A follow-up to their acclaimed 2023 release (Together) that similarly topped folk radio charts, Together Again features 14 new co-written songs by Paxton (88) and McCutcheon (73). Amid the pandemic in 2021, the two met weekly for songwriting sessions over Zoom and came up with enough songs for an album. After Together’s release, they realized that they had more than enough material for another one and recorded Together Again. The album features a mix of songs – political, humorous and nostalgic, along with a baseball tale.

[Here’s a link to listen to the album’s opening track,  “The Future,” a cinematically poignant and reflective ballad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmlw1TkZvcY.]

Tom Paxton  — a prolific songwriter who is known for such songs as “The Last Thing On My Mind,” “Bottle of Red,” “Whose Garden Was This, “ and Ramblin’ Boy” has retired from the road but has been writing songs and recording professionally for more than 60 years. A Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from ASCAP, BBC Radio 2, Folk Alliance International, and the Recording Academy, Paxton also has had his songs covered by many notable artists. These include Johnny Cash, Judy Collins, John Denver, Willie Nelson, and Peter, Paul & Mary, among others. Bluegrass Sings Paxton, a multi-artist collection of a dozen select songs penned by him and performed by a wide array of bluegrass singers and pickers, topped the FAI Folk Albums Chart during the fall of 2024.

John McCutcheon, a prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has been a performing =and recording artists since the mid-1970s and a frequent presence on the FAI Folk Charts. A number of his albums and songs have topped the monthly folk charts over the years, while he was the most-played artist for three consecutive years (2017-2019) and also had the top album  (To Everyone in All the World: A Celebration of Pete Seeger) and top song  (“Well May The World Go”) on folk radio during 2019. McCutcheon’s classic “Christmas in the Trenches “ has been among the most-played songs during the holiday season for years. A longtime labor and social activist, McCutcheon is a former president of Local 1000 – the traveling musicians union.

The January 2026 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 10,424 airplays reported on 344 playlists submitted by 97 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of January 2026

1. Together Again by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (117)
2. Maggie’s Journal by Valerie Smith (62)
3. The Blue Rock Session by Amy Speace (60)
4. Circle and Square by Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (57)
5. Unentitled by John Gorka (43)
6. Where We Go by Jesse Appelman (34)
7. Since You Asked Me by Jan Krist (29)
8. Together on a Rock by The Pairs (28)
8. Safe, Sensible and Sane by Alison Brown and Steve Martin (28)
8. You Climb the Mountain by The Onlies (28)
11. Long Journey Home: A Century After the 1925 Mountain City
Fiddlers Convention by Various Artists (24)
12. Strangely in Tune by Diane Coll (22)
13. Bones of Trees by Tim Grimm (21)
13. The Work, the Hope, the Promise by Wes Weddell (21)
13. Party in the Pines by Dave Miller (21)
13. From Here to the Sea by Meredith Moon (21)
17. Driftwood by Weary Ramblers (20)
18. Voisinages by Le Vent Du Nord (19)
18. So Much I Still Don’t See by Sam Robbins (19)
18. Hummingbird Highway by Dar Williams (19)
18. Wild and Clear and Blue by I’m With Her (19)
18. Hill Country Folk Music by Terry Klein (19)
18. Gold and Coal by Cassie and Maggie (19)
18. Dark Ages by Eliza Gilkyson (19)
18. Empire by Kray Van Kirk (19)
26. Tip of the Spear by Doug Mishkin (18)
26. A Tip Toe High Wire by Sierra Hull (18)
28. Hardscrabble Hope by Maria Dunn (16)
28. Personal History by Mary Chapin Carpenter (16)
28. Bringing the Light by Hot Tamale (16)
28. The Breathing Room by Cosy Sheridan (16)
28. Nightclothes by Annie Gallup (16)
33. Code to Live By by Grant Peeples (15)
33. So Long Little Miss Sunshime by Molly Tuttle (15)
33. Here and Gone by Sara Thomsen (15)
33. Ivyland by James O’Malley (15)
33. The Wind Will Change Again by The Twangtown Paramours (15)
38. A Feather in a Hurricane by Oliver the Crow (14)
38. Avec Elodie by Eloise & Co (14)
38. Reclamation by Crys Matthews (14)
38. Arcadia by Alison Krauss and Union Station (14)
38. Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle by Willie Nelson (14)
43. Field of Stars by John McCutcheon (13)
43. Sad and Beautiful World by Mavis Staples (13)
45. Appalachia by Emily Scott Robinson (12)
45. Songs From a Secret Room by Chris Rusin (12)
45. Blue Mountain by Bob Weir (12)
45. Southern Sky by Danny Burns (12)
49. The Woods Have Shown Us by Ponyfolk (11)
49. In the West by The Horsenecks (11)
49. Labor of Love by Tinsley Ellis (11)

