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The hillbilly stereotype is frequently used to shame mountain people, but there are gentler versions, like Snuffy Smith, the long-running comic strip character. Snuffy Smith originally started out as a supporting character in his comic strip, which first launched in 1919 when Billy DeBeck created Barney Google. Artist Fred Lasswell was brought in during the ‘30s to create Snuffy Smith and his friends. And now the strip is written and drawn by John Rose, who lives in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
LISTEN: Sam Bush Has The Mountain Stage Song Of The Week
Sam Bush performs on Mountain Stage, live at The Franklin Theatre.Chris Morris/Mountain Stage
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This week’s episode of Mountain Stage was recorded in Franklin, Tennessee during the first of two shows at The Franklin Theatre. Host Kathy Mattea welcomed iconic country rock singer-songwriter Steve Earle, mandolin master Sam Bush, alt-country artist and multi-media star Elizabeth Cook, folksinging heir Sarah Lee Guthrie, and soulful, observational songwriter Chris Pierce.
Newgrass pioneer and mandolinist Sam Bush has performed on Mountain Stage more than eight times, as a member of Newgrass Revival, along with Edgar Myer, and with his own band of ace players. Joining Sam on this week’s show are Chris Brown on drums, Wes Corbett on banjo, Stephen Mougin on guitar, and Todd Parks on bass.
Our Mountain Stage Song of the Week is “I’m Still Here” by Sam Bush. This song is from his 2022 studio album, Radio John: Songs of John Hartford.
If you are listening overseas or on a smart device, the Mountain Stagepodcast of archived episodes is now streaming. Also, make sure you are signed up for the Mountain Stage Newsletter to receive the latest updates about upcoming live shows, radio broadcasts, and other special experiences.
Sam BushSarah Lee GuthrieSteve EarleElizabeth CookChris PierceGroup Photo
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Host Kathy Mattea welcomes Stephen Kellogg, Emily Scott Robinson, Joe Troop & The Truth Machine, Kindred Valley, and Corduroy Brown to the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington, WV on this week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage.
On this week's premiere broadcast on Mountain Stage, guest host David Mayfield welcomes Solas, Tim O’Brien & Jan Fabricius, Amanda Cook Band, Clymer & Kurtz, and Darrin Hacquard.
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The spring broadcast season of Mountain Stage kicks off this week with the premiere of our 42nd anniversary show, recorded in December of 2025. On this episode, host Kathy Mattea welcomes The Bacon Brothers, Rose Cousins, Shawn Camp, Mark Erelli, and Tessa McCoy & The State Birds.
