George Croft’s American Music Show

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George Croft dives into history and stories about classic American music spanning the decades.

  1. May 25

    GCAMS Episode 59: Eddy Arnold

    Eddy Arnold was a Tennessee farm boy who became one of country music’s smoothest crossover stars, helping shape the Nashville Sound and charting hits for more than four decades. Early years Eddy Arnold was born Richard Edward Arnold on May 15, 1918, on a farm near Henderson/Chester County, Tennessee, the youngest in a large farming family. His father died when he was eleven, the family farm was lost, and the Arnolds became sharecroppers during the Depression, experiences that later inspired his “Tennessee Plowboy” image. He learned guitar from his family, played local dances as a teenager, and began working in small radio jobs in Jackson, Memphis, and St. Louis, mixing singing with comic routines and odd jobs to help support his family. By the late 1930s and early 1940s he was appearing regularly on the radio and building a regional reputation as a singer. Breakthrough and “Tennessee Plowboy” Arnold’s big break came when he joined Pee Wee King’s Golden West Cowboys around 1940, which brought him to the Grand Ole Opry and on military-base tours during World War II. In 1943 he left to go solo in Nashville, performing on WSM and the Opry and attracting the attention of RCA Victor. He signed with RCA in 1944, cutting early sides like “Cattle Call,” which became one of his signature songs. Branded as “The Tennessee Plowboy,” he scored a long run of country hits in the late 1940s, including “That’s How Much I Love You,” “I’ll Hold You in My Heart,” “Anytime,” and “Bouquet of Roses.” Nashville Sound and pop crossover In the 1950s Arnold worked with manager Col. Tom Parker, later famous for managing Elvis Presley, and became a major recording and touring star. When honky-tonk and rockabilly reshaped country in the late 1950s and his sales dipped, he reinvented himself with smoother arrangements and strings, helping pioneer the countrypolitan “Nashville Sound.” This new style brought him substantial pop crossover success in the 1960s, and by mid‑career he had scored 147 entries on the Billboard country chart and sold tens of millions of records worldwide. His songs collectively spent more than 100 weeks at number one on the country charts, and at one point his total sales rivaled stars like Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and the Beatles. Honors and later life Arnold became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966, one of its youngest inductees. He later received major honors including the CMA Entertainer of the Year award, the ACM Pioneer Award, the National Medal of Arts, and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. He continued to record and perform into the 1980s, with his last concert coming the day after his 80th birthday in 1998, and he released a final RCA album, “After All These Years,” in the 2000s. Eddy Arnold died on May 8, 2008, in the Nashville area, just a week shy of his 90th birthday, leaving a legacy as one of country music’s most successful and influential vocal stylists

    33 min

  2. Apr 22

    GCAMS Episode 58: John Lomax and Leadbelly

    John A. Lomax, a pioneering folklorist, discovered blues musician Huddie Ledbetter (Lead Belly) in 1933 while recording inmates at Angola Prison in Louisiana, alongside his son Alan Lomax. John helped secure Lead Belly's parole and hired him as a driver, assistant, and performer, signing a management contract in 1935 that later soured due to disputes over money and control, leading to a settlement. Alan Lomax maintained a closer, more collaborative friendship with Lead Belly, assisting him legally in 1939 and working together on recordings and performances for years after #GCAMS #musichistory #podcast

    41 min

  3. Apr 16

    GCAMS Episode 57: Sister Rosetta Tharpe

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe — the gospel legend who electrified the world with her powerful voice and groundbreaking guitar skills. Often called the "Godmother of Rock & Roll," she blended sacred gospel with raw rhythm and blues, shattering barriers and directly inspiring legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash. From her humble beginnings performing in churches as a child, to her rise as a trailblazing Black woman in a male-dominated industry, this video explores her groundbreaking career, hit songs like "This Train" and "Strange Things Happening Every Day," her historic 1960s performances, and the lasting impact she had on modern music. If you love the roots of rock, soul, and gospel, you need to know Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s story. 🔥 👉 Like if you’re inspired by musical pioneers 👉 Subscribe for more music history deep dives Comment below: Who’s your favorite artist influenced by Sister Rosetta? #SisterRosettaTharpe #GodmotherOfRockAndRoll #GospelMusic #MusicHistory