Top Songs of January 2026

1.”The Future” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (22)
2. “Artie’s Last Stand” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (18)
3. “Robots” by Annie Gallup (16)
3. “Raise Your Hand” by Crowes Pasture (16)
5. “Blue Kentucky Girl” by Tiffany Williams (15)
6. “Peggy-O” by The McDades (14)
6. “Pathfinder” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (14)
6. “Particle and Wave (Goodness in the World)” by John Gorka (14)
9. “The Sea and the Shore” by Amy Speace (12)
9. “The Ballad of Husker Scruggs” by Hana Zara (12)
9. “Tough Like That” by Sara Thomsen (12)
12. “Fontana Dam” by Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (10)
12. “If They’d Been Black” by Doug Mishkin (10)
12. “Kindness” by Amy Speace (10)
12. “Lay This Old Guitar Down” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (10)
12. “That Was a Long Time Ago” by Valerie Smith (10)
12. “Cheatin’ When I’m Eatin'” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (10)
18. “On a Monday in London” by Amy Speace (9)
18. “Since You Asked Me” by Jan Krist (9)
18. “10 to 4” by Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (9)
21. “Waves on the Sea” by The Onlies (8)
21. “A Friend Like You” by The Milk Carton Kids (8)
21. “Both Sides Now” by Cassandra Kubinski (8)
21. “Sugar Magnolia” by Grateful Dead (8)
21. “Broken Truth” by Tim Grimm (8)
21. “Magic Accident” by Della Mae (8)
21. “Dark Night of the Soul” by Eliza Gilkyson (8)
21. “Stop at Nothing” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (8)
21. “The Victim Tree” by John Flynn (8)

Top Artists of January 2026

1.Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (118)
2. Amy Speace (67)
3. Valerie Smith (63)
4. Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (57)
5. John Gorka (50)
6. Joan Baez (49)
7. Grateful Dead (36)
8. Bob Dylan (35)
8. Pete Seeger (35)
10. Jesse Appelman (34)
11. Mavis Staples (32)
12. Dar Williams (30)
12. Molly Tuttle (30)
14. Jan Krist (29)
14. John McCutcheon (29)
14. The Onlies (29)
17. Alison Brown and Steve Martin (28)
17. Tiffany Williams (28)
17. The Pairs (28)
20. Eliza Gilkyson (27)
21. Phil Ochs (26)
21. Cassie and Maggie (26)
23. Dolly Parton (25)
23. The Mavericks (25)
25. Joe Ely (24)
25. Willie Nelson (24)
25. Dave Miller (24)
25. Diane Coll (24)
29. Crowes Pasture (23)
29. Bob Weir (23)
31. I’m With Her (22)
31. Sierra Hull (22)
31. Mary Chapin Carpenter (22)
31. Meredith Moon (22)
31. Joni Mitchell (22)
31. Tim Grimm (22)
37. Wes Weddell (21)
37. Cosy Sheridan (21)
37. Grant Peeples (21)
40. Le Vent Du Nord (20)
40. Weary Ramblers (20)
40. Colleen Kattau (20)
40. Kray Van Kirk (20)
40. Sam Robbins (20)

Bluegrass Sings Paxton is a multi-artist collection of a dozen select songs penned by Paxton and performed by a wide array of bluegrass singers and pickers assembled by producers Cathy Fink and Jon Weisberger. “I Can’t Help But Wonder (Where I’m Bound)” is the album’s lead-off track. Other Paxton songs on the Mountain Home Music recording – seven of which were among September’s most-played songs on folk radio — include current IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Blake’s rendition of “Leaving London,” previous three-time IBMA Male Vocalist Award recipient Danny Paisley’s take on the classic “Ramblin’ Boy,“ and past IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Claire Lynch’s rendition of “I Give You the Morning.” Sister Sadie’s interpretation of “The Last Thing On My Mind” closes out the album, which also features selections, old an new, recorded by Laurie Lewis (Central Square”), Bluegrass Hall of Famer Alice Gerrard (“The Things I Notice Now”), Grammy Award-winner Tim O’Brien (“You Took Me In,” a new gospel-tinged song co-written by Paxton, O’Brien and bandmate Jan Fabricius), Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (“All I Want”), Aaron Burdett of The Steep Canyon Rangers (“The Same River Twice”), Chris Jones (“The Last Hobo”), and Sav Sankaran (“Looking for the Moon”).

