The Current

Great Music Lives Here
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now

John Gorka performs in the Radio Heartland studio

John Gorka performs in the Radio Heartland studio.
John Gorka performs in the Radio Heartland studio.Nate Ryan | MPR
  Play Now [20:26]

by Mike Pengra

May 10, 2018

John Gorka - True In Time (Live on Radio Heartland)
by MPR
John Gorka - Tattooed (Live on Radio Heartland)
by MPR
John Gorka - Mennonite Girl (Live on Radio Heartland)
by MPR

"My favorite place to be is in the middle of a song." That's what John Gorka says about the joy of writing music. Whether it's a guitar lick or a simple lyric idea, Gorka is most happy creating songs — something he's been doing for quite a while now. Gorka's latest album, True In Time, was released on Red House Records earlier this year, and it marks 30 years since the release of his very first album, I Know.

Gorka's latest project was recorded in a style he calls "old school" — when he and the core players in the band are all in the studio together, trying out new ideas and leaving with a foundation recording of the songs. He was reunited with many of his musical friends for the recording, including vocal contributions from Lucy Kaplansky, Eliza Gilkyson and Jonatha Brooke.

John Gorka stopped by the Radio Heartland studio to sing a few songs from his latest album.

More Video

Songs Performed


"True In Time"
"Tattooed"
"Mennonite Girl"
All songs from John Gorka's 2018 release, True In Time, available on Red House Records.

Hosted and produced by Mike Pengra
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Visuals by Nate Ryan

John Gorka - official site