    30 min

  4. Apr 3

    GCAMS Episode 56: June Carter Cash

    June Carter Cash (born Valerie June Carter, June 23, 1929 – May 15, 2003) was a legendary American country singer, songwriter, comedienne, actress, musician, and author, widely regarded as a key figure in country music history and a member of its "First Family." Early Life and Carter Family Roots Born in Maces Spring, Virginia, in the Appalachian foothills, June was the middle daughter of Ezra "Eck" Carter and Maybelle Carter. Her mother was part of the original Carter Family (with A.P. and Sara Carter), who made some of the earliest influential country recordings at the 1927 Bristol Sessions. After the original group disbanded in 1943, June (starting as a child around age 10) performed with her mother and sisters Helen and Anita as Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters. They became staples on the Grand Ole Opry, with June known for her lively stage presence, comic routines (often with an exaggerated hillbilly accent), autoharp playing, and other instruments like guitar, banjo, and harmonica. She made her solo debut at the Opry in 1950 and later toured with artists like Elvis Presley. Career Highlights June had a multifaceted career beyond music: She was a gifted songwriter; one of her most famous contributions was co-writing "Ring of Fire" (with Merle Kilgore), which became a massive hit for Johnny Cash. She performed comedy and acted, appearing on TV shows like Gunsmoke and studying with Lee Strasberg. She also guested on variety programs and was in films like The Apostle. As a solo artist and collaborator, she released albums like Press On (1999 Grammy winner for Best Traditional Folk Album) and Wildwood Flower (posthumous 2004 Grammys for Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Keep on the Sunny Side"). She won multiple Grammys overall, including for duets with Johnny Cash like "Jackson" (1968) and "If I Were a Carpenter" (1971). Her style blended traditional country, folk, and heartfelt storytelling, often with a warm, engaging personality that made her a fan favorite. Personal Life and Marriage to Johnny Cash June was married three times and had one child with each husband, all of whom pursued music careers: Carl Smith (1952–1956): Daughter Carlene Carter (country/rock singer). Edwin "Rip" Nix (1957–1966): Daughter Rosie Nix Adams (singer who tragically died in 2003 from carbon monoxide poisoning). Johnny Cash (married March 1, 1968, until June's death): Son John Carter Cash (musician, songwriter, and producer). She met Johnny backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in the mid-1950s. Their relationship deepened during tours in the 1960s while both were still married to others. June played a pivotal role in helping Cash overcome his severe drug addiction, providing steadfast support and inspiration. They became one of country music's most iconic couples, performing and recording together extensively. Their chemistry shone in hits and on The Johnny Cash Show. They lived in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and remained married for 35 years. Johnny died just four months after June. Later Years and Death In her later career, June continued performing, writing (including an autobiography), and engaging in philanthropy and faith-based work. She was inducted into halls of fame, including the Country Music Hall of Fame (posthumously in some recognitions) and the Christian Music Hall of Fame. She passed away at age 73 in Nashville on May 15, 2003, from complications following heart valve replacement surgery. Legacy June Carter Cash is remembered not just as Johnny Cash's wife or a Carter Family descendant, but as a talented artist in her own right—fearless, funny, ambitious, and loyal. Her influence spans generations; her children and grandchildren have carried on the family musical tradition. Recent tributes include the documentary June (streaming on Paramount+) and a new musical The Ballad of Johnny & June.

