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This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.
Listen: Todd Rundgren Has Our Song Of The Week From 2003: Can We Still Be Friends
Musician, producer and songwriter Todd Rundgren seen here performing on Mountain Stage in 2003. Brian Blauser
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Our look back to our archives this week features performances by Todd Rundgren, Sonny Landreth, Steve Forbert, Stephen Fearing, The Code Talkers feat. Col. Bruce Hampton, and Richard X. Heyman, recorded live on Mountain Stage in 2003.
Rundgren, recently inducted by Patti Smith into the latest class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, performed an arrangement of his popular song, “Can We Still Be Friends,” from his 1978 release Hermit of Mink Hollow.
Todd Rundgren-Can We Still Be Friends, from 2003
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren visited Mountain Stage in 2003, and performed his popular 1978 single "Can We Still Be Friends."
According to Wikipedia, the song reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1994, the song made a prominent appearance in the film “Dumb and Dumber,” for which Rundgren had composed the score. It also appears on the soundtrack for the 2001 film “Vanilla Sky,” and the TV series “Nip/Tuck.”
Robert Palmer would include the song on his album Secrets in 1979, and Mandy Moore released her version in 2003 from her album Coverage.
Join us starting Friday, February 11 on these NPR Music stations for this week’s special Archive Edition of Mountain Stage, featuring performances by Rundgren, Sonny Landreth, Steve Forbert, Stephen Fearing, The Code Talkers feat. Col. Bruce Hampton and Richard X. Heyman.
Check out the rest of our Broadcast Schedule by clicking “On The Radio” at MountainStage.org for a glimpse at the rest of the classic episodes we’re revisiting ahead of our Spring season of fresh episodes, starting March 4.
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This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.
When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina in 2024, it took lives and upended communities. A community of ballad singers lost a place where they could share their tradition, but what was lost could be restored.
This week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage honors the lives of artists who we lost over the past few years. On this "In Memoriam" episode, you will hear archived performances by Jill Sobule, Todd Snider, Chip Taylor, Justin Townes Earle, and more.
