PODCAST

George Croft’s American Music Show

georgecroftmusic

George Croft dives into history and stories about classic American music spanning the decades.

music music history

All Episodes

30:12

GCAMS Episode 57: Sister Rosetta Tharpe

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/04/16

Sister Rosetta Tharpe — the gospel legend who electrified the world with her powerful voice and groundbreaking guitar skills. Often called the "Godmother of Rock & Roll," she blended sacred gospel with raw rhythm and blues, shattering barriers and directly inspiring legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash.From her humble beginnings performing in churches as a child, to her rise as a trailblazing Black woman in a male-dominated industry, this video explores her

51:57

GCAMS Episode 56: June Carter Cash

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/04/03

June Carter Cash (born Valerie June Carter, June 23, 1929 – May 15, 2003) was a legendary American country singer, songwriter, comedienne, actress, musician, and author, widely regarded as a key figure in country music history and a member of its "First Family."Early Life and Carter Family Roots Born in Maces Spring, Virginia, in the Appalachian foothills, June was the middle daughter of Ezra "Eck" Carter and Maybelle Carter. Her mother was part of the original Carter Family (with A.P. and Sara

88:44

GCAMS Episode 55: Diane Deikman Interview

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/03/28

Diane Jean Diekman grew up on a South Dakota farm, attended a one-room country school in the Hidewood Valley, and graduated from Clear Lake High School. Today she is a retired U.S. Navy captain and published author.Four years at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a triple major in elementary education, English, and Spanish, provided her Bachelor of Arts degree. When a mandated closure of rural schools ended her teaching dream, Diane enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After two

29:47

GCAMS Episode 54: Jimmie Rodgers

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/03/24

Jimmie Rodgers (September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933), born James Charles Rodgers in Meridian, Mississippi, is widely known as the "Father of Country Music." He earned nicknames like "The Singing Brakeman" and "America's Blue Yodeler" for his distinctive yodeling and blend of styles. Early Life and Railroad Days Rodgers grew up as the son of a railroad section foreman. His mother died when he was young, so he spent time with relatives before returning to live with his father. At age 13–14, he left

38:17

GCAMS Episode 53: Faron Young

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/03/11

Faron Young was a prominent American country music singer, songwriter, and performer, best known for his honky-tonk style and a long string of hits spanning several decades.He was born on February 25, 1932, in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the youngest of six children in a family that ran a dairy farm outside the city. Growing up in modest circumstances, he initially aspired to sing pop music but shifted toward country after being influenced by artists like Hank Williams, whom he heard on the Louisiana

7:08

GCAMS Episode 52: Interview with Pocket Full of Whiskey

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/03/09

This week we got the chance to sit down with the members of Pocket Full of Whiskey. This local band has spent the last few years keeping the people of Yuba/Sutter out on the dance floor and it was great to catch a quick chat with them after their latest recording session with @Tylerandcofilms . Enjoy!

71:18

GCAMS Episode 51: Bruce Wawrzyniak

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/02/27

Now Hear This President Bruce Wawrzyniak has been promoting for many years. A cum laude graduate of Medaille University in Buffalo, New York, his background runs the gamut from marketing to broadcasting to public/media relations and promotions. He has served industries such as sports/entertainment, radio/TV (on-air positions in both), and full-service (advertising/public relations) agencies. He also taught a Promotions Techniques course to college juniors and seniors. Bruce has dealt with (and

96:26

GCAMS Episode 50: Don Henry

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/02/08

Grammy Award winner Don Henry's songs have been recorded by legends like: Ray Charles, Patti Page and Conway Twitty By country crooners like: Gene Watson, John Conlee and B.J. Thomas By young hit makers of today like: Blake Shelton, Lonestar and Miranda Lambert …. .....and the list goes on. And he’s shared the stage with performers as diverse as Joey Ramone to Keith Urban. The wit and wisdom of Don's songs are widely renowned whether it's campfire favorites, the hilarious "B.F.D." and biker lullaby

37:00

GCAMS Episode 49: Garden Groove

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/01/31

Garden Groove is a high-energy tribute band dedicated to capturing the essence of Sublime’s iconic sound. Blending ska, punk, reggae, and rock, we bring the raw energy and laid-back vibes that made Sublime legendary. Our setlist spans fan favorites and deep cuts, delivering an authentic experience for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. We keep the crowds dancing and singing along, providing an unforgettable tribute.

