresses, the hosts explore Dylan’s post-accident seclusion in Woodstock and the legendary Basement Tapes sessions. They highlight the impact of this period, playing rare gems like "Long Distance Operator" and "Tough Mama." The conversation reflects on how The Band transitioned from backing Dylan to becoming an iconic group in their own right.

With reflections on Dylan’s 1974 comeback and his enduring influence, the episode is a must-listen for fans of classic rock, folk, and Americana. River City Willie’s passion for the era shines through, making this an insightful and engaging journey into one of the most pivotal collaborations in music history.

[MUSIC INTRO]

Zulu Doc: All right, ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the late start tonight. It's been a busy day for the Zulu Doc. You know, this isn't my regular job, but we're trying to get to a point where it is. My other job ran a little long today, but here we are. You're listening to 96.9 FM WHYR-LP Baton Rouge Community Radio, and it's time for another hour of High Cotton Radio. I'm the Zulu Doc, and he's DJ Unit. Unit, how you feeling today?

DJ Unit: Oh, sua, I'm well. Things are going great. Just trying to focus on love—you’ve got to love each other.

Zulu Doc: That's right. Your hair looks good. There's a lot of good hair in the studio tonight. I’d argue I have the fourth-best hair in here, which is unusual for me.

DJ Unit: Not often you rank yourself fourth.

Zulu Doc: Yeah, and I'm admitting that!

DJ Unit: That's growth.

Zulu Doc: Speaking of unexpected things, you just sent somebody to jail today, didn't you?

DJ Unit: Yeah, sometimes you have to make sure certain people spend a few days behind bars when their mistakes are, you know, unforgivable.

Zulu Doc: Do you ever think about what they feel when that door clanks shut?

DJ Unit: Yeah, and it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. It's the best bar there is.

Zulu Doc: You know what makes me feel warm and fuzzy? When we have guests back on the show. Tonight, we welcome back The Pet Shop Boy! He reached out last week, wanting to get back in, and I said, “How about next show?” And here we are. Welcome back!

Pet Shop Boy: Thanks for having me. It's been too long! I've been working on some material—have y’all ever gotten into country funk?

Zulu Doc: We’ve played some Tony Joe White, but looking at your playlist, I see some names we don’t hear much—Bobby Gentry, Bobby Charles, Link Wray. What made you want to focus on this style?

Pet Shop Boy: Everyone here loves Outlaw Country, but this is another form of it. It blends country, R&B, gospel—diverse, old, but fresh. It’s different from Outlaw Country, and I wanted to share it.

Zulu Doc: Tell us about our first artist—Link Wray, Fire and Brimstone.

Pet Shop Boy: Link Wray was born in 1929 in Dunn, North Carolina, and passed away in 2005 in Copenhagen. He’s best known for Rumble, a guitar instrumental that was so powerful it was banned in New York and Boston for fear it would incite violence. But my favorite Link Wray song is Fire and Brimstone. Let’s hear it.

[MUSIC: "Fire and Brimstone" by Link Wray]

Zulu Doc: File that under “people you never really listened to, but should have.” What’s next?

Pet Shop Boy: Bayou Country by Grits. This song was written by Baton Rouge’s own Duke Bardwell and Luther Kent. Bardwell played in The Basement Wall, The Greek Fountains, and even with Elvis in the TCB Band.

[MUSIC: "Bayou Country" by Grits]

Zulu Doc: Damn. That was incredible.

Pet Shop Boy: It’s one of my all-time favorites.

Zulu Doc: Next up, we’ve got some Paul Pena. You know him?

Pet Shop Boy: Oh yeah, great hair. Born in 1950, he wrote Jet Airliner—you know, the Steve Miller Band song. He toured with the Grateful Dead, played bass for Bonnie Raitt, and opened for Merl Saunders and Jerry Garcia.

[MUSIC: Paul Pena]

Zulu Doc: We also got a request for some Johnny Adams. Tell us about him.

Pet Shop Boy: Johnny Adams was born in New Orleans in 1932, passed away in Baton Rouge in 1998. His first major hit was produced by a young Dr. John. Later, he toured with Aaron Neville and Harry Connick Jr.

[MUSIC: "Georgia Morning Dew" by Johnny Adams]

Zulu Doc: That was smooth. Als

In this special episode of High Cotton Radio, Zulu Docs and DJ Unit welcome guest DJ Cookie Man for a deep dive into the music, culture, and history of 1973. Broadcasting from Baton Rouge Community Radio, the show takes listeners on a journey through the pivotal year, touching on the Watergate scandal, the end of the Vietnam War, economic struggles, and the vibrant music scene that captured the era’s emotions.

The episode kicks off with a tribute to Elvis Presley on what would have been his 89th birthday, followed by a discussion on 1973’s defining moments. DJ Cookie Man curates a setlist of classic tracks from the year, including Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain, Stevie Wonder’s Superstition, and The Rolling Stones’ Angie. The hosts explore how music reflected the era’s political discord, longing for home, and cultural shifts.

Special call-in guest Eric DeWeese, a veteran broadcaster and Vietnam War veteran, shares his experience of moving to Baton Rouge in 1973 and helping launch WRKF, one of the area’s first public radio stations. The episode also features nostalgic memories of Willie Nelson’s early days in Austin and his impact on country music, as well as a tribute to the fun-loving spirit of New Orleans with a closing track from Dr. John.

With a mix of historical insight, personal stories, and an incredible soundtrack, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and history buffs alike. Tune in for a rich, engaging look at the music and moments that shaped 1973. 

In this special holiday episode of High Cotton Radio, DJ C Murder returns for a second year to spread Christmas cheer with country Christmas classics. Hosted by Zulu Docs and featuring guest appearances from DJ Unit and various call-in listeners, the episode is packed with festive stories, shout-outs, and nostalgic holiday tunes.

DJ C Murder shares personal memories of Christmas traditions, from her father sneaking in holiday carols before Thanksgiving to the timeless charm of Dolly Parton’s music. The hosts dive into the legends of country music, spinning tracks from Loretta Lynn, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, Willie Nelson, and more. Along the way, they discuss the magic of holiday music, family traditions, and the iconic decision that made Dolly Parton one of the wealthiest female artists in history.

Listeners from across the country, including Cleveland, Detroit, and Baton Rouge, call in with song requests and stories, making for a lively and interactive show. The episode wraps up with a tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett and a raucous, fun-loving finale featuring Robert Earl Keen’s Merry Christmas from the Family.

Tune in for a heartfelt, humorous, and music-filled celebration of the season! 

In this episode of High Cotton Radio, hosts Zulu Docs and DJ Unit return to the studio for a deep dive into the life, legacy, and music of the legendary Kris Kristofferson. From his days as a Rhodes Scholar and helicopter pilot to his impact as a songwriter, actor, and country music icon, Kristofferson’s incredible journey takes center stage.

Special guest DJ Colin joins the conversation, sharing his personal connection to Kristofferson’s music and how it shaped his appreciation for country and singer-songwriters. The crew spins some of Kristofferson’s greatest hits, compares versions of his classics by other artists like Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson, and reflects on the profound storytelling in his songs.

Listeners from all over the country—including a live listening party in Utah—tune in for this heartfelt tribute, featuring stories, live recordings, and a deep appreciation for the man behind the music. Stay tuned as we close out the night with Me and Bobby McGee, Why Me, Lord, and more.

Tune in and celebrate the life and music of a true legend.