Tennessee native Sparky Rucker has traveled a long road as a rock, gospel, and folk musician, protest singer, civil rights advocate, and teacher. His wife Rhonda blows a soulful harmonica and, like her husband, delves into the history and context of the songs they perform. As we begin Black History Month, the Ruckers talk with host Paul Brown about some surprising connections between black and white culture in southern mountain traditional songs. Of course, we hear plenty of music too. Finally, music historian Hank Sapoznik shares some of the earliest recordings of the old time and bluegrass standard “Reuben,” which the Ruckers say has an interesting connection to African-American life and the history of segregation.
Episode 6 Playlist
1. On The Move – Jason Carter
Album – On the Move
2. Shakin' Down the Acorns – Red Squirrel Chasers
Album – Shakin' Down the Acorns
3. Lowe Bonnie – Craver, Hicks, Watson & Newberry
Album – You've Been A Friend To Me
4. Free Wheelin' -- Appalachian Trail
Album – Appalachian Trail
5. Go On Lovin' -- Dori Freeman
Album – Dori Freeman
6. Old Jabo – Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee
Album – Classic Blues from Smithsonian Folkways
BREAK 1
7. Welcome Table – Sparky & Rhonda Rucker
Source – Live performance recording
8. We Shall Not Be Moved – Guy Carawan
Album – We Shall Overcome: Songs of Freedom Riders & Sit-ins
9. Camp A Little While in the Wilderness – Sparky & Rhonda Rucker
Album – The Mountains Above and the Valleys Below
10. Reuben's Train – Sparky & Rhonda Rucker
Album – The Mountains Above and the Valleys Below
BREAK 2
11. Reuben – Earl Scruggs
Album – Foggy Mountain Banjo
12. Train 45 – Grayson & Whitter
Source: 78 RPM recording
13. Reuben, Oh Reuben – Emry Arthur
Source: 78 RPM recording
14. Riding on that Train 45 – Wade Mainer, Steve Ledford, Zeke Morris
Source: 78 RPM recording
15. Reuben – Fred Cockerham
Album – Clawhammer Banjo Volume 1