41:05

GCAMS Episode 46: Little Richard

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/01/23

Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia, was one of the pioneering architects of rock and roll. The third of 12 children in a large family, he grew up immersed in gospel music through Pentecostal and Baptist churches, where he sang and played piano from a young age. As a teenager, he left home around age 14, performing on the Chitlin' Circuit (Black entertainment venues) and adopting his stage name while working in medicine shows and nightclubs. His

42:36

GCAMS Episode 45: David Crosby

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/01/12

David Crosby (August 14, 1941 – January 18, 2023) was an iconic American singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose distinctive harmonies and influential work helped shape folk-rock and classic rock. Born in Los Angeles to a cinematographer father and a musically inclined mother, Crosby began his career in the early 1960s folk scene before co-founding The Byrds in 1964. The band pioneered folk-rock with hits like their 1965 cover of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" (a No. 1 single) and classics such as

32:40

GCAMS Episode 44: Clarence White

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2026/01/01

Clarence White (1944–1973) was a groundbreaking American guitarist who transformed bluegrass and country rock. Born in Maine and raised in California, he rose to fame in the 1960s with the Kentucky Colonels, revolutionizing acoustic flatpicking with a powerful, melodic lead style inspired by Doc Watson. In the late 1960s, he became a top session musician, co-invented the B-Bender (StringBender) device for his Telecaster to mimic pedal steel bends, and joined The Byrds in 1968, shaping their

39:43

GCAMS Episode 43: Tyler Johnson interview

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/12/20

Tyler Johnson is a world class videographer and musician. Based in Yuba City California, his company Tyler & Co. Marketing is changing the game when it comes to affordable high quality productions for businesses, families, and artists. He is also a phenomenal guitar player and is featured on two of my latest singles, "High Sierra Coming Down" and "To Be Enough". Follow him on Instagram @tylerandco_marketing , and visit his website tylerandcofilms.com.

44:19

GCAMS Episode 42: Porter Wagoner

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/12/15

Porter Wagoner (August 12, 1927 – October 28, 2007) was an influential American country music singer, songwriter, and television host from West Plains, Missouri. Born into a farming family in the Ozarks, he began performing early, signing with RCA Records in 1952 and scoring hits like "A Satisfied Mind" (1955). Known for his flashy rhinestone Nudie suits and blond pompadour hairstyle, he hosted the syndicated The Porter Wagoner Show from 1960 to 1981, which reached millions and launched careers. In

45:03

GCAMS Episode 41: Chet Atkins

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/12/11

Chester Burton Atkins, known to the world as Chet Atkins, was one of the most important and beloved figures in American music. Born on June 20, 1924, in the small mountain community of Luttrell, Tennessee, he rose from a shy, asthmatic child who taught himself guitar by a wood-burning stove to become the architect of modern country music and one of the finest guitarists who ever lived. Atkins developed a revolutionary fingerstyle technique that used a thumbpick for steady bass lines while his

46:39

GCAMS Episode 40: Ritch Shefke

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/12/02

This week we sit down with Ritch Shefke. Ritch is a multi-instrumentalist who has spent decades in the California music scene. He is currently the bass player for LaineyWood and Moonshine Crazy. Please check out their music and enjoy this wide ranging conversation.

65:47

GCAMS Episode 39: Germane Smith

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/11/22

This week we got the chance to sit down with Germane Smith. Germane is a booking agent in the Sacramento area with more than 20 years of experience in the music industry. Please enjoy our wide ranging conversation about what new artists might not know before getting into the music business.

35:17

GCAMS Episode 38: Jim Reeves

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/11/14

Jim Reeves, born James Travis Reeves on August 20, 1923, in Galloway, Texas, was a country and pop singer known as "Gentleman Jim" for his smooth baritone and polished style. One of nine children, he grew up on a farm during the Great Depression and excelled in baseball, pitching in the minor leagues until a leg injury ended his sports career. He worked as a radio announcer and DJ while briefly attending the University of Texas.His music career began in the early 1950s. After signing with Abbott

54:57

GCAMS Episode 37: Gordon Lightfoot

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/11/08

Gordon Lightfoot (1938–2023) was a Canadian singer-songwriter and folk-pop icon.Born in Orillia, Ontario, he rose to fame in the 1960s Toronto folk scene. His songs were recorded by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and many others before he became a star himself. Major hits include “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970), “Sundown” (#1 U.S., 1974), and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976). He released 20 studio albums, sold over 10 million records, and toured relentlessly for six decades. Known for

49:11

GCAMS Episode 36: Stevie Ray Vaughan

George Croft’s American Music Show ·

2025/11/01

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born Stephen Ray Vaughan on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, grew up in a turbulent household marked by his father's alcoholism and frequent relocations. The younger brother of guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, he was a shy child who discovered his passion for music early. At age seven, he received a toy guitar as a birthday gift and began learning by ear, heavily influenced by his brother's records. By his teens, Vaughan was immersed in the blues, drawing from legends like Albert

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George Croft’s American Music Show

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