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Americana Podcast

Robert Earl Keen

Americana Podcast: The 51st State is a platform dedicated to sharing and expanding on the Americana genre's roots, reach, and definition. Each episode is told from the point of view of the musicians that have dedicated their lives to it. Robert Earl Keen, Americana pioneer and host, interviews musicians, exploring their unique histories, creative processes, successes, failures, and everything in between.

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  • 21 episodes
  • monthly
  • Avg 59 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • #54
    October 6 · 1 hr

    The Denim Poet | Hayes Carll

    Robert Earl Keen sits down with Texas singer-songwriter Hayes Carll for a conversation about songwriting, storytelling, and the people and places that find their way into his music. From his early days growing up in The Woodlands, Texas, to a career spanning more than two decades, Carll has developed a distinctive songwriting voice built on sharp observation, humor, honesty, and an appreciation for the complicated characters of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from writers like Townes Van Zan

  • #53
    July 21 · 57 min

    Rodeo Sunsets and Silver Screens | Ryan Bingham

    On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, host Robert Earl Keen welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor, and Academy Award winner Ryan Bingham for a conversation recorded at the legendary Continental Club in Austin, Texas. Before Hollywood recognition and Yellowstone fame, Bingham's life was shaped by the realities of the American West—rodeo circuits, ranch work, and years spent writing songs rooted in lived experience rather than romanticized myth. That authenticity became the

  • #52
    April 14 · 53 min

    Take Me to Church | Meat Church with Matt Pittman

    On this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Meat Church founder Matt Pittman to explore the rhythm, tradition, and storytelling behind barbecue. From backyard beginnings to a global brand, Pittman shares how patience, repetition, and instinct shape both great food and meaningful craft.

  • #51
    March 10 · 1 hr 1 min

    REMASTERED: Billy Strings | From The Big Bang to Bluegrass

    In celebration of Billy Strings' recent Grammy win, Americana Podcast is proud to present a remastered version of this episode. Join us today as our host, Robert Earl Keen, speaks with Billy Strings about learning to play, the skill of songwriting, and looking up Americana music.

  • #50
    February 11 · 46 min

    Blue Delta Jeans | The Threads of Life

    Robert Earl Keen visits Oxford, Mississippi, to talk with Blue Delta Jeans co-founders Josh West and Nick Weaver. The trio discusses growing up in the Mississippi Delta, Blue Delta’s craftsmanship-driven approach to bespoke denim, and the company’s COVID-era pivot to PPE. They also explore the broader culture of Mississippi makers and their own past collaborations with Keen. It’s “a music story that doesn’t start on the stage”—a look at how authenticity and craft shape both denim and Americana.

  • #49
    January 7 · 50 min

    James McMurtry | A Man of Many Worlds

    Robert Earl Keen sits down with James McMurtry for an intimate look at the songwriter’s lifelong commitment to honest, character-driven storytelling. They trace McMurtry’s path from his Texas roots through his early years on the road and into a career defined by sharp observation and endurance. From Too Long in the Wasteland to The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy, McMurtry reflects on craft, influence, and what it means to tell the truth in song.

  • #48
    Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min

    Our Alright Guy | Todd Snider Revisited

    This special rerun honors the late Todd Snider, whose passing left a deep void. Revisiting this conversation reminds us of the warmth, wit, and singular storytelling that made Todd’s presence unforgettable. His humor, honesty, and crooked-smile perspective linger in every song and story he shared. We return to this episode in gratitude, celebrating the lasting imprint of his voice and the light he brought into the world.

  • #47
    Oct 28, 2025 · 38 min

    Terry Allen & Jo Harvey | Lubbock and Life (On Everything) - Part 2

    The journey continues in part two of Robert Earl Keen’s conversation with Terry and Jo Harvey Allen, through decades of art, adventure, and enduring love. From their West Texas roots to the creative frontiers of California and New Mexico, the Allens trace a life spent in pursuit of story and song—where every project becomes a new chapter in a shared artistic odyssey. Together, they reveal how chance, courage, and devotion have shaped a partnership as boundless as the landscapes that inspire them

  • #46
    Sep 23, 2025 · 37 min

    Terry Allen & Jo Harvey | Lubbock and Life (On Everything) - Part 1

    Terry and Jo Harvey Allen join host Robert Earl Keen for a wide-ranging conversation on art, love, and the West Texas spirit. From songwriting and performance to painting, film, and storytelling, the two share how a lifetime of creation—together and apart—has shaped their place in Americana. Part one of a special two-episode series, this is an intimate look at two iconoclastic artists whose work is as fearless as it is timeless.

