About this episode

This episode revisits the groundbreaking world of mid-century rhythm and blues, exploring its cultural impact and key figures.

We revisit a show from ten years back that focused on R&B, sax, and a time before rock 'n' roll shook the world. A time of honkers and shouters. This week on Deeper Roots, we dig into the wild, joyful, and groundbreaking world of mid-century rhythm and blues through the lens of Arnold Shaw's classic book Honkers and Shouters: The Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues. From the jump bands and saxophone blowouts to the gospel-fueled vocalists and hard-driving dance records that packed juke joints and ballrooms, we'll explore the artists, producers, and cultural forces that gave birth to modern popular music. Join us for two hours of the sounds and stories that laid the foundation for rock 'n' roll and changed American music forever. We’ve got a wild one in store for you, one that we first tackled a decade ago here on Deeper Roots.

More episodes of Deeper Roots Radio

• Episode 29: Trouble Bound · July 18, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 28: Travelin' Blues · July 11, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 27: Wake Up Everybody · July 3, 2026 · 1h 59m
• Episode 25: The Ladies of Americana · June 19, 2026 · 1h 34m
• Episode 24: Let's Do It! · June 13, 2026 · 1h 59m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Deeper Roots Radio podcast page.