[Here’s a link to enjoy a five-minute video featuring Tom Paxton discussing Bluegrass Sings Paxton and its songs, along with a few musical excerpts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUU8haC-nmU.]

House of Hamill, a self-described upcycled Celtic folk band, was the most played artist on folk radio for a second consecutive month – this time tying with singer-songwriter Kate McDonnell. Featuring Rose Baldino (fiddle and vocals), Brian Buchanan (fiddle, vocals and guitar), and Caroline Browning (bass, mandolin and piano), House of Hamill is a Pennsylvania-based, nationally touring trio that has performed at music festivals and established folk venues. Its fourth full-length release, Wildfire, topped the folk album charts in August, while its rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “The Highwayman” was that month’s top song. House of Hamill’s tight vocal harmonies, sophisticated instrumental arrangements, and acoustic pop sensibilities are evident on Wildfire. Like its live shows and previous releases, the album features a mix of original numbers, modern takes on centuries-old folk ballads, and choice covers. Recorded in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, Wildfire also features House of Hamill’s original song “Banks of the Brandywine.” An ode to folklore that surrounds a notorious location on the Brandywine River in Chester County, PA, the song was recently selected as the grand-prize winner in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest – 2024 Session 1.

[Here’s a link to listen to the title track of House of Hamill’s new album, Wildfire:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grwhwUutYiA.]

Kate McDonnell is an award-winning singer-songwriter, as well as a gifted guitarist with a propensity to play the instrument differently than most. According to her official bio, she taught herself how to play the guitar, strung for a right-handed player, left-handed “upside down and backwards,” using her stronger right hand for chording and ignoring the customary positioning of the guitar strings. Part of a musically-inclined family, McDonnell began writing her own songs in 1989 and gained recognition in the early 1990s as both a Kerrville New Folk finalist and a finalist in the Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, as well as being voted the #1 singer-songwriter in a New Haven (Connecticut) Advocate readers’ poll following the release of her-self-produced debut album, Broken Bones. Since then, she has earned much critical acclaim and praise from such noted songwriters as Jonathan Edwards and the late Bill Staines, recorded five more albums, and toured internationally. Although she took a hiatus from performing for a decade to focus on working as a child therapist in day treatment programs, residential programs, and inner city schools, McDonnell never gave up songwriting. She returned to the studio in 2020 to record her fifth album, Ballad of a Bad Girl. Her sixth album, Trapeze, was released in September. It features 14 songs that she wrote over the past three years.

[Here’s a link to enjoy a recent video of Kate McDonnell performing her song “Pretty Good Day”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nUfNS26c6k.]

The September 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 10,787 airplays reported on 362 playlists submitted by 101 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of September 2024

