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This week, a new novel about two girls and an astronomy textbook draws inspiration from one of the quietest places in West Virginia. Also, author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle talks about growing up as part of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. And, a Kentucky tattoo artist practices traditional tattooing and traditional music. He says they’re not too different.
Listen: Ray Wylie Hubbard Has The Mountain Stage Song Of The Week
Ray Wylie Hubbard is joined by the Mountain Stage Band and vocalist Jaimee Harris during this week's broadcast.Chris Morris
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The legendary icon of cosmic cowboy country music, Ray Wylie Hubbard, returns to Mountain Stage with host Kathy Mattea, along with a line-up jam-packed with exceptional songwriting talent. We’ll also hear performances from Mary Gauthier, Cole Chaney, Frances Luke Accord, and Darden Smith.
Join us starting Friday, Oct. 28 on these NPR stations for the entire episode.
Texas native, and former high school band mate of our founder Larry Groce, Hubbard has carved out an unmistakable niche in the modern world of folk, rock and Americana music. His latest album, Co-Starring Too, exemplifies his reach and influence with featured guests like Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Hayes Carll, James McMurtry, Wynonna and Jaimee Harris (herself a guest alongside Mary Gauthier on this show).
Our Song of the Week is Hubbard’s performance of “Desperate Man,” which closes out the studio album with guest-stars Band of Heathens. In this version The Mountain Stage Band can be heard backing Hubbard.
Ray Wylie Hubbard-Desperate Man, live on Mountain Stage 2022
Hear the entire set, plus captivating performances from revered songwriter Mary Gauthier, poet, photographer and song craftsmen Darden Smith, roots-pop duo Frances Luke Accord, and emerging Kentucky songwriter Cole Chaney.
This week, a new novel about two girls and an astronomy textbook draws inspiration from one of the quietest places in West Virginia. Also, author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle talks about growing up as part of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. And, a Kentucky tattoo artist practices traditional tattooing and traditional music. He says they’re not too different.
A new young adult novel titled "The Secret Astronomers" captures a slice of life in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This debut novel by author Jessica Walter tells the story of a friendship between two high school students as they unravel a decades-old mystery. Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams spoke with Walker before the book was released a few months ago.
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.