  • #45
    Jul 29, 2025 · 52 min

    Evan Felker | Worth More Than the Price of Admission

    Turnpike Troubadours frontman Evan Felker joins host Robert Earl Keen to talk songwriting, staying grounded, and the road back to the stage. From Oklahoma roots to national resonance, it’s a deep dive into the heart of Red Dirt music and the stories that make it real.

  • #44
    Jun 30, 2025 · 54 min

    Shooter Jennings | Bridging the Gap and Producing the Future

    In this episode, Robert Earl Keen sits down with Shooter Jennings to explore the roots and evolution of Americana and Country music from Nashville to California. They discuss Shooter's unique role as a producer, his musical legacy, and the upcoming release of unreleased Waylon Jennings tracks.

  • #43
    May 27, 2025 · 47 min

    Cheiffalo Americana | A Foray into Fashion

    In this episode of Americana Podcast: The 51st State, we step beyond the soundwaves and into the world of style to explore how fashion shapes—and is shaped by—Americana culture. Host Robert Earl Keen sits down with Roger and Jackie Chieffalo, the founders of Chieffalo Americana, a Fort Worth-based western outfitter that’s rewriting the rules of heritage fashion. Their brand fuses vintage western roots with a modern, urban sensibility, creating garments that speak with the same soul and intention

  • #42
    Apr 29, 2025 · 52 min

    Steve Poltz | Santa Cruz, Saul Bellow, and Kidnapping John Prine

    In this episode of Americana Podcast, singer-songwriter Steve Poltz is spotlighted for his unique blend of storytelling, humor, and unpredictability that challenges the boundaries of American roots music. Known for co-writing Jewel’s hit You Were Meant for Me, Poltz’s career spans decades and defies easy categorization, blending folk traditions with playful innovation. The episode also features a live performance and delves into how Poltz bridges DIY folk-punk with Americana’s narrative legacy

  • #41
    Mar 25, 2025 · 48 min

    Archival and Revival

    As Robert Earl Keen & team look forward to more touring, a new record, and a new season of the Americana Podcast, join us as we take a moment to look back, in order to look forward for what’s to come. This episode contains the previous season’s best-of moments from the 51st State. Hear conversation clips from bluegrass genre-bender Billy Strings (01:41), American Aquarium's BJ Barham (08:56), modern day troubadour Brent Cobb (14:45), REK’s good friend and touring pal Elizabeth Cook (18:23), zen-

  • #39
    Jan 16, 2024 · 59 min

    Hiss Golden Messenger | The Art of Interpretation

    In this episode of Americana Podcast, host Clara Rose welcomes listeners to a new year and a special show featuring Hiss Golden Messenger. Hiss Golden Messenger, a California native and North Carolina resident, is recognized for his unique blend of soul, rhythmic rock, blues, and experiential lyricism. Celebrating the release of his new record M.C. Taylor (Hiss) talks about the Americana punk continuum, finding space in the studio and much more. The episode also marks a significant milestone, ha

  • #38
    Oct 27, 2023 · 1 hr 11 min

    Gretchen Peters | The Write Place and Time

    Having recently retired from touring, it’s time to take stock of Gretchen Peters' immeasurable impact on music. Her dedication to storytelling has earned her a place among the most revered songwriters of our time. So join us today as we speak with Gretchen Peters about her serendipitous career, women’s music in country and americana, and whether or not there really is a difference between being a songwriter and being a performer. I’m your producer and host, Clara Rose- and this is Americana Po

  • #37
    May 1, 2023 · 1 hr 5 min

    Americana Podcast LIVE | State of Americana Panel

    It's time to break out the party hats and pop the champagne because the Americana Podcast is celebrating its 4th anniversary! For the past four years, this podcast has been a leading voice in the Americana music scene, sharing interviews, stories, and music from some of the genre's most talented artists. And in our tireless efforts to promote and celebrate the diverse range of sounds and styles, we’ve made plenty of memories and laughter along the way. We’ve strived to provide insights into the

  • #35
    Jan 31, 2023 · 1 hr 22 min

    Lonestar Lineup | The Voices of Red Dirt and Texas Country

    Americana Podcast speaks with the artists who possibly have the most pertinent opinions on the state of Red Dirt and Texas Country and their weight in the views of Americana music. On this episode we have musical and actual giant Ray Benson from Asleep at The Wheel. Defender of the Dance Hall Randy Rogers, Okie not from Muskogee Jason Boland of Jason Boland and the stragglers, young blood William Beckmann, whip smart Wade Bowan, and philanthropist at heart Josh Abbott. Saddle up and enjoy the sh

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