1.Bluegrass Sings Paxton by Various Artists (124)
2. Labor Day: A Tribute to Hardworking People Everywhere by Si Kahn and
George Mann (103)
3. Trapeze by Kate McDonnell (58)
4. Wildfire by House of Hamill (56)
5. From China to Appalachia by Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Chao Tian (53)
6. The Legend of Sugarbelly by Guy Davis (52)
7. Ten Good Sermons by Eugene Ruffolo (51)
8. Manos Pan Americanos by Larry and Joe (45)
8. Boarding Windows in Paradise by Rebecca Frazier (45)
10. Everything Must Go by Donal Hinely (44)
11. Back to the Light by Heather Pierson (43)
12. Woodland by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (33)
12. The Set by Jerry Douglas (33)
14. The American Dream by Amy Speace (31)
14. Bloom Where You Fall by Hana Zara (31)
16. Dan Tyminski: Live From the Ryman by Dan Tyminski (30)
17. Carved in the Bark by Nick Carter (29)
17. A Prosperous Gale by Open the Door for Three (29)
19. Blessed by the West by Sarah Pierce (28)
19. Heart on a Wire by Carolyn Shulman (28)
19. Now, O Now by Rakish (28)
22. Terra Madre by Beppe Gambetta (27)
23. Earl Jam by Tony Trischka (26)
24. Willie Watson by Willie Watson (25)
25. Live at Steelstacks by River Drivers (24)
26. City of Glass by Aj Lee and Blue Summit (23)
27. “The Great Northwest by Steve Lundquist (22)
28. The First Day of December by Ivan Strunin (21)
29. Harbortowne by Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus (20)
29. Lessen the Blue by Larry Folk (20)
31. The Light Years by The Magnolia Janes (19)
32. Blame It on Eve by Shemekia Copeland (18)
33. The Unspeakable Milo Binder by Milo Binder (17)
33. The Two of Us by Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (17)
33. Thus Spoke the Fool by Pony Bradshaw (17)
33. Bluegrass Tracks by Andy Statman (17)
33. Weird Wild Wonderful by Emily Hicks (17)
33. Quiet Town by Mindy Smith (17)
33. Hanging at the Luna Star by Lou Dominguez (17)
40. Wasted Luck by Tiffany Williams and Dalton Mills (16)
40. Goldenrod by Teni Rane (16)
40. One of These Days by Cris Jacobs (16)
40. Trail of Flowers by Sierra Ferrell (16)
44. Soliloquy by Craig Bickhardt (15)
44. Long Way Home by Ray Lamontagne (15)
46. Driven to Drive by Joe Ely (14)
47. Phthalo Blue by Andrew Marlin (13)
47. Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz (13)
47. More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith by
Various Artists (13)
50. Western Chill by Robert Earl Keen (12)
50. Diamond Days by Brooks Williams (12)
50. Daylight Savings Time by Steve Forbert (12)
50. The Price of Happiness by Miranda Hardy (12)
50. “weet Critters by Caleb Caudle (12)
50. Trees by Laurie Lewis (12)
50. Atlantic Sounds by Miscellany of Folk (12)
50. 20 by The Grascals (12)

Top Songs of September 2024

1. “I Can’t Help but Wonder (Where I’m Bound)” by Tom Paxton and Della Mae (27)
2. “I Give You the Morning” by Claire Lynch (17)
3. “Canaan” by Danny Schmidt (16)
4. “The Old Labor Hall” by Joe Jencks (13)
5. “Banks of the Brandywine” by House of Hamill (12)
5. “The Same River Twice” by Aaron Burdett (12)
5. “The American Dream” by Amy Speace (12)
5. “Central Square” by Laurie Lewis (12)
5. “Something You Got” by Jerry Douglas (12)
10. “You Took Me In” by Tim O’Brien (11)
10. “Ramblin’ Boy” by Danny Paisley (11)
10. “It Takes All Kinds” by Mark Stepakoff (11)
10. “Everything Must Go” by Donal Hinely (11)
10. “Up Here in the Mountains” by Heather Pierson (11)
10. “The Last Thing on My Mind” by Sister Sadie (11)
16. “Back to the Light” by Heather Pierson (10)
16. “A World Minus One” by Eugene Ruffolo (10)
16. “Wildfire” by House of Hamill (10)
19. “Long Way to Harlan” by Si Kahn and Laurie Lewis (9)
19. “The Things I Notice Now” by Alice Gerrard (9)
19. “High on a Mountain” by Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Chao Tian (9)
19. “Gone Gonna Rise Again” by Michael Johnathon and Odetta (9)
19. “Late Bloomer” by Eugene Ruffolo (9)
19. “Back When Times Were Hard” by Si Kahn (9)
19. “No Child Should Ever Go Hungry” by Tret Fure (9)
19. “Pretty Good Day” by Kate McDonnell (9)
19. “Beautiful You” by Tom Prasada-Rao (9)
19. “Ain’t That Me and You” by Nick Carter (9)
19. “What’s Gonna Become of Me” by Jerron Paxton (9)
19. “Lawrence Jones” by Kathy Mattea (9)

Top Artists of September 2024

1. Kate McDonnell (60)
1. House of Hamill (60)
3. Highwaymen (55)
4. Guy Davis (54)
5. Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Chao Tian (53)
6. Eugene Ruffolo (51)
7. Heather Pierson (48)
8. Donal Hinely (47)
9. Larry and Joe (45)
9. Rebecca Frazier (45)
11. Bob Dylan (39)
11. Amy Speace (39)
13. Jerry Douglas (38)
14. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (36)
15. Laurie Lewis (34)
16. Hana Zara (31)
16. Open the Door for Three (31)
16. Rakish (31)
19. Dan Tyminski (30)
19. Tony Trischka (30)
21. John McCutcheon (29)
21. Leonard Cohen (29)
21. Nick Carter (29)
21. Beppe Gambetta (29)
25. Willie Watson (28)
25. Carolyn Shulman (28)
25. Sarah Pierce (28)
28. Tom Paxton and Della Mae (27)
28. Willie Nelson (27)
28. Tim O’Brien (27)
31. River Drivers (26)
31. Si Kahn (26)
31. Danny Schmidt (26)
34. John Gorka (24)
34. Dar Williams (24)
34. Joe Jencks (24)
37. Aj Lee and Blue Summit (23)
37. Nanci Griffith (23)
37. Joni Mitchell (23)
37. Tim Grimm (23)

