PODCAST

Backtracks

Deep in the roots of American music, there are artists whose influence and talent have been largely overlooked or forgotten. In the Backtracks podcast, folklore scholar Professor Robert Cochran and musician Michael Cockram explore the music and lives of these under-appreciated pioneers.Backtracks is a non-profit, educational podcast produced in association with the Folk School of Fayetteville, Arkansas, a community music space.Contact us with comments, questions and information at:

music music history

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37:06

Arlene Smith and the early “girl groups” that...

Backtracks ·

2025/10/23

In the 1950’s, the 16-year-old lead singer for the Chantels, Arlene Smith wrote hits and sang with a confidence and power. While the content and production of the songs are simplistic by todays standards, her full-throttled singing would influence vocalist from Janis Joplin to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sings the Arlene Smith song "Maybe" at Slane Castle, Ireland:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dd-X-lkc70

32:18

Eddie Hinton | A soulful raw talent and the career...

Backtracks ·

2025/09/29

From his beginnings as a session guitar player at the famed Muscle Shoals Sound studio to writing hits and his “larynx-shredding” vocals, Eddie Hinton was the “young genius who could do it all.” But as popular tastes shifted away from rhythm and blues, Hinton refused to crossover to pop music and his career faded. He continued to perform and record but his rough and tumble life style took its toll and died at 51 in his mother’s home.

36:44

Brenda Patterson - A Vocal Powerhouse Revisited

Backtracks ·

2025/08/20

While Brenda Patterson had several strong solo albums, movie soundtracks and sung backup for Dylan and Ry Cooder, she somehow missed broad mainstream success. We look back at the span of her career in multiple genres - all with a soulful Memphis-infused sound.

36:32

Washington Phillips - Unearthly Music of Morality,...

Backtracks ·

2025/07/21

The quintessential outsider artist, Washington Phillips composed unique ethereal gospel and morality songs that have influenced artists including Sister Rosetta Tharp, Ry Cooder. and Ralph Stanley.Phillips, an eccentric "jack-leg preacher" made his living selling wares from his mule cart in central Texas. He eventually recorded his music in the late 1920's but remained in obscurity until other artists discovered his songs.

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Backtracks

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