    52 min

  5. Mar 28

    GCAMS Episode 55: Diane Deikman Interview

    Diane Jean Diekman grew up on a South Dakota farm, attended a one-room country school in the Hidewood Valley, and graduated from Clear Lake High School. Today she is a retired U.S. Navy captain and published author. Four years at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a triple major in elementary education, English, and Spanish, provided her Bachelor of Arts degree. When a mandated closure of rural schools ended her teaching dream, Diane enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After two years as an aviation storekeeper, she attended officer candidate school and earned a commission in 1975. Designated an aeronautical maintenance duty officer in 1979, she was promoted to captain in 1997 and commanded Defense Contract Management Agency Van Nuys in Los Angeles. Her final Navy assignment before retirement in 2004 was the Office of the Naval Inspector General in Washington D.C. She has written the biographies of three Country Music Hall of Fame members. Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story, Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins, and Randy Travis: Storms of Life are all published by the University of Illinois Press. Her childhood memoir is A Farm in the Hidewood: My South Dakota Home, followed by Navy Greenshirt: A Leader Made, Not Born about her military career, and Mommy! Watch Me, the story of becoming a mother at age fifty. Captain Diekman is listed in Marquis Who’s Who of American Women 1997-1998, 2000-2001, and 2002-2003. She graduated from the Naval War College and holds two master’s degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University — a Master of Aeronautical Science and a Master of Business Administration in Aviation.     She currently serves as president of the board of directors for the Battleship South Dakota Memorial and president of the South Dakota Council of the Navy League. She twice received All-American status while commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 628 and is an active member of the VFW and American Legion funeral honor guards in Sioux Falls. An avid runner, Diane has more than a dozen marathons and ultramarathons to her credit. She loves country-western music, dancing and reading, and is active in her Lutheran church. She lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and has two grown daughters, April and Amanda.

    1h 29m

  6. Mar 24

    GCAMS Episode 54: Jimmie Rodgers

    Jimmie Rodgers (September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933), born James Charles Rodgers in Meridian, Mississippi, is widely known as the "Father of Country Music." He earned nicknames like "The Singing Brakeman" and "America's Blue Yodeler" for his distinctive yodeling and blend of styles. Early Life and Railroad Days Rodgers grew up as the son of a railroad section foreman. His mother died when he was young, so he spent time with relatives before returning to live with his father. At age 13–14, he left school to work on the railroads, starting as a water boy and advancing to brakeman, flagman, and other roles. He traveled widely, absorbing influences from Black railroad workers' chants, work songs, folk music, and early blues and jazz. He showed an early passion for entertainment, winning talent contests as a teen and briefly running away with medicine shows, though his father often brought him back. Railroad life inspired many of his songs about trains, rambling, and hard living (e.g., "Waiting for a Train," "Train Whistle Blues"). Music Career Breakthrough In 1924, Rodgers was diagnosed with tuberculosis (then called consumption), which forced him to leave railroad work and focus on music. He performed in tent shows and on the vaudeville circuit. His big break came in 1927 during the historic Bristol Sessions in Tennessee (often called the "Big Bang" of country music), produced by Ralph Peer for Victor Records. He recorded "The Soldier's Sweetheart" and others. Later that year, "Blue Yodel (T for Texas)"—his first "Blue Yodel"—became a massive hit, selling nearly 500,000 copies and launching him to stardom. Over just six years (1927–1933), he recorded more than 110 songs, mixing hillbilly, blues, jazz, gospel, pop, and mountain folk. His signature "Blue Yodel" series (13 in total) featured his trademark yodel, often with humorous or risqué lyrics about love, heartbreak, prison, and tuberculosis itself (e.g., "TB Blues"). He collaborated with diverse musicians, including a young Louis Armstrong on some jazz-infused tracks. Rodgers became one of Victor's top sellers, even during the Great Depression, and helped turn "hillbilly music" into a commercial genre by creating the archetype of the charismatic singing star—personable, storytelling-focused, and emotionally direct—rather than just old-time instrumentals. Style and Influence Rodgers had a warm, rhythmic voice and guitar style that felt intimate and relatable. He drew from diverse roots: Southern folk and mountain music African American blues (rhythmic phrasing, themes) Railroad work chants Vaudeville yodeling and stage entertainment Early jazz elements This fusion influenced generations, from Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, and Merle Haggard to later artists like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and even rock and folk figures. He's credited with helping define country music as a viable, popular commercial form. He was the first inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1961) and has been honored in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as an early influence) and others. Later Years and Death Despite declining health, Rodgers continued recording and performing. In May 1933, gravely ill, he traveled to New York for his final sessions, resting on a cot between takes. He recorded tracks like "The Last Blue Yodel" knowing the end was near. Two days after his last recording on May 24, he suffered a fatal lung hemorrhage and died on May 26 at age 35 in a New York hotel. His body was returned by train to Meridian, Mississippi, where he was buried with honors. Legacy A Jimmie Rodgers Museum and annual festival (now in its 73rd year as of 2026) celebrate him in Meridian. His recordings remain available, and his songs are covered widely. He transformed a regional folk tradition into a national genre, proving that a working man's voice—flawed health and all—could resonate with millions

