The Longest Night of the Year, Volume 2 [Hudson Harding Music] — a compilation featuring songs recorded by various artists — was the top album and featured 11 of the 25 most-played songs on folk radio during December 2019. Topping the monthly songs chart was “Bringing in the Light” by Gathering Sparks, the Southern Ontario folk-roots duo of Eve Goldberg and Jane Lewis, that appears on both its album, All That’s Real, and the compilation. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

The December 2019 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 15,586 airplays reported on 500 playlists submitted by 121 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion. Its annual conference takes place Jan. 22-26, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The monthly top albums and songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

Top Albums of December 2019

1. The Longest Night of the Year, Volume 2 by Various Artists (248)
2. Recollections/Revolutions by Windborne (97)
3. Happy Holidays, Vol. 11 by Various Artists (93)
4. Winter Stories by Judy Collins and Jonas Fjeld (78)
5. Best of the Rest by Si Kahn (67)
6. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (56)
7. Rearrange My Heart by Che Apalache (52)
8. Lines and Spaces by Heather Pierson (46)
9. Facets of Folk by Mara Levine (44)
10. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (43)
11. Honest by Ordinary Elephant (40)
12. Catching Rain by Peter Mayer (37)
13. Greening the Dark by Debra Cowan (35)
14. Up Against the Sky by Dave Gunning (33)
14. All That’s Real by Gathering Sparks (33)
14. Bones and Gravity by Lizanne Knott (33)
14. It’s a Dog’s Life by Si Kahn and the Looping Brothers (33)
14. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (33)
19. Christmas Morning by Silent Winters (32)
20. Wildwood by Katie Dahl (31)
20. To Everyone in All the World by John McCutcheon (31)
20. Coyote by Catherine Maclellan (31)
23. The Bells of Christmas by Skinner and Twitch (30)
24. Heart Land Again by Tim Grimm (29)
25. Straight to Marrow by Clint Alphin (27)
26. Chasing the Sun by Bobtown (26)
26. How We Want to Live by Lisa Bastoni (26)
28. Paws of a Bear by Sofia Talvik (25)
28. Time and Truth by Joel Mabus (25)
30. Fair Play to You All by Tommy Sands (24)
30. Every Single Star by Dori Freeman (24)
30. Wahoo! by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (24)
33. Visions by Alice Howe (23)
33. When They Fall by Annie and Rod Capps (23)
33. If I Catch My Dream by Bett Padgett (23)
33. Even the Sparrow by Kelly Hunt (23)
37. Wonderful Fairytale by Bill Jones (22)
37. Oklahoma by Keb’ Mo (22)
37. Going to the Well by Linda McRae (22)
37. Charlie Parr by Charlie Parr (22)
37. Gonna Love Anyway by Louisa Branscomb (22)
42. Heroes and Sparrows by Kevin Brown (21)
42. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (21)
42. Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace (21)
45. If You Fall by Jaime Michaels (20)
46. Today Again by Fred Arcoleo (19)
46. Acorns by Ben Winship (19)
46. Unfortunate Point of View by Katherine Rondeau (19)
46. Due to the Darkness by The Gossamer Strings (19)
50. While I’m Livin by Tanya Tucker (18)
50. Christmas by Bruce Cockburn (18)
50. Words of Love by Allison Lupton (18)
50. Adobe Road by Cej (18)
54. Holly Head by Kate Rusby (17)
54. Christmas Caravan by Sultans of String (17)
54. Slow It Down by Crowes Pasture (17)
54. When Winter Comes by Sofia Talvik (17)
54. Heather Down the Moor by Gatehouse (17)
54. Rings Around Saturn by Marion Halliday (17)
60. How Far It Goes by The Refugees (16)
60. If I Catch My Dream, Songs of Hope for a Better World by Bett Padgett
(16)
60. These Old Hands by Crys Matthews (16)
60. The Hard Stuff by Susan Gibson (16)
60. Caravan of Dawn by The Levins (16)
60. Leylines by Rising Appalachia (16)
60. Free and Fine by Jordi Baizan (16)
60. Tall Fiddler by Michael Cleveland (16)
60. The Gift of the Magi by Darryl Purpose (16)
69. Hush the Wild Horses by Rachel Harrington (15)
69. Moth Nor Rust Ii by Jon Brooks (15)
69. Sketches by Natalie Macmaster (15)
69. Toolshed by Ben Winship (15)

Top Songs of December 2019

[Here’s a link to view a lyric video for “Bringing in the Light” by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfNaSRAqjqk]

Gathering Sparks (l-r: Jane Lewis and Eve Goldberg)

Treat A Stranger Right by Frank & Allie Lee, a harmony-driven old time and folk music duo, was the top album and featured six of the 25 most-played songs on folk radio during January 2020. Topping the monthly songs chart was “Hello Stanger” by teenage bluegrass artist Eliza Meyer. The month’s most-played artist was David Olney, a revered folk and Americana singer-songwriter who died last month. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Frank & Allie Lee had the top album and six of the most-played songs on folk radio in January 2020.