When it wrapped in January, “Woody’s Children” was the longest continuously running folk music radio program in America and among the most influential. It was created and had been hosted by Sherman since its inception in January 1969. “Woody’s Children” began its lengthy run on WQXR, where Sherman also served a long stint as program director and later as senior consultant – having begun his career there as a clerk-typist nearly 70 years ago and become its director of recorded music and music director before ever going on the air. Prior to launching “Woody’s Children,” Sherman had programmed but not hosted another show called “Folk Music of the World.”

Pete Seeger, Sherman’s guest on the very first program, is credited with coining the name “Woody’s Children” out of reverence for Woody Guthrie and the singer-songwriters following in his footsteps. Seeger was a frequent guest on the show, as were Tom Chapin, Judy Collins, Odetta, Tom Paxton, and Peter, Paul and Mary, among others. Sherman also gave early career boosts to such artists as John Gorka and Christine Lavin.

Some of Bob Sherman’s favorite folk artists — including David Amram, Tom Chapin and Tom Paxton – helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Woody’s Children,” during a nearly sold-out December 7, 2018 concert at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space in Manhattan.

Although WQXR dropped “Woody’s Children” 35 years ago, Sherman, whose background was in classical music, continued to host a number of programs at the classical station as well from the 1970s until recently – including the Young Artists Showcase, which he began hosting in 1978 and whose final show aired earlier this month when he announced his retirement. He also hosted television programs (Vibrations and Camera Three) on PBS and CBS during the 1970s.

“Bob Sherman’s interest in both young classical music performers and all folk musicians informed his long-running radio show and were a wonderful service to New Yorkers,” Tom Chapin told AcousticMusicScene.com. Calling him “a remarkably warm and caring person,” Chapin continued, “I shall really miss visiting his ‘Woody’s Children’ radio show and singing him whatever new songs I had in my pocket, as well as the amazing Symphony Space concerts that brought my heroes and compatriots together to celebrate that long-running radio staple.”

John Platt, host of “Sunday Supper” on WFUV, noted: “I used to joke, ‘I wanna be Bob Sherman when I grow up, even though I was only a half-generation younger and already a radio professional for 30 years. It was his lifelong dedication to the music and his ongoing commitment to new artists that inspired me. It was only in the last few months, when his health finally declined, that he stepped back from his shows at WFUV and WQXR. He was as much a treasure within the music community and radio audience as the artists he played… I’ll always cherish our mutual admiration and, as I’ve said, I’ll continue to honor the legacy of ‘Woody’s Children.'”

{Here’s a link to listen to Diedre McCalla’s song, “Shoulder to the Wheel”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxJG_NSyRNs}

The June 2022 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13,626 airplays reported on 457 playlists submitted by 123 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of June 2022

Top Songs of June 2022

1. “Shoulder to the Wheel” by Deidre McCalla (31)
2. “12th of June” by Lyle Lovett (26)
3. “I Do Not Walk This Path Alone” by Deidre McCalla (24)
4. “Jack of Diamonds” by Hilary Hawke (20)
4. “Dark Enough to See the Stars” by Mary Gauthier (20)
6. “Put My Little Shoes Away” by Kathy Kallick (19)
6. “Don’t Be Discouraged” by Peter Lehndorff (19)
6. “Amsterdam” by Mary Gauthier (19)
9. “We’re All Alike” by Jack Williams (17)
10. “Cannot Change It All” by Pharis and Jason Romero (16)
10. “Jenny and James” by Wes Collins (16)
12. “Steel and Wool” by Kim Beggs (15)
12. “Fall Apart World” by Mary Gauthier (15)
14. “Happy Hollow” by Hilary Hawke (14)
14. “Whiskey Jack (Home)” by Barney Bentall (14)
14. “It Takes Two Wings” by Chuck Brodsky (14)
14. “When the Ground Shifts” by Deidre McCalla (14)
14. “Crossing Borders” by Diana Jones (14)
14. “Born in the City” by Abbie Gardner (14)
14. “Souvenir” by Pharis and Jason Romero (14)
21. “Only All the Time” by Abbie Gardner (13)
21. “The Things You Think You Know” by Chuck Brodsky (13)
21. “What Are They Doing in Heaven Today?” by Kathy Kallick (13)
21. “If My Eyes Were Blind” by Jack Williams (13)
21. “How It Ends” by Mama’s Broke (13)
21. “Truckers and Troubadours” by Mary Gauthier (13)
21. “When the Big Bad Books Go “Boo!” by Tom Paxton, Cathy Fink & Marcy
Marxer (13)

