The 50th Anniversary of Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Diana Linn celebrates the 50th anniversary of the seminal work that many consider the original “Americana” band and album – The Byrds’ “Sweetheart of the Rodeo.”  Recorded in March of 1968 in Nashville  and in April 1968 in Los Angeles, the original record featured the now legendary pedal steel talents of studio session players Lloyd Green of Nashville and Jay Dee Maness of Los Angeles.  Their playing on THIS record opened the eyes of a whole new audience to the sound of the pedal steel guitar. In addition to introducing Gram Parsons to a larger audience, it is considered the first country rock record, garnered millions of new fans, and continues to open the eyes of succeeding generations to country music.  Fifty years later, these two groundbreakers spearheaded a new instrumental tribute to that record they are calling “Journey to the Beginning.”  Tune in to hear the “refreshed take” on these tunes as well as selections from the original Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

Joining Diana Linn this week will be guest DJ Tom Walker.  The sponsor of the 6 am hour is Tom Green whose feature artist will be Eva Cassidy.  The 7am hour is sponsored by Steve Sterner who is featuring his own musical work with his group Sundown.


Share This Episode