Here’s a link to view an official video for Frank and Allie Lee’s rendition of “Lost John”: https://www.mountainwaterfilms.com/post/lost-john-music-video-by-frank-and-allie-lee

Although a high school student, Raleigh, NC native Eliza Meyer is an old soul who enjoys singing and playing bluegrass, traditional stringband, old time and classic country music. She cites the traditional ballads of Madison County and the round peak music of Surry County as influences. A multi-instrumentalist, she plays fiddle, banjo, guitar and autoharp. Meyer’s song “Hello Stranger” is the title track from her debut album that was released last month.

During a musical career that spanned more than four decades, David Olney, 71, recorded and released more than 20 albums and had his songs covered or co-written by such other notable artists as Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Laurie Lewis, Del McCoury, and Linda Ronstadt. Olney, whose last album, This Side or the Other, was released in 2018, was a prolific songwriter and a mainstay of the Nashville music community. The beloved singer-songwriter died Jan. 18 after suffering an apparent heart attack while performing onstage at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

An article about him — featuring remembrances from other artists and links to a few videos (including one from the 30A Songwriters Festival) – was posted to AcousticMusicScene.com last month. Here’s a link: http://acousticmusicscene.com/2020/01/20/david-olney-beloved-singer-songwriter-1948-2020/

The January 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 14, 263 airplays reported on 557 playlists submitted by 127 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

The monthly top albums and songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

Top Albums of January 2020

1. Treat a Stranger Right by Frank and Allie Lee (101)
2. Recollections/Revolutions by Windborne (87)
3. Hello Stranger by Eliza Meyer (81)
4. Modern Old-Time Sounds for the Bluegrass and Folksong Jamboree by The Lonesome Ace Stringband (54)
5. Winter Stories by Judy Collins and Jonas Fjeld (52)
6. Love and Fire by Annette Wasilik (49)
7. Then and Now by Dan and Faith (45)
8. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (43)
9. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (40)
9. Heart Land Again by Tim Grimm (40)
11. Rearrange My Heart by Che Apalache (39)
11. All That’s Real by Gathering Sparks (39)
13. Lines and Spaces by Heather Pierson (37)
14. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (36)
15. Up Against the Sky” by Dave Gunning (34)
15. Honest by Ordinary Elephant (34)
17. Catching Rain by Peter Mayer (33)
18. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (32)
19. Circadian by Letitia Vansant (31)
20. Acorns by Ben Winship (30)
20. Come on Up to the House: Women Sing Waits by Various Artists (30)
20. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (30)
20. Tall Fiddler by Michael Cleveland (30)
24. Bones and Gravity by Lizanne Knott (29)
25. Wahoo! by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (27)
25. Best of the Rest by Si Kahn (27)
25. Even the Sparrow by Kelly Hunt (27)
28. Daytime Highs and Overnight Lows by Eric Brace and Last Train Home (26)
28. Old Ghosts and Lost Causes by Helene Cronin (26)
28. Coyote by Catherine Maclellan (26)
31. Fair Play to You All by Tommy Sands (25)
31. No Holds Barred by The Flyin’ A’s (25)
33. To Everyone in All the World: A Celebration of Pete Seeger by John
McCutcheon (24)
33. Heroes and Sparrows by Kevin Brown (24)
33. Going to the Well by Linda McRae (24)
33. Words of Love by Allison Lupton (24)
37. Due to the Darkness by The Gossamer Strings (23)
37. Old Tin” by Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones (23)
37. If You Fall by Jaime Michaels (23)
37. Straight to Marrow by Clint Alphin (23)
41. Wildwood by Katie Dahl (22)
41. String Tides by Mark Grobner (22)
41. Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace (22)
44. Oklahoma by Keb’ Mo (21)
44. What Will We Do by Lula Wiles (21)
44. Free and Fine by Jordi Baizan (21)
47. Wonderful Fairytale by Bill Jones (20)
47. Leylines by Rising Appalachia (20)
47. Sketches by Natalie Macmaster (20)
47. Heather Down the Moor by Gatehouse (20)
51. Visions by Alice Howe (19)
51. When They Fall by Annie and Rod Capps (19)
51. Every Single Star by Dori Freeman (19)
51. Inner Journey by Darin and Brooke Aldridge (19)
51. Early Bright by Seamus Egan (19)
56. Medicine for Living by Alexa Rose (18)
56. The Point of Arrival by Carrie Newcomer (18)
58. Greening the Dark by Debra Cowan (17)
58. Lonesome Road by Alan Barnosky (17)
58. Allison De Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves by Allison De Groot and
Tatiana Hargreaves (17)
58. The Longest Night of the Year, Volume Two by Various Artists (17)
58. Lacher Prise by Michael Doucet (17)
58. The Great Irish Songbook by Dervish (17)
64. Pretty Little Mister by Tui (16)
64. Moth Nor Rust Ii by Jon Brooks (16)
64. Patty Griffin by Patty Griffin (16)
64. Home by Billy Strings (16)
68. Paws of a Bear by Sofia Talvik (15)
68. This Long Stretch of Gravel by John Lowell (15)
68. October in the Railroad Earth by Tom Russell (15)
68. All Mine by Sarah Morris (15)

