The Real Americana with Louise & Blair
The Real Americana with Louise & Blair traverses the decades of music created and inspired by the rich tapestry of traditional American musical forms and storytelling. From roots, folk, country, rock, and blues, Blair and Louise discuss the history, people and stories behind these beloved songs. Stay up-to-date with The Real Americana with Louise and Blair on Instagram @therealamericanaplainsmedia
Episodes
Patty Griffin is a songwriter whose music is direct, honest and deeply human. In this episode of The Real Americana with Louise & Blair, we explore her unlikely Motown and Smiths influences, the Americana award-winning "Children Running Through", and songs about love, family and everyday life. We also talk about her battle with cancer, the impact it had on her voice, her relationship with her mother, and finish with her beautif...
Bruce Cockburn is one of Canada’s great singer-songwriters - a phenomenal guitarist, traveller and observer whose songs have explored love, spirituality, politics, human rights and the environment. In this episode of The Real Americana with Louise & Blair, we follow his journey from “Going to the Country” and “Wondering Where The Lions Are” through “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” and &ldqu...
What happens when your father is a musical legend? Louise & Blair explore the rewards, expectations and challenges of following a famous father, with music from Lukas Nelson, Arlo Guthrie, Justin Townes Earle, Teddy Thompson and Spencer Tweedy. From Willie Nelson and Woody Guthrie to Steve Earle, Richard & Linda Thompson and Jeff Tweedy, we discover five very different stories of musical inheritance - including one tragic t...
For this special and sadly timed episode of The Real Americana with Louise & Blair, we remember the Irish troubadour Glen Hansard, who died recently following a motorcycle accident. From The Frames and The Swell Season to the Oscar winning film and stage show Once, and his acclaimed solo career, we explore the songs that tell his story including “Falling Slowly”, “Low Rising”, “Song of Good Hope&rd...
Blair & Louise introduce one of Americana's great unsung singer-songwriters, tracing Peter Case's journey from power pop pioneers The Nerves and The Plimsouls to his acclaimed solo career. Along the way they explore his landmark 1986 solo debut, extraordinary storytelling, and the surprising connection between Peter Case and Central Otago's gold rush through "Farewell to the Gold". 🎙️🎸
To mark America's 250th birthday, Louise & Blair tell the story of the United States through five remarkable songs. From Independence Day and the Mayflower to Gettysburg, the American Dream and California hope, they explore the nation's triumphs, contradictions and enduring ideals through music by Dave Alvin, Eva Cassidy, The Brandos, Margo Price and Wilco. 🇺🇸🎙️
For this special episode, Blair is joined by fellow Ōtautahi singer-songwriter Tess Liautaud to discuss her new single Jolie Louise, Daniel Lanois, Springsteen's Nebraska, songwriting, vinyl, and releasing original music. Along the way they share their own Bruce Springsteen stories - from Tess joining him on stage in Paris to Blair catching The Boss's attention with a sign at the 2017 Christchurch concert. Featuring music by Tess, ...
Appropriate for our 22nd show, Louise and Blair head to New Orleans to celebrate the remarkable Neville Brothers. From Aaron Neville's early hit “Tell It Like It Is” to the magic of the "Fiyo on the Bayou", "Yellow Moon" albums and beyond, they explore family harmony, Mardi Gras traditions, Daniel Lanois, Hurricane Katrina and one unforgettable live performance. Featuring “Sitting in Limbo,” “Sister Ro...
Jenny Lewis has spent two decades walking the line between indie rock, Americana and classic California songwriting. Louise and Blair explore her remarkable career from child actor to respected solo artist, featuring “Carpetbaggers,” “Acid Tongue,” “She’s Not Me,” “Wasted Youth” and more. Along the way they discuss Rilo Kiley, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams, Hollywood, live shows, h...
Appropriate for our 20th show, Louise and Blair celebrate the extraordinary Glen Campbell - singer, virtuoso guitarist, Wrecking Crew legend and crossover star who somehow made it all seem easy. Featuring “Gentle On My Mind,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Ghost on the Canvas” and more, they explore Jimmy Webb, Ovation guitars, Hollywood, addiction, comeback and...
Inspired by Elvis Presley in Concert (EPiC), this episode explores songs written in the shadow of Elvis Presley. Featuring John Hiatt, Gillian Welch, Warren Zevon and more, we trace the myth, the music, and the pull of Graceland - from wild stories to reflective journeys. Tune in and see what you think! 🎙️🎸
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From Texas roots to Grammy-winning acclaim, Nanci Griffith carved a unique path through folk and country. Featuring "Love at the Five & Dime", "Boots of Spanish Leather", "Goin’ Back to Georgia" and more, Louise and Blair explore her storytelling gift, influences, and lasting impact - a songwriter’s songwriter who stepped away from the spotlight on her own terms. Tune in and see what you think! 🎙️🎸
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From lo-fi beginnings to richly layered Americana, the world of Iron & Wine is the world of Sam Beam - filmmaker, storyteller, and master of mood. Featuring "Naked as We Came", My Lady's House", "Flightless Bird, American Mouth" and more, Louise and Blair trace his evolution, share live memories, and explore a career built on subtlety, craft, and quiet brilliance. Tune in and see what you think! 🎙️🎸
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There’s nothing quite like the sound of siblings singing together. From The Everly Brothers to First Aid Kit, The Ruen Brothers, Larkin Poe and Nelson, this episode celebrates the blend, instinct, and shared history that only family can bring -while acknowledging how fragile those bonds can be. Tune in and see what you think! 🎙️🎸
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Louise and Blair dive into the fearless world of Sturgill Simpson- modern outlaw, sonic shape-shifter, and spiritual seeker. Drawing a line back to Waylon Jennings (they spin "Luckenbach, Texas"), they explore tradition and rebellion. Featuring "Turtles All the Way Down", "Breakers Roar" and more, they reflect on Grammys, acclaim, shifting sounds, and why it’s sometimes hard for audiences to keep up. Tune in and see what you ...
Louise and Blair trace the wild ride of Ricky Nelson- child TV star turned rock-and-roll pioneer, chart rival to Elvis Presley, country-rock trailblazer, and California Sound shaper. Featuring “Lonesome Town,” “Just Like a Woman,” "Garden Party" and more, they explore fame, industry pitfalls, comebacks, and tragedy. Tune in and see what you think!
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In "My Name Is Lyle", Louise and Blair celebrate the great Lyle Lovett, choosing songs that highlight his songwriting craft, musical range, and trademark wit. Featuring "Creeps Like Me," "If I Had a Boat," "12th of June," "Simple Song," and "She’s No Lady." They attempt to channel Lyle’s humour… and may fall well short. Tune in and see what you think!
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A new year and a new season. In the first episode of Season Two, Louise and Blair return with selections from Blair’s annual Top 10 Albums of 2025, published on blairmorganmusic.com. Featuring songs by Mavis Staples, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Bruce Springsteen, and (yes!) Ricky Nelson. New listeners are invited to explore episodes from last season too!
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Louise and Blair celebrate the magic of the late Eva Cassidy, whose remarkable voice and sensitive guitar accompaniments transformed every song she touched. In this special episode, they revisit her unforgettable renditions of “Over the Rainbow,” “Kathy’s Song,” “Songbird,” and “Fields of Gold,” and reflect on the quiet power and lasting influence of her music.
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A deep dive into Bruce Springsteen’s stark 1982 masterpiece Nebraska. Blair and Louise explore the album’s haunting stories, its legendary 4-track cassette recording, and the new film Deliver Me From Nowhere. Featuring four tracks from the album: “Mansion on the Hill,” “Atlantic City,” “State Trooper,” and “Nebraska.”
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