Episode 19: Tears On The Vinyl

Episode 19: Tears On The Vinyl

From Deeper Roots Radio by Deeper Roots

May 9, 2026 · 1h 59m · Season 2026 · Episode 19

About this episode

This episode explores the theme of tears in American music, featuring a range of artists and emotional experiences.

They say that tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. Whether they are shed in the dark of a midnight heartbreak, the overwhelming light of a spiritual awakening, or the quiet ache of a memory that just won't fade, these tiny drops of salt water carry the weight of our history. Today, we’re tracing those trails down the cheeks of American music. with a show whose theme is 'tears'. We’ve got two hours of the lonesome, the joyful, and the broken-hearted. Featured artists include Etta James, Mac Wiseman, Big Maybelle, Faron Young and The Pilgrim Travelers, spanning the past century of America’s music from the mid-1930s to a cover of Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Ocean of Tears from 2019. We’ll experience tears that take us from remorse to pure joy and pleasant surprise full circle to tears brought on by physical pain. So pull up a chair, settle in, and let’s let the music do the weeping for us.

People in this episode

Host: Deeper Roots

Topics covered

  • tears
  • American music
  • heartbreak
  • spiritual awakening
  • memory
  • emotional expression

Keywords

  • tears
  • music
  • heartbreak
  • Etta James
  • spiritual awakening
  • American history
  • emotional music

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Ocean of Tears

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