Top Songs of January 2020

[Here’s a link to listen to Eliza Meyer sing “Hello Stranger”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADI9wlU6a1s

1. “Hello Stranger” by Eliza Meyer (24)
2. “Everybody Ought to Treat a Stranger Right” by Frank and Allie Lee (17)
3. “You Are My Flower” by Frank and Allie Lee (15)
4. “Another Great Day Above Ground” by Vance Gilbert (13)
5. “Lost John” by Frank and Allie Lee (11)
5. “Chincoteague” by Annette Wasilik (11)
5. “Come and Go With Me” by Frank and Allie Lee (11)
5. “Black Myself” by Our Native Daughters (11)
5. “Our Town” by Eliza Meyer (11)
10. “The World Is on Fire” by Annette Wasilik (10)
10. “When I Was a Cowboy” by Frank and Allie Lee (10)
10. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (10)
10. “The Dreamer” by Che Apalache (10)
14. “Footsteps” by Dan and Faith (9)
14. “Eighth of January” by Allison De Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves (9)
14. “The Midnight Special” by Lead Belly (9)
14. “Song on the Times” by Windborne (9)
14. “Bringing in the Light” by Gathering Sparks (9)
14. “Making Life Sweet” by The Early Risers (9)
14. “Katy Bar the Door” by Ben Winship (9)
14. “Get Up on That Horse Again” by Heather Pierson (9)
14. “Northwest Passage” by Judy Collins and Jonas Fjeld (9)
23. “Big Iron” by The Lonesome Ace Stringband (8)
23. “A Hazy Shade of Winter” by Crowes Pasture (8)
23. “You Can’t Put My Fire Out” by Letitia Vansant (8)
23. “Caney Fork” by Eric Brace and Last Train Home (8)
23. “Time” by Rosanne Cash (8)
23. “Sugar Babe” by Frank and Allie Lee (8)
23. “Jerusalem Tomorrow” by David Olney (8)

Top Artists of January 2020

David Olney

John McCutcheon was the most-played artist on folk radio during 2019 and had both the year’s top album and song. (Photo: Irene Young)

On his 40th recording, John McCutcheon, a much-revered folksinger-songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist, pays tribute to the music of his friend and mentor, the late folk icon Pete Seeger. McCutcheon calls To Everyone in All the World “an album I’ve been waiting over 50 years to make.” Also lending their musical talents to the recording are Beausoleil, Suzy Bogguss, Stuart Duncan, Finest Kind, Corey Harris, and Hot Rize.

Of his friend, Seeger had said: “John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader. And not just incidentally, he is committed to helping hard-working people everywhere to organize and push this world in a better direction.”

McCutcheon, a performing and recording artist since the mid-1970s, is also a longtime labor and social activist. He is a founder and former president of Local 1000, the traveling acoustic musicians local of the American Federation of Musicians. He has keynoted conferences for several regional affiliates of Folk Alliance International. His previous release, Ghost Light, was the #2 album on folk radio in 2017 and also features three of that year’s 25 most-played songs. McCutcheon’s classic “Christmas in the Trenches” has been among the most-played songs during the holiday season for years.

[Here’s a link to hear John McCutcheon’s rendition of Pete Seeger’s “Well May the World Go” from To Everyone in All the World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VE05enOBXA.]

Following McCutcheon, the most-played artists on folk radio during 2019 were Mara Levine, Pete Seeger, Our Native Daughters and Bob Dylan, respectively. Songs Of Our Native Daughters was the year’s second most-played album, followed by Facets of Folk by Levine, What Will We Do by Lula Wiles, and Honest by Ordinary Elephant. McCutcheon’s rendition of Seeger’s “Well May the World Go,” edged out the year’s Molly Tuttle’s “Take the Journey” for the year’s most-played song, closely followed by Danny Schmidt’s “Just Wait Till They see You,” Levine’s interpretation of Tommy Sands’ “Daughters & Sons,” ad Jan Aldridge Clark’s “The Welcome Song.”

The 2019 year-end FOLKDJ-L charts are based on 181,160 airplays from 6756 playlists from 167 folk DJs. The number of reported spins (airplays) is shown below in parentheses. The top albums, songs and artists charts are compiled by Folk Alliance International (http://folk.org), a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Like the monthly top albums, songs and artists charts, the annual charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com with permission.

