American Roots Music (2001)

All My Children of the Sun

Explore the reassessment of diverse ethnic musics previously excluded from American “folk” music, and their inclusion in a redefined “American roots music.” This episode describes the flourishing of Cajun culture in southwest Louisiana, the popularization of tejano music in south Texas, and the evolution of Native American music forms. We round out the series by exploring the state of American roots music today - where the blues, country and gospel genres are now and where they are headed in the 21st century. Commentary in this episode is provided by Marc and Ann Savoy, Steve Riley, Flaco Jimenez, Edwin Hawkins, Robbie Robertson, Floyd Westerman, and Robert Mirabal among many others.