    30 min

  7. Mar 11

    GCAMS Episode 53: Faron Young

    Faron Young was a prominent American country music singer, songwriter, and performer, best known for his honky-tonk style and a long string of hits spanning several decades. He was born on February 25, 1932, in Shreveport, Louisiana, as the youngest of six children in a family that ran a dairy farm outside the city. Growing up in modest circumstances, he initially aspired to sing pop music but shifted toward country after being influenced by artists like Hank Williams, whom he heard on the Louisiana Hayride radio show. Young began performing as a teenager and dropped out of college to pursue music full-time. In 1951, he gained exposure performing on the Louisiana Hayride, where he befriended Webb Pierce and recorded some early sides. This led to a contract with Capitol Records in 1952, the same year he moved to Nashville and joined the Grand Ole Opry. He quickly scored his first hit with "Goin' Steady," which reached the country top 20. Soon after, Young was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years (1953–1955). During his service, he led an entertainment group called the Circle A Wranglers, performing for troops across the southeastern U.S. and aiding recruitment efforts. Upon returning to civilian life, his career took off in the mid-1950s with signature honky-tonk hits like "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')" and especially "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young" (his first No. 1 in 1955). Nicknamed the "Hillbilly Heartthrob" early on and later the "Young Sheriff" (or "Singing Sheriff") after a role as a deputy in a Western film, he became one of the era's top stars. He recorded prolifically for Capitol through 1962, delivering classics and helping popularize songs by others, including the first major hit version of Don Gibson's "Sweet Dreams." In 1963, he switched to Mercury Records, where his sound evolved with the Nashville Sound but retained hard-country elements in later years. He championed emerging songwriters, notably recording Willie Nelson's "Hello Walls" (a No. 1 hit in 1961 that became a standard) and helping launch careers like those of Nelson and Bill Anderson. Young amassed over 40 chart hits, including five No. 1s, with standout later successes like "Wine Me Up" and his final chart-topper, the 1971 ballad "It's Four in the Morning." Beyond music, Young was a savvy businessman. He invested in Nashville real estate (Music Row properties) and founded the influential trade publication Music City News in 1963, which ran for decades. Known for his outgoing, flamboyant personality, generosity (he often helped others in the industry), and colorful life, Young also struggled with alcoholism, depression, abusive behavior, and personal controversies throughout much of his adult life. His recording activity slowed in the 1980s, with a brief return on Step One Records in 1988, after which he moved toward semi-retirement while making occasional appearances. Health issues, including emphysema and prostate problems, worsened in his later years, leading to increasing bitterness over feeling overlooked by the industry. In failing health and dealing with depression, Faron Young died by suicide on December 10, 1996, at age 64 in Nashville, Tennessee (he inflicted the wound on December 9). The Nashville community was deeply saddened by his death. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.

    38 min

  8. Mar 9

    GCAMS Episode 52: Interview with Pocket Full of Whiskey

    This week we got the chance to sit down with the members of Pocket Full of Whiskey. This local band has spent the last few years keeping the people of Yuba/Sutter out on the dance floor and it was great to catch a quick chat with them after their latest recording session with  @Tylerandcofilms  . Enjoy!

    7 min
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George Croft dives into history and stories about classic American music spanning the decades.

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