Top Albums of 2019

1. To Everyone in All the World: A Celebration of Pete Seeger by John
McCutcheon (713)
2. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (665)
3. Facets of Folk by Mara Levine (660)
4. What Will We Do by Lula Wiles (571)
5. Honest by Ordinary Elephant (488)
6. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (454)
7. Heart Land Again by Tim Grimm (437)
8. Standard Deviation by Danny Schmidt (409)
9. Unfortunate Point of View by Katherine Rondeau (376)
10. Leylines by Rising Appalachia (363)
11. Patty Griffin by Patty Griffin (355)
12. When You’re Ready by Molly Tuttle (350)
13. Visions by Alice Howe (345)
14. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (343)
15. It’s a Dog’s Life by Si Kahn and the Looping Brothers (340)
16. Gonna Love Anyway by Louisa Branscomb (334)
17. Up Against the Sky by Dave Gunning (327)
18. Allison De Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves by Allison De Groot and
Tatiana Hargreaves (321)
19. The Great Irish Songbook by Dervish (309)
20. Even the Sparrow by Kelly Hunt (305)
21. Tides of a Teardrop by Mandolin Orange (289)
22. Rose Avenue by Joel Rafael (281)
23. The Point of Arrival by Carrie Newcomer (277)
24. It’s a Hard Life by Ruby Lovett (269)
25. Time and Truth by Joel Mabus (259)
26. Country Music – A Film by Ken Burns (The Soundtrack) by Various
Artists (251)
26. Closing the Gap by Molsky’s Mountain Drifters (251)
28. The Longest Night of the Year, Vol. 2 by Various Artists (248)
29. Words of Love by Allison Lupton (242)
29. Off to Here Land by Ashley and Simpson (242)
31. Tim O’Brien Band by Tim O’Brien (240)
32. Dedicated to the Proposition by Spook Handy (238)
33. Rearrange My Heart by Che Apalache (235)
34. October in the Railroad Earth by Tom Russell (234)
35. The Bull Moose Party by Jackson Grimm (228)
36. The Butcher Shoppe EP by Della Mae (226)
37. Conspirators by Guy Forsyth and Jeska Bailey (221)
38. Tall Fiddler by Michael Cleveland (217)
39. Slow It Down by Crowes Pasture (214)
40. In Sevens by Kora Feder (212)
41. Rings Around Saturn by Marion Halliday (211)
42. What if This Is All There Is by Rj Cowdery (209)
42. Chasing the Sun by Bobtown (209)
42. North Country by Danny Burns (209)
45. In My Pocket by Brooksie Wells (207)
46. A List of Name” by Karyn Oliver (206)
47. Pseudomyopia by Rachael Sage (203)
48. Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace (202)
49. Ride Me Back Home by Willie Nelson (193)
49. Wildwood by Katie Dahl (193)
51. Legacy of Love by Ellen Bukstel (192)
52. Greening the Dark by Debra Cowan (191)
53. Acorns by Ben Winship (189)
54. Hummingbird by John Smith (186)
54. Best of the Rest by Si Kahn (186)
56. Talk to a Human by Terri Hendrix (181)
56. There Is No Other by Rhiannon Giddens (181)
58. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (178)
58. Adobe Road by Cej (178)
60. When They Fall by Annie and Rod Capps (177)
61. Valley of the Bones by Jane Kramer (174)
61. Every Trip Around the Sun by Sharon Goldman (174)
63. Easy Money by Old Man Luedecke (173)
64. Ten: The Errant Night by Runa (171)
65. Paws of a Bear by Sofia Talvik (168)
66. Back to Shore by Shari Ulrich (167)
66. Every Single Star by Dori Freeman (167)
68. Dirigo Attitude by Sara Trunzo (163)
68. Mint Condition by Caroline Spence (163)
70. Common Chords by Robert Jones and Matt Watroba (162)

Top Songs of 2019

[Here’s a link to view the official video for Molly Tuttle’s “Take the Journey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADiwd_AjjEA]

Molly Tuttle’s 2019 release When You’re Ready features the song “Take the Journey.”

Top Artists of 2019

Mara Levine was the second most-played artist on folk radio during 2019 and had the third most-played album, Facets of Folk. (Photo: Manny Krevat)

Treat A Stranger Right by Frank & Allie Lee was the top album on folk radio for a second consecutive month, along with The Family Songbook by The Haden Triplets, during February 2020. They also tied as the month’s second most-played artists, while The Kingston Trio took the top spot. February’s most-played song was “You Can’t Say @#$ on the Air,” a track on Matt Watroba’s #2 charting album The Far Si: The Si Kahn Funny Song Sing-Along Songbook. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Based in Bryson City, North Carolina, Frank and Allie Lee are a harmony-driven old-time and folk music duo who perform traditional and trad-style songs and tunes from the rural south — featuring banjos, guitars, fiddle and harmonica, along with their harmony vocals. An old time aesthetic permeates their music, while blues, bluegrass and spiritual songs also are part of their repertoire and recordings. The Lees also are part of the noted stringband The Freight Hoppers, host a bi-annual old time music retreat called Banjo-Fiddle Frolic in the Great Smoky Mountains near their home, and have led banjo workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad. Treat A Stranger Right, the duo’s new album, was officially released on Feb. 7.

Here’s a link to view an official video for Frank and Allie Lee’s rendition of “Lost John”: https://www.mountainwaterfilms.com/post/lost-john-music-video-by-frank-and-allie-lee

The Haden Triplets (Petra, Rachel and Tanya) come from a musically inclined family. The daughters of the late Charlie Haden, a noted jazz double-bassist, they were born in New York and raised in Los Angeles but also spent time during their childhoods visiting him in Springfield, Missouri.

