How Americana helped mainstream country find its soul

 As we've been examining over the course of Country Week, country music has found a larger audience, in part by widening its sonic palette. For the final episode of this series, we take a look at a genre on the outskirts of country – Americana music – and how it's being used to connect to the scene's musical roots.  

Historically, Americana has embraced an acoustic sound, traditional repertoire, and an appetite for virtuosic technique. In bluegrass artists like Billy Strings and roots musicians like Sierra Ferrell, Nate and Charlie see if there's an antidote to be found for the issues that plague modern, mainstream country music.

Songs discussed:


The Punch Brothers – Rye Whiskey

Sierra Ferrell – In Dreams

Dolly Parton – Jolene

Sierra Ferrell – I Could Drive You Crazy

Sierra Ferrell, Zach Bryan – Holy Roller

Billy Strings – Dust in a Baggie

Billy Strings, Willie Nelson – California Sober

Tyler Childers – In Your Love

Tyler Childers – Phone Calls and Emails

Tyler Childers – Rustin' In The Rain

Don Gibson – Oh, Lonesome Me

Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson – Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

The Chicks – Long Time Gone

The Steeldrivers – Higher Than the Wall

Beyoncé – Texas Hold'em

I'm With Her – Espresso


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