Top Artists of June 2022

Streaming online from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET at Clearwaterfestival.org, as well as on the nonprofit environmental organization’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, the virtual festival will feature a wide array of musical performers, storytellers and activists. Participating artists include Scott Ainslie, David Amram, David & Jacob Bernz, Blind Boys of Alabama, Marla and David Celia, The Chapin Sisters, Tom Chapin, Guy Davis, Emma’s Revolution, Dom Flemons, Fred Gillen, Jr., Lyn Hardy & Ruth Ungar, Reggie Harris, Jaeger & Reid, Hubby Jenkins, The Johnson Girls, Diana Jones, Lucy Kaplansky, Geoff Kaufman, Larry Long, Magpie, Mike & Ruthy of The Mammals, John McEuen, John McCutcheon, Alastair Moock, Mustard’s Retreat, Holly Near, Rik Palieri, Tom Paxton, Sparky & Rhonda Rucker, Tom Rush, Joanne Shenandoah, Chris Smither, Noel Paul Stookey, The Storycrafters, Livingston Taylor, Happy Traum, Matt Turk, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Sloan Wainwright, Don White, Josh White Jr., and Paul Winter, among others.

A number of folk radio DJs will serve as emcees. These include Jimmy Buff (Host of Jimmy Buff Loves You on WKNY Radio Kingston in upstate New York), Wanda Fischer (host of the long-running Hudson River Sampler on WAMC in New York’s Capitol Region), Sonny Ochs (host of Folk Music & Other Stuff on WIOX in New York’s Catskills Region and on Folk Music Notebook), Ron Olesko (creator of Folk Music Notebook, a 24-7 online music channel and longtime host of Traditions on WFDU in Teaneck, NJ), Rik Palieri (host of Folk Talk with Rik Palieri on WBTV in Burlington, VT and also on Folk Music Notebook), John Platt (host of Sunday Supper on WFUV in New York City and creator of the New Folk Initiative online portal) and Bob Sherman (longtime host of Woody’s Children that now precedes Platt’s Sunday Supper on WFUV).

Although the virtual festival is free, donations will be gratefully accepted. Funds raised will help keep the sloop Clearwater afloat and support the ongoing educational programs and environmental work of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc.– a nonprofit, member-supported organization launched by Pete Seeger and others more than 40 years ago to clean up, preserve and protect the Hudson River and its tributaries.

A recording of Clearwater’s The Great Hudson River Revival Livestream will be available for viewing for some time after it streams live so you can watch the parts you missed or re-watch those that you enjoyed.

Streaming online from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the virtual festival will feature storytelling, activism, education and celebration, in addition to lots of musiic. Among the featured performers are Scott Ainslie, David Amram, Andes Manta, David & Jacob Bernz, David Celia, The Chapin Sisters, Tom Chapin, Judy Collins, Guy Davis, Emma’s Revolution, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Gangstagrass. Abbie Gardner, Fred Gillen, Jr., Lisa Gutkin, Bill Harley, Reggie Harris, Jaeger & Reid, Joe Jencks, Geoff Kaufman, Amythyst Kiah, James Maddock, Magpie, The Mammals/Mike & Ruthy, John McEuen, John McCutcheon, Tom Paxton, The Rix, Tommy Sands, The Scooches, Noel Paul Stookey, Matt Turk, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Peter Yarrow, and Dan and Claudia Zanes.

A number of folk radio DJs will serve as emcees. These include Jimmy Buff (Host of Jimmy Buff Loves You airing weekdays on WKNY Radio Kingston in upstate New York), Wanda Fischer (host of the long-running Hudson River Sampler on WAMC in New York’s Capitol Region), Sonny Ochs (host of Folk Music & Other Stuff on WIOX in New York’s Catskills Region and on Folk Music Notebook), Ron Olesko (creator of Folk Music Notebook, a 24-7 online music channel and longtime host of Traditions on WFDU in Teaneck, NJ), Rik Palieri (host of Folk Talk with Rik Palieri on WBTV in Burlington, VT and also on Folk Music Notebook), John Platt (host of Sunday Supper on WFUV in New York City) and Bob Sherman (longtime host of Woody’s Children that now precedes Platt’s Sunday Supper on WFUV).