The Haden Triplets: Tanya, Rachel and Petra

Although they’ve shown a penchant for Americana roots music on their recordings as a trio, between them, the sisters also have played with such jazz and rock artists as Beck, The Decemberists, Bill Frissell (the acclaimed guitarists who graces three tracks on Family Songbook), Foo Fighters, Green Day, Jimmy Eat World, Mike Watt, and Weezer. The Haden Triplets also portrayed The Fates on Tony Award-winning singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell’s folk-opera album Hadestown.

Here’s a link to a lyric video for The Haden Triplets rendition of “Wayfaring Stranger”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgyLsizqnx4.

The February 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13,600 airplays reported on 491 playlists submitted by 125 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

The monthly top albums and songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

Top Albums of February 2020

1. Treat a Stranger Right by Frank and Allie Lee (77)
1. The Family Songbook by The Haden Triplets (77)
3. The Far Si: The Si Kahn Funny Song Sing-Along Songbook by Matt Watroba (72)
4. Alicia Viani by Alicia Viani (63)
5. Next Time We Meet by Terry Kitchen (62)
6. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (59)
7. Treasures in My Chest by Andrew McKnight (56)
8. Lacher Prise by Michael Doucet (49)
9. Hello Stranger by Eliza Meyer (48)
10. Recollections/Revolutions by Windborne (47)
10. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (47)
12. Collection 2008-2018 by Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus (46)
13. Old Tin by Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones (43)
14. Circadian by Letitia Vansant (42)
15. Embracing the Journey by Kathleen Healy (41)
15. Lp5 by John Moreland (41)
17. Daytime Highs and Overnight Lows by Eric Brace and Last Train Home (40)
17. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (40)
19. Love and Fire by Annette Wasilik (37)
20. Rearrange My Heart by Che Apalache (36)
20. Legacy by Michael Johnathon (36)
22. The Kingston Trio by The Kingston Trio (34)
22. Bad Wife by Grant Peeples (34)
24. The Light We Bring by Trout Steak Revival (33)
25. Slow Steady Heart by Claudia Schmidt (32)
26. No Holds Barred by The Flyin’ A’s (31)
27. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (28)
28. All Mine by Sarah Morris (27)
28. Heartland Again by Tim Grimm (27)
28. Bravado by Rose Cousins (27)
28. Stony Run by Ken and Brad Kolodner (27)
28. Straight to Marrow by Clint Alphin (27)
33. Visions by Alice Howe (26)
33. Oklahoma by Keb’ Mo (26)
33. String Tides by Mark Grobner (26)
36. Let Love Go On by Mark Dvorak (25)
36. Chasing the Sun by Bobtown (25)
38. Wildwood by Katie Dahl (24)
38. Sky Tonight by Anne Marie Menta (24)
40. Coyote by Catherine Maclellan (23)
41. Rise and Fly by The Barefoot Movement (22)
41. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (22)
41. Tall Fiddler by Michael Cleveland (22)
44. Medicine for Living by Alexa Rose (21)
44. Eddy and the Abstract Truth by Eddy Lawrence (21)
46. Winter Stories by Judy Collins and Jonas Fjeld (20)
46. In This Town You’re Owned by Robert Vincent (20)
48. Honest by Ordinary Elephant (19)
48. From Liberty Street by Mapache (19)
48. Best of the Rest by Si Kahn (19)
48. Lines and Spaces by Heather Pierson (19)
52. Bones and Gravity by Lizanne Knott (18)
53. Fair Play to You All by Tommy Sands (17)
53. Going to the Well by Linda McRae (17)
53. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words by Nora Jane Struthers (17)
53. Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace (17)
57. The Hard Stuff by Susan Gibson (16)
57. We’ll Never Know Unless We Try by Darling West (16)
57. Today Again by Fred Arcoleo (16)
57. If I Catch My Dream Song of Hope for a Better World by Bett Padgett
(16)
61. When They Fall by Annie and Rod Capps (15)
61. Wonderful Fairytale by Bill Jones (15)
61. Heroes and Sparrows by Kevin Brown (15)
61. Modern Old-Time Sounds for the Bluegrass and Folksong Jamboree by The Lonesome Ace Stringband (15)
61. Home by Billy Strings (15)
61. Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers by Chris Moyse (15)
67. Up Against the Sky by Dave Gunning (14)
67. The Moon Is an Ashtray by Miss Tess (14)
67. Just Words by Lynne Hanson (14)
67. Early Bright by Seamus Egan (14)
67. Mortal Flames by John Dennis (14)

Top Songs of February 2020

(Here’s a link to listen to Detroit. Michigan-based singer-songwriter and folk DJ Matt Watroba’s rendition of “You Can’t Say @#$% on the Air” by Si Kahn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1DVDT9T73Q&list=OLAK5uy_nfTXUgurZGh98auNIcjeJVNgkQ3n_avTw&index=2&t=0s)

