Progressive Spirit

Ted Olson teaches Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University.   He has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.  Two nominations in 2012 for The Bristol Sessions 1927-1928 - The Big Bang of Country Music and another nomination in 2013 for Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music: 34 Historic Songs, Ballads and Instrumentals Recorded in the Great Smoky Mountains by 'Song Catcher' Joseph S. Hall.   He just produced The Johnson City Sessions, rare recordings made in Johnson City in 1928.    Dr. Olson talks to me about these recordings and he brought his banjo to share some of this great Appalachian music!