As nineteenth century US senator Daniel Webster said, “When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers therefore are the founders of human civilization.” In the case of Darrell Scott, he mastered one of the arts that followed so well that it became possible to try his hand at music’s ancient ancestor, the equally challenging, mysterious and at turns joyous endeavor of farming.

I sat with Darrell Scott in Greer, South Carolina on a beautiful spring afternoon in May at the Albino Skunk Music Festival, where he played with Bryn Davies on bass and Jeff Sipe on drums in what he dubs his Electrifying Trio. Our conversation ranged from topics like his love of electric guitar, to some favorite collaborations from his decades-long career, life on his 500 plus acre farm near Cookeville, Tennessee, his favorite cover of one of his signature songs, to how he came to own Guy Clark’s old orange Scout. Included here are many excerpts of his music, including Darrell’s favorite cover of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive”.

Darrell Scott with Jeff Sipe on drums and Bryn Davies on bass at their Albino Skunk Music Festival performance on May 13, 2022

Songs heard in this episode:

“Long Time Gone” by Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott, from Real Time

“(Have You Ever Been Down To) Colorado” by Darrell Scott, from Jaroso, excerpt

“(I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle” by Darrell Scott, from Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams, excerpt

“You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” by Patty Loveless, from Mountain Soul, excerpt

“River Take Me” by Darrell Scott, from Live at the Station Inn, excerpt]

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Southern Songs and Stories is a part of the podcast lineup of Osiris Media, with all of the Osiris shows available here. You can also hear new episodes of this podcast on Bluegrass Planet Radio here. Thanks to Corrie Askew for producing the radio adaptations of this series on public radio WNCW, and to Joshua Meng, who wrote and performed our theme songs. This is Southern Songs and Stories: the music of the South and the artists who make it.   - Joe Kendrick