1. “You Can’t Say @#$% on the Air” by Matt Watroba (26)
2. “Wildwood Flower” by The Haden Triplets (17)
2. “Pie & Whiskey” by Vance Gilbert (17)
4. “Party on the Roof” by Terry Kitchen (14)
4. “You Can’t Put My Fire Out” by Letitia Vansant (14)
4. “Two to Tango” by Kathleen Healy (14)
7. “Good Man” by Alicia Viani (12)
7. “Legacy” by Michael Johnathon (12)
7. “Another Great Day Above Ground” by Vance Gilbert (12)
10. “Scotch and Soda” by The Kingston Trio (11)
11. “When My Fever Breaks” by John Moreland (10)
11. “Unsustainable” by Grant Peeples (10)
11. “Lazy Farmer” by Frank and Allie Lee (10)
11. “Lonesome for You” by Alicia Viani (10)
11. “You Can Walk Up There” by Darryl Purpose (10)
11. “Who Will You Love” by The Haden Triplets (10)
11. “Arrows in the Dark” by Trout Steak Revival (10)
11. “Norwegian Wood” by Terry Kitchen (10)
11. “Hello Stranger” by Eliza Meyer (10)
11. “Tom Dooley” by The Kingston Trio (10)
21. “Wayfaring Stranger” by The Haden Triplets (9)
21. “Walt’s Waltz” by Matt Watroba (9)
21. “You Are My Flower” by Frank and Allie Lee (9)
21. “The Agreement” by Rose Cousins (9)
21. “Bless Your Heart” by Clint Alphin (9)
21. “Lamplight” by Alicia Viani (9)
21. “Walking on a Mardi Gras Day” by Michael Doucet (9)
21. “The Sailor and the Soldier” by Frank and Allie Lee (9)
21. “This Changes Everything” by The Early Risers (9)
21. “Harder Dreams” by John Moreland (9)
21. “Water, Water” by Michael Doucet (9)
21. “The Dreamer” by Che Apalache (9)

Top Artists of February 2020

1. The Kingston Trio (81)
2. The Haden Triplets (77)
2. Frank and Allie Lee (77)
4. Matt Watroba (72)
5. Terry Kitchen (65)
5. David Olney (65)
7. Alicia Viani (63)
8. Vance Gilbert (59)
9. Andrew McKnight (57)
10. Windborne (54)
11. Ellis Paul (51)
12. Michael Doucet (49)
13. Eliza Meyer (48)
13. Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus (48)
15. The Early Risers (47)
16. Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones (45)
17. Letitia Vansant (42)
17. Tim Grimm (42)
19. Kathleen Healy (41)
19. John Moreland (41)
21. Eric Brace and Last Train Home (40)
22. Annette Wasilik (38)
22. Michael Johnathon (38)
24. Trout Steak Revival (37)
25. Ladysmith Black Mambazo (36)
25. Che Apalache (36)
25. Claudia Schmidt (36)
28. Si Kahn (35)
29. John McCutcheon (34)
29. Grant Peeples (34)
29. Bob Dylan (34)
32. The Flyin’ A’s (32)
33. Willie Nelson (31)
34. Rose Cousins (30)
34. John Prine (30)
34. Mark Dvorak (30)
37. Our Native Daughters (29)
37. The Wailin’ Jennys (29)
39. Ken and Brad Kolodner (28)
39. Keb’ Mo (28)
39. Nanci Griffith (28)
39. Susan Werner (28)

John Prine, an internationally acclaimed and revered singer-songwriter who died April 7 at the age of 73 from complications of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), was the top artist and had both the top two albums (The Tree of Forgiveness and John Prine), as well as seven of the month’s top 10 songs, on folk radio during April 2020. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

John Prine (official photo)

The Tree of Forgiveness (2018), April’s most-played album, was named Album of the Year in the 2019 Americana Honors & Awards presented by the Americana Music Association, reached #5 on the Billboard 200 charts, and was the most-played album on folk radio during 2018. It was Prine’s first (and last) collection of new material since Fair and Square.

Prine’s 1991 self-titled debut was the month’s second-most-played album. It features such classic songs as “Sam Stone” “Hello In There,” and “Paradise,” which also were the first three songs Prine ever performed live on stage. “Hello In There” and “Paradise” were the second- and third- most-played songs in April, while “When I Get to Heaven” from The Tree of Forgiveness took the top spot.

(Here’s a link to view a video of John Prine performing “Hello In There,” one of his signature songs, during Live from Sessions at West 54th: https://youtube.com/watch?v=OVhA01J0Zsg)

While a 23-year-old mailman in 1970, Prine sang his songs every Thursday night for a couple of months at The Fifth Peg, a Chicago folk Club. Then-young journalist Roger Ebert stopped in for a set one night and wrote a glowing review for the Chicago Sun Times that essentially launched Prine’s career, according to his official bio. Credit Kris Kristofferson as well. He and Prine became good friends and toured extensively together over the years. Kristofferson introduced Prine to New York folk fans in 1971 by inviting him on stage during his own gig at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village.

