Americana News

Joe Ely who died at 78 left behind many Americana classics   When the Flatlanders were formed in the West Texas town of Lubbock in 1971, no one had ever heard the term Americana music. But the eclectic mix this likeable trio would produce in the early 70’s laid the foundation for the Americana genre when it was formally inducted nearly 30 years later.   Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock were high school buddies with a love of music. Ely was rock orientated, Gilmo

In what must be Americana Photo of the Year, folk legend Joan Baez is pictured with six of the finest female singers in modern music. From left: Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Baez, Rosanne Cash, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris.   It was the movies not necessarily the music which had Americana fans enthralled in 2025. For two of the greatest singer-songwriters in modern music – Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen - had biopics delivered to cinematic audiences around

Willie Nelson, Bobbie Nelson and Paul English backstage in New Orleans in July 2014   Two great musicians who were always 20-feet from stardom - to borrow the title of an Oscar-winning documentary – would have found this year of particular significance had they both not passed. Drummer Paul English and pianist Bobbie Nelson played in Willie Nelson’s famous band, The Family, for decades. But, like most backing musicians, their profiles were somewhat confined to font-size 10 in

Gordon Lightfoot's ballad "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald " transformed a story about just another shipwreck into international folklore   It is now 50 years since the freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, with the loss of 29 lives. So what, you might rightfully ask? For there have been greater shipwrecks in peacetime through the years, with far bigger loss of life. True! But few have been immortalized in song like the Edmund Fitzgera

Tami Neilson and Brett Adams launch G igs for Gaza series at Auckland's Junk & Disorderly Bikes, buckets and boots hang from the ceiling. Antiquated TV’s perch on bookshelves filled with old LP’s. In the middle of all this is a makeshift stage. And standing there is Canadian country-soul star Tami Neilson. It’s a long way from the Ryman Auditorium or alongside Willie Nelson at his July 4 th Texas concert.   For the New Zealand-based singer-songwriter was performing at an Auc

Rare recordings from 1956-63 provide a wonderful insight into the early development of Bob Dylan's music You could say Bob Dylan has had more Bootleg Series albums than hot dinners. Speaking of which, his latest – Vol. 18 – is simply a feast! For it goes back, way back. Titled Bob Dylan’s Bootleg Series Volume 18: Through The Open Window, 1956-63 , it covers exceedingly rare recordings from when he was a nobody in his mid-teens in Minnesota, to being a somebody in his early

Bruce Springsteen asked author Warren Zanes to take a picture of him in the room where he recorded Nebraska some 40 years ago   The wait is over! One of the great mysteries of Americana music has finally been resolved. For on October 24, long-lost Bruce Springsteen studio tapes were finally delivered on Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition .   They contain much of the electric version - recorded in a New York studio with Springsteen’s E Street Band – of his acclaimed  acoustic albu

Robert Plant (second left) and his band Saving Grace   Robert Plant’s amazing transformation from being a rock ‘n roll legend with Led...

Lucinda Williams delivering her multi-,media life story at the Sydney Opera House   Lucinda Williams has taken a rare backseat on an...

The Woody Guthrie Foundation has finally approved the release of rare tapes, titled Woody at Home . which were recorded nearly 75 years...

Wayne Scott's new album features unreleased material recorded 20 years ago. Much-admired Americana singer-songwriter Darrell Scott chose...

Chip Taylor has, at 85, released an intriguing concept album   There is a concept album about a married couple drinking themselves to...

Daniel Lanois and Emmylou Harris perform at the Grammy Hall of Fame induction of Wrecking Ball It could be argued that no album best...

Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal launch their second album   Take the blues, add soul and a pinch of folk! And what do you get? Well Americana...

Willie Nelson's latest album is dedicated to the song-writing of Rodney Crowell   Willie Nelson will celebrate his 92nd birthday on April...

John Craigie has gone halfway around the globe to promote his latest album Quirky Portland singer-songwriter John Craigie crams a lot...

Alison Krauss has released her first album in 14 years with her band Union Station Alison Krauss was just 16 when she released her debut...

Folk icon Joan Baez is flanked by six of the greatest female singers in Americana music. From left: Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Linda...

Irish guitarist-singer Muireann Bradley has made a major impact on the blues scene at the age of 18 Move over thirty-somethings Molly...

Joe Ely's new album comes as he battles healh issues   Americana legend Joe Ely’s 21st solo album has been released only days after his...