Pearls are prized gemstones that have been crafted into jewelry for millennia. They can be found in the wild, but they’re also cultivated on farms. We hear a report from North America’s lone freshwater pearl farm located along Kentucky Lake in Tennessee.
On this episode, Stephen Wilson Jr. makes his Mountain Stage debut. Originally from rural Southern Indiana, Wilson describes his sound as “Death Cab for Country” and continues his rise as a prominent star in the music world with a unique sound that combines country, grunge and indie rock.
Our Song of the Week is “Billy” by Stephen Wilson Jr., a song that unapologetically embraces his roots. You can find this song on his debut album Son of Dad.
Tune in to one of our 270+ affiliate stations starting Friday, Jan. 2 to hear Wilson’s full set, plus live performances by roots music mainstay Oliver Wood, folk singer-songwriter Dar Williams, Nashville folk-pop group TopHouse, and experimental indie folk band Cloud Cult.
Mark Carter and Stephen Wilson Jr. with a declaration proclaiming Stephen Wilson Jr Day. Stephen Wilson Jr.Oliver WoodTopHouseDar WilliamsCloud CultGroup Photo with Kathy Mattea
Listen this week for an encore broadcast of Mountain Stage featuring Larkin Poe, Victoria Canal, Raye Zaragoza, Ron Pope, and Christian Lopez. This episode was recorded with our host Kathy Mattea on the campus of West Virginia University, thanks to our friends at WVU College of Creative Arts and Media.
Our Song of the Week comes from the legendary jazz fusion band, best known for their 70s era records with the great pianist Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters. “Watermelon Man” was written by Hancock and was first released in 1962. On this live recording, you’ll hear Michael Clark on drums, William Summer on Vocals and Percussion, Donald Harrison on Saxophone, Shea Pierre on Piano, and Chris Severin on bass.
“Around the world it’s just a simple song.” – Mountain Stage theme, composed by Larry Groce.
This week’s broadcast brings you music from all corners of the globe with a Mount...
Our Mountain Stage Song of the Week is "All Aboard," by The Del McCoury Band. This classic train song was originally written by Eugene Patrick Ellsworth, Charles Edward Stefl, and Bradley Ross Rodgers, and has become one of Del McCoury's most popular tracks.