Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes is the ultimate jack of all trades - a revered musician, cultural historian, former NFL'er and National Park Ranger who has become a pillar of New Orleans' vibrant music scene. Sunpie demonstrates a dazzling array of styles in Soul Country #7 on harmonica, accordion and piano, playing key songs from his wide-ranging repertoire. He learned blues from his father in Arkansas, a  contemporary of Sonny Boy Williamson, and later from legendary New Orleans masters. His music thusly is a powerful blend of blues, zydeco, gospel, and Afro-Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. Exploring...

Episodes

Tiger Beats
Tiger Beats

Patrick Sweany and McKinley James from East Nashville's resident blues purists, The Tiger Beats, drop in for Soul Country episode 1. They talk blues, country, The Rolling Stones and British Blues, Hollywood Fats, Bobby Blue...

Soul Country #1

Airdate Apr 6, 2022
Podcast 54:59

Erin Coburn
Erin Coburn

Erin Coburn drops by for Soul Country #6 to share some old tunes, tales from the road and tech talk. This master of strings is gearing up a new band and sound to take to...

Soul Country #6

Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast 25:06

Chris Thomas King
Chris Thomas King

Hear Multi-Grammy®-Winner Chris Thomas King discuss his new book The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture revealing the Creole origins of the blues, O Brother Where Art Thou? and more in Soul...

Soul Country #3

Airdate Jul 30, 2022
Podcast 50:11

Boogie Long
Boogie Long

Baton Rouge native Jonathon "Boogie" Long demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with "Chickin’ Pickin'" blues and country styles from this master craftsman in Soul Country #5. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established...

Soul Country #5

Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast 33:25

Ben Sidran
Ben Sidran

Pianist Ben Sidran recounts writing “Space Cowboy” with Steve Miller, recording with the Rolling Stones in 1968 London and jazz on tv in Soul Country #8. Get ready for some insights into clasic rock’s headiest...

Soul Country #8

Airdate Aug 31, 2024
Podcast 55:06

Bobby Rush
Bobby Rush

Multi-Grammy winner, King of the Chitlin Circuit and stand-up comedian (and guy), Bobby Rush takes a journey into Soul Country. Episode #2 features Bobby’s funky licks on guitar and harp and discussion of his Mississippi...

Soul Country #2

Airdate May 28, 2022
Podcast 51:58

Gary Talley
Gary Talley

Gary Talley talks and plays through an amazing 6 decades in soul, rock and country in Soul Country #4. The Box Tops guitarist pulls out his electric sitar, recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with...

Soul Country #4

Airdate Apr 23, 2023
Podcast 70:38