The April 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 11,392 airplays reported on 495 playlists submitted by 99 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (https://folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

The monthly top albums and songs charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

Top Albums of April 2020

1. The Tree of Forgiveness by John Prine (68)
2. John Prine by John Prine (58)
3. 25 Trips by Sierra Hull (56)
4. Headlight by Della Mae (54)
5. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (52)
6. Character by Rachael Sage (48)
6. Live! At the Seagull Shop Restaurant by Jud Caswell (48)
8. The Path of Stones by John Doyle (43)
9. Big Road by David Bromberg Band (39)
10. Bad for You by The Steeldrivers (38)
11. The Family Songbook by The Haden Triplets (33)
11. Work My Claim by Brooks Williams (33)
13. Alicia Viani by Alicia Viani (32)
13. Home by Billy Strings (32)
15. Waterfalls by Thomas Aaron Garlow (31)
16. Song Like a Seed by Sara Thomsen (30)
17. For Better or Worse by John Prine (27)
17. The Missing Years by John Prine (27)
19. Fair and Square by John Prine (26)
20. Someday Soon Somehow by Scott Fab (25)
21. The Loud Album by Carla Ulbrich (24)
21. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (24)
23. Covid Humor Songs by Carla Ulbrich (23)
23. Souvenirs by John Prine (23)
25. Logan Ledger by Logan Ledger (22)
26. Fine, Thank You! by Deborah Holland (21)
26. Bruised Orange by John Prine (21)
26. A Long Way Back: The Songs of Glimmer by Kim Richey (21)
26. Mondegreens by Rachel Garlin (21)
30. The Moon Is an Ashtray by Miss Tess (19)
30. In Spite of Ourselves by John Prine (19)
30. Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn by Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn (19)
30. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (19)
30. Lp5 by John Moreland (19)
35. Sweet Revenge by John Prine (18)
35. Brother Sister by Watkins Family Hour (18)
37. Collection 2008-2018 by Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus (17)
37. John Prine Live by John Prine (17)
37. Call the Captain by Western Centuries (17)
37. Hang Me Out to Dry by Trip McCool (17)
37. Waltz for Abilene by Cindy Cashdollar (17)
42. Lucky Girl by Claudia Nygaard (16)
42. Hello Stranger by Eliza Meyer (16)
42. Blindsided by Mark Erelli (16)
45. Great Days: The John Prine Anthology by John Prine (15)
45. Wildwood by Katie Dahl (15)
45. Chasing the Sun by Bobtown (15)
45. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (15)
45. Straight to Marrow by Clint Alphin (15)
50. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (13)
50. Treat a Stranger Right by Frank and Allie Lee (13)
50. Refuge by Sultans of String (13)
50. Treasures in My Chest by Andrew McKnight (13)
50. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words by Nora Jane Struthers (13)
50. And Laurie Lewis by Laurie Lewis (13)
50. Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams by Darrell Scott (13)
50. Circadian by Letitia Vansant (13)
50. Bitter Ballads and Cynical Prayers by Chris Moyse (13)
59. Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings by John Prine (12)
59. Solo by Gordon Lightfoot (12)
59. Slow Steady Heart by Claudia Schmidt (12)
59. Days of Decision: A Tribute to Phil Ochs by Martyn Joseph (12)
59. Going to the Well by Linda McRae (12)
59. Caught From the Rye by Tre Burt (12)
59. Already Gone by Chris Titchner (12)
59. Heart Land Again by Tim Grimm (12)
67. Visions by Alice Howe (11)
67. I Have Known Women, 2020 by Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (11)
67. Different Hymnals by Joel Mabus (11)
67. Legacy by Michael Johnathon (11)
67. Love and Fire by Annette Wasilik (11)
67. Apples in the Fall by Anna Lynch (11)
67. How We Want to Love by Lisa Bastoni (11)
67. No Time for Love Songs by The Mastersons (11)
67. Bad Wife by Grant Peeples (11)
67. Stony Run by Ken and Brad Kolodner (11)
67. The Panhandlers by The Panhandlers (11)
67. Bird in a Cage by Patty Larkin (11)
67. German Afternoons by John Prine (11)
67. The Far Si by Matt Watroba (11)
67. Even the Sparrow by Kelly Hunt (11)

Top Songs of April 2020

1. “When I Get to Heaven” by John Prine (31)
2. “Hello in There” by John Prine (22)
3. “Paradise” by John Prine (18)
4. “Illegal Smile” by John Prine (13)
4. “Angel From Montgomery” by John Prine (13)
4. “In Spite of Ourselves” by John Prine (13)
4. “Fish and Whistle” by John Prine (13)
4. “All the Best” by Erik Balkey (13)
9. “From a Distance” by Valerie Smith (12)
10. “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” by John and Sheila Ludgate (11)
10. “Bravery’s on Fire” by Rachael Sage (11)
12. “Ohio” by Rachael Sage (10)
12. “Spanish Pipedream” by John Prine (10)
12. “Waterfalls” by Thomas Aaron Garlow (10)
12. “Blue Sky Days” by Rachael Sage (10)
12. “That’s the Way the World Goes Round” by John Prine (10)
17. “Sam Stone” by John Prine (9)
17. “The Path of Stones” by John Doyle (9)
17. “Headlight” by Della Mae (9)
17. “Poison” by Sierra Hull (9)
17. “The Midnight Special” by Lead Belly (9)
17. “It’s a Big Old Goofy World” by John Prine (9)
17. “Father Time” by Sierra Hull (9)
17. “Middle of the Woods” by Sierra Hull (9)
17. “Waiting for You” by Della Mae (9)
17. “Beautiful World of Mine” by Eliza Gilkyson (9)
17. “1920” by Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (9)

