In MemoriamRemembering Michael Hurley, a godfather of folk music's undergroundGrayson Haver Currin • Apr 4, 2025Sometimes called the father of freak-folk, the 83-year-old singer-songwriter lived, worked and died on his own terms.
Classic AmericanaClassic Americana: Billy Joe RoyalMike Pengra and Luke Taylor • Apr 4, 2025Our Classic Americana pick this week highlights Billy Joe Royal, a vocalist who enjoyed a number of hits in the 1960s, then reinvented himself as a country singer in the 1980s.
News and InterviewsJason Isbell confronts the pain of divorce, and the possibility of new loveTerry Gross • Apr 3, 2025Jason Isbell sings about his split from musician Amanda Shires on his latest album Foxes in the Snow. "What I was attempting to do is document a very specific time where I was going through a lot of changes," he says.
WatchKris Delmhorst plays songs from 'Ghosts in the Garden' at The Current for Radio HeartlandMike Pengra • Mar 28, 2025Delmhorst and her band — the same musicians who recorded the album — perform a session in our studio.
Classic AmericanaClassic Americana: Charly McClainMike Pengra and Luke Taylor • Mar 28, 2025Our Classic Americana pick this week highlights Charly McClain, a singer who enjoyed a string of hits in the 1980s thanks to her smooth, warm vocals.
WatchCass McCombs: Tiny Desk ConcertMaia Stern • Mar 24, 2025Cass McCombs' songs are slow, languid and beautiful, which feels like the right counterbalance to our fast-paced times.
Classic AmericanaClassic Americana: Son HouseMike Pengra and Luke Taylor • Mar 21, 2025Our Classic Americana pick this week highlights foundational blues artist and slide-guitar innovator, Son House.
Classic AmericanaClassic Americana: Michael Martin MurpheyMike Pengra and Luke Taylor • Mar 14, 2025Our Classic Americana pick this week highlights Michael Martin Murphey, a hitmaking singer-songwriter who experienced a career renaissance covering traditional cowboy songs.
The Current Guitar CollectionThe Current's Guitar Collection: David Rawlings, 1935 Epiphone OlympicLuke Taylor, Evan Clark and Josh Sauvageau • Mar 10, 2025Singer-songwriter David Rawlings talks about a guitar he found in a friend’s basement and located an incredibly rare item to trade for it.
News and InterviewsDolly Parton pays homage to late husband Carl Dean with 'If You Hadn't Been There'Isabella Gomez Sarmiento • Mar 7, 2025Dolly Parton's husband, Carl Dean, died on Monday. On Friday at midnight, Parton released the song "If You Hadn't Been There" in his memory.