The live stream may be viewed on either https://clearwaterfestival.org (where more information also can be found about it), https://youtube.com/user/HRSloopClearwater or https://facebook.com/sloopclearwater/. Although the virtual festival is free, donations will be gratefully accepted. Funds raised will help keep the sloop Clearwater afloat and support the ongoing work of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., a nonprofit, member-supported organization launched by Pete Seeger and others to preserve and protect the Hudson River and its tributaries.

Clearwater’s 2020 Virtual Revival will be available for viewing for about six months so you can watch the parts you missed or re-watch those that you loved.

The November charts are based on 13,430 airplays reported on 524 playlists submitted by 137 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses. The top albums and songs charts are compiled under the auspices of Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org), a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion. The monthly top albums and songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

A three-CD retrospective collection, Appleseed’s 21st Anniversary Roots & Branches, features socially conscious contemporary, folk and roots music by a wide array of established and lesser-known musicians who have recorded for Appleseed Recordings. Founded by activist attorney Jim Musselman, the Pennsylvania-based independent label is dedicated to “sowing the seeds of social justice through music and exploring the roots and branches of folk and world music,” and it contributes a percentage of its profits to environmental, human rights, and other progressive organizations.

The collection’s 57 tracks include a few previously unreleased songs by Donovan, John Wesley Harding, Tom Morello, Tim Robbins, Bruce Springsteen, Jesse Winchester, and more. Among the other featured artists are Eric Andersen, Joan Baez, Billy Bragg, David Bromberg, Jackson Browne, Aoife Clancy, Johnny Clegg, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Lila Downs, Jonathan Edwards, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Dick Gaughan, John Gorka, Emmylou Harris, Kim & Reggie Harris, Levon Helm, Anne Hills, Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sharon Katz & the Peace Train, Dolores Keane, The Kennedys, Roger McGuinn, Natalie Merchant, Tom Paxton, Joel Rafael Band, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Rush, Tom Russell, Tommy Sands, Pete Seeger and his siblings Mike and Peggy, Al Stewart, John Stewart, and Sweet Honey in the Rock.

“Courage for the Morning” is the first single off Woven Waters, the sophomore release by Tellico. The Asheville, NC-based four-piece band also had November’s second most-played album on folk radio and topped the month’s Top Artists chart. Its sound blends Southern Appalachian folk, Americana, bluegrass, old time, and blues – a musical mix that the band’s Facebook page calls Appalachiacana. Noted Irish musician John Doyle produced the band’s new album.

Top Albums of November 2018

1. Appleseed’s 21st Anniversary: Roots and Branches by Various Artists (100)
2. Woven Waters by Tellico (93)
3. Pickup Cowboy by Jonathan Byrd and the Pickup Cowboys (66)
4. Horrible World by Kathy Kallick Band (63)
5. More Blood, More Tracks: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 14 by Bob Dylan (60)
6. A Startle of Wings by Noah Zacharin (57)
7. Royal Traveller by Missy Raines (47)
8. Family Recipe by Michael Jerling (42)
9. Last Day on This Earth by David Roth (41)
9. Don’t Apologize by Beth Snapp (41)
9. Reflections by Andy and Judy (41)
12. Vintage by John Flynn (40)
12. Little Beast by Lucy Wainwright Roche (40)
14. Grenades by Kaia Kater (38)
15. Where Do I Come From by Maggie Roche (36)
16. Some People I Know by The Brother Brothers (34)
17. Stardust Lodge by Grain Thief (33)
17. Home for the Harvest by Craig Bickhardt (33)
17. She Remembers Everything by Rosanne Cash (33)
20. Damn Sure Blue by Kate Campbell (32)
20. Live at the CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame by The Earls of Leicester (32)
22. Secularia by Eliza Gilkyson (31)
23. Thanksgiving by Rachel Baiman (30)
23. The Hillbenders by The Hillbenders (30)
23. Invisible Forces by The Whispering Tree (30)
23. Rize Up by Roy Zimmerman (30)
23. Pretty Bird by Kathy Mattea (30)
23. A Good Dog Is Lost: A Collection of Ron Hynes Songs by Ken Tizzard (30)
29. Everyday Street by Lucy Kaplansky (28)
29. Wings by Zoe Speaks (28)
31. Vote by Mike Laureanno (26)
31. Songs of the Plains by Colter Wall (26)
31. Rise by Lucky Nows (26)
34. Roses in November by Tret Fure (25)
34. Shout and Shine by Fink, Marxer & Gleaves (25)
36. Dance in the Street by Donna the Buffalo (23)
37. Music of Our People by Darol Anger and Emy Phelps (22)
37. The Bloom of Youth by Childsplay (22)
39. Dead Reckoning by Jellyman’s Daughter (21)
39. The Longest Night of the Year Volume One by Various Artists (21)
39. King of the Road: A Tribute to Roger Miller by Various Artists (21)
39. Austinology – Alleys of Austin by Michael Martin Murphey (21)
43. Triumph by Kate Callahan (20)
43. Keep the Flame Alive by Spook Handy (20)
43. Down the Road Wherever by Mark Knopfler (20)
43. March Through Storms by House of Hamill (20)
43. The Man I’m Supposed to Be by Rod Abernethy (20)
43. Reckless Abandon by Susan Shann (20)
43. Welcome to the Ether by Wes Collins (20)
50. Sentimental Season by Randall Kromm (19)
50. The Man With Everything by Matt Campbell (19)
52. Live From Chester by D.B. Rielly (18)
52. Stubborn in My Blood by Tia McGraff (18)
54. The Hermit’s Spyglass by Ben Bedford (17)
54. River’s Rising by Nancy Cassidy (17)
54. Rifles and Rosary Beads by Mary Gauthier (17)
57. Stages by Storyhill (16)
57. Supposed to Fly by David Graff (16)
57. Nature by Paul Kelly (16)
57. Bright Hills by Appalucians (16)
57. No One Travels Alone by Jon Brooks (16)
57. Didn’t He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole by David Davis and the Warrior River Boys (16)
57. Make Your Own Luck by Mustard’s Retreat (16)
64. Sing the Winter Away by Naming the Twins (15)
64. The Broken Heart of Everything by David Francey (15)
64. Wilderness Years by Jory Nash (15)
64. Further Down the Line by Scott Cook (15)
64. Barry Abernathy and Darrell Webb Present Appalachian Road Show by Barry Abernathy and Darrell Webb (15)
64. See You Around by I’m With Her (15)
64. It’s All About the Song by Tim Hildebrandt (15)
64. Let It Pass by Stray Birds (15)
64. The River and the Light by Martha Scanlan (15)

Top Songs OF November 2018

Also slated to perform during the two-hour celebratory concert are Kim and Reggie Harris, Anne Hills, Christine Lavin, John McCutcheon, Noel Paul Stookey, Josh White, Jr., and Peter Yarrow. Woody Guthrie’s daughter, Nora Guthrie, and Doug Mishkin will be special guests, as will Tom Chapin’s daughters Abigail and Lily (The Chapin Sisters). Chapin’s frequent accompanists Jon Colbert (keyboards) and Michael Mark (bass) will serve as the house band. For more information and to purchase concert tickets, visit www.symphonyspace.org.

Pete Seeger, Sherman’s guest on the very first program, is credited with coining the name “Woody’s Children” out of reverence for Woody Guthrie and the singer-songwriters following in his footsteps. Seeger was a frequent guest on the show, as were Judy Collins, Odetta, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Paxton, among others.

Woody’s Children features live performances and interviews, along with recorded music, and is often presented in a thematic way. “I try to involve intriguing patterns, and I have thematic concepts,” Sherman has stated. “There’s always a thread, some kind of connection, that leads one song to the next.”

Although WQXR dropped Woody’s Children 30 years ago, Sherman, whose background is in classical music, continued to host a number of programs at the classical station as well from the late 1970s to the 2000s – including Young Artists Showcase. He also hosted television programs (Vibrations and Camera Three) on PBS and CBS during the 1970s.

Sherman taught at both New York University and The Julliard School for nearly 20 years, was a contributing music critic and columnist for The New York Times for 40 years, is the co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Classical Music, and, with musical comedian Victor Borge, and co-wrote two books (My Favorite Intermissions and My Favorite Comedies in Music). He and his brother, Alexander Sherman, compiled a pictorial biography of their mother, the noted pianist Nadia Reisenberg. He’s also been a frequent emcee and a concert narrator for Canadian Brass, The United States Military Academy (West Point) Band, and other ensembles; and has served on advisory boards for a number of cultural organizations.