Closely related to the wolf; depicted in folklore as tricksters, villains and sometimes as gods; known for howling at the moon, surviving in any environment, running up to 40 miles per hour and eating just about anything, the animal’s cunning ways have inspired some fine bluegrass tunes. With the musical contributions of Bill Monroe, Colebrook […]
Pickin’ On The Pickin’ On Pickers, Part Two
They’ve been the subject of much controversy and heated debate and have generated many a frantic emergency call to the bluegrass police. With over 300 titles in the series and over 300 units in sales, the line is a force to be reckoned with — especially since it’s single-handedly been responsible for introducing thousands to […]
Bluegrass Breakdown: Dew
It’s tiny drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night. One of the most bluegrass-y words on Earth. And it’s provided the fodder for many a bluegrass tune, especially in its mountain form.
Deadly Force, Trailer
A nationwide movement has erupted in recent weeks, calling for drastic changes in law enforcement. These systemic issues aren’t new. WPLN News is launching a new podcast, Deadly Force, which investigates how officers are trained to use force, as well as the role of race in policing.
Bluegrass Breakdown: 1980, Part Five
We’ll be jaunting back to the bluegrassical world of 1980 when, in June of that year: the movie “The Blues Brothers, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi premieres; the David Letterman Show debuts on NBC TV; the Statler Brothers and Loretta Lynn score at the 14th Annual Music City News Country Awards; President Jimmy Carter […]
Bluegrass Breakdown: Travelers, Part Two
It’s one who goes on a trip or journey … one who travels. All who wander may not be lost, but they’re still wandering just the same. Thanks to the Bankester Family, Gary Ferguson and John McEuen, we’ll be continuing our deep dive into wild world of bluegrassical travelers with a look at the Dixie […]
Bluegrass Breakdown: Travelers, Part One
On its most basic level, it’s the process of moving from point A to point B – whether that be riding from Butte to Birmingham; making an emergency trip to Dollar General for some TP; or experiencing the ultimate journey from the cradle to the grave and the great beyond. Like it or not, we’re […]
The Tri-Star State: Gov. Lee And Legislature To Cut Spending Initiatives As Part Of New Budget Proposal
The Tennessee General Assembly is facing one of its biggest budgetary challenges ever. Sales tax revenue is down dramatically meaning more reductions to the state’s spending plan. WPLN’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has been talking to lawmakers to get a better sense of what’s likely to be cut.
Bluegrass Breakdown: New Releases
We’ll be taking a little trip down to the friendly neighborhood CD emporium where we’ll be looking to snag and feast our ears on the latest exemplary high, blue and lonesome recordings from the likes of Kenny & Amanda Smith, Hindsight Bluegrass, Greensky Bluegrass, Special Consensus and Appalachian Road Show.
The Tri-Star State: Despite Back And Forth Between Tennessee House And Senate Speakers, Post-Break Session Will Carry On
After two months of recess, the Tennessee General Assembly is getting back to business this week. And there’s already disagreements and controversy. WPLN News political reporter Sergio Martínez-Beltrán is also going back to the Capitol. But, even in quarantine, he’s been keeping up with the latest legislative developments.
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