Roots Music Coverage Spans Concerts, History, Animation

The articles trace several strands of American roots and rock music: the Allman Brothers’ live “Statesboro Blues” grew from Blind Willie McTell’s 1928 acoustic recording and Taj Mahal’s electric arrangement, which inspired Duane Allman’s slide-guitar approach. In St. Cloud, the Fabulous Armadillos are launching a concert series spanning yacht rock, singer-songwriters and 1970s arena rock. Nashville’s Sho-Bud Showcase Live celebrated the pedal-steel maker’s revival with players from across genres, spotlighting an instrument deeply tied to country music. Texan Raiders are extending country storytelling into animation through the characters Glenn and Glenda, with hopes of developing them into a series. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band also helped shape California country rock, and its 1970 hit “Mr. Bojangles” cemented its connection to country.