Top Artists of April 2020

1. John Prine (418)
2. Eliza Gilkyson (62)
3. Sierra Hull (57)
4. Della Mae (54)
5. Jud Caswell (49)
6. Rachael Sage (48)
6. Carla Ulbrich (48)
8. John McCutcheon (45)
8. Pete Seeger (45)
10. John Doyle (44)
10. The Steeldrivers (44)
12. David Bromberg Band (43)
13. Bob Dylan (35)
14. The Haden Triplets (34)
15. Billy Strings (33)
15. Brooks Williams (33)
15. Joel Mabus (33)
18. Sara Thomsen (32)
18. Alicia Viani (32)
20. Thomas Aaron Garlow (31)
21. Tim Grimm (28)
22. Steve Goodman (27)
22. Vance Gilbert (27)
24. Mark Erelli (26)
24. Various (26)
26. Scott Fab (25)
27. Gordon Lightfoot (24)
27. Tom Paxton (24)
27. Valerie Smith (24)
30. Martyn Joseph (23)
30. Deborah Holland (23)
30. Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn (23)
30. Michael Johnathon (23)
34. Matt Watroba (22)
34. Logan Ledger (22)
34. Stan Rogers (22)
34. Laurie Lewis (22)
38. Joe Jencks (21)
38. Rachel Garlin (21)
38. Western Centuries (21)
38. Watkins Family Hour (21)
38. Kim Richey (21)
38. Mara Levine (21)

The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury, as interpreted and performed by Gretchen Peters, was the top album on folk radio during May 2020, closely followed by 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson. “2020 Vision” by Danny Schmidt was the month’s #1 song, while Bob Dylan was the most-played artist. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

A Nashville,TN-based singer and songwriter, Peters has earned considerable critical acclaim and accolades as a songwriter — as well as a singer. Her songs have been performed and recorded by such artists as Bryan Adams, Faith Hill, Etta James, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, The Neville Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, and George Strait. Yet on her latest album, The Night You Wrote That Song – The Songs of Mickey Newbury, she pays tribute to a fellow member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame who had a major influence on her.

“I’m so grateful to all the folk DJs for playing the album and making this possible,” says Peters of her #1 chart position. “Mickey Newbury’s music has been a big source of inspiration to me since I was a teenager, and this album was a labor of love, a long time coming.”

Danny Schmidt is an Austin, TX-based singer-songwriter, whose song “2020 Vision” was written in mid-April and recorded in quarantine in the home studio that he shares with his wife Carrie Elkin, also a singer-songwriter. “The song is just a series of reflections on life in the age of the coronavirus,” according to Schmidt. “These are uniquely challenging times, but interestingly, even in isolation, the pandemic has created a shared experience between us all.” “2020 Vision” is currently available for free on Bandcamp.

The May 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 12,881 airplays reported on 500 playlists submitted by 105 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (http://folk.org) is a Kansas City, MO-based nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

The monthly top albums,songs and artists charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

Top Albums of May 2020

1. The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury by Gretchen
Peters (83)
2. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (80)
3. Western Sun by Nell and Jim Band (57)
4. The Path of Stones by John Doyle (55)
5. Brother Sister by Watkins Family Hour (46)
6. Character by Rachael Sage (42)
7. Headlight by Della Mae (40)
8. Highway Philosophers by Lara Herscovitch (39)
9. We Fit Together by Barry Oreck (37)
10. Big Road by David Bromberg (36)
10. 25 Trips by Sierra Hull (36)
12. Early Morning Rain by Steve Forbert (34)
13. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (32)
14. Nonet by The Mammals (31)
14. Chicago Barn Dance by Special Consensus (31)
16. Time Traveler by Jason Wilber (30)
17. Bad for You by The Steeldrivers (28)
18. Eiderdown by Gordon Thomas Ward (27)
19. Live at Seagull Shop Restaurant by Jud Caswell (26)
20. Good Souls Better Angels by Lucinda Williams (25)
20. Home by Billy Strings (25)
22. Waterfalls by Thomas Aaron Garlow (24)
22. Ashes in the Morning by Ken Dunn (24)
22. Look Long by Indigo Girls (24)
25. The Perfect Plan by The Lowest Pair (23)
26. Pete Seeger: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection by Pete Seeger (22)
26. Waltz for Abilene by Cindy Cashdollar (22)
28. Logan Ledger by Logan Ledger (20)
28. Hello Stