Southern Rock: Coming to Terms with a Complicated Past (Part Two) Artwork

American Song

American Song is a podcast that traces the origins and development of American - and ultimately world-wide - forms of modern musical entertainment. Over time, we will trace every major genre from its origins through the current day.American Song looks at the development of our music through the lens of social, political, and economic changes that were occurring in each case, and we'll feature the most important musicians in each genre.Every episode is chock-full of the music we love and where possible, we include archival interviews so you can hear about, in the actual words and voices of these great musicians and singers, the motives and passions that drove their creativity.

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American Song

Southern Rock: Coming to Terms with a Complicated Past (Part Two)

December 12, 2023 • Joe Hines • Season 3 • Episode 7

This is the second half of a two-part episode

In the late 1960's and early 1970's, Southern rock, a rebellious fusion of blues, rock and roll, and country music, emerged as the defiant cry from the heart of the South. Lynyrd Skynyrd's guitars wailed like banshees, their lyrics echoing the region's resistance to outside finger-pointing and strengthened a determination to preserve their own cultural identity. Never mind the warts and blemishes. The Allman Brothers Band played with improvisations like soaring eagles. Their music captured the untamed spirit, passion and raw energy of the South.

The intensity of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Outlaws was a force of nature, their music was a raw and unfiltered expression of southern pride. Their guitars roared like thunder, their drums pounded like a heartbeat, and their lyrics spoke of rebellion, and the indomitable spirit of the South.

John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival's showed that Southern music extended past Southern borders. Their music, infused with idealism and earthiness, captured the hopes and dreams of ordinary people. Their melodies were catchy and memorable, their lyrics were simple yet profound, and their art spoke directly to the hearts of their listeners. CCR offered a sense of hope and possibility in a world often filled with uncertainty.

Robbie Robertson and the Band's music was a tapestry of Americana, woven from the threads of blues, country, rock and roll, and folk. With songs written by a member of America’s first people, who crafted melodies that were both familiar and fresh, The Band captured the essence of the American experience. All its triumphs and tragedies, from the pinnacle of joy to the depths of sorrow, Robertson helped reveal a nation in search of an identity.

All of this and more await you in this latest episode! Hope you enjoy it!

Featured Artists
Alabama
The Allman Bros.
The Band
Black Oak Arkansas
Carl Perkins
The Charlie Daniels Band
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Graham Parker
Hank Williams
John Lee Hooker
Lonnie Mack
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Molly Hatchett
Muddy Waters
Neil Young
The Outlaws
Rossington Collins Band
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Links to Supporting Episodes

Season One Episode Four
Season One Episode Seven
Season One Episode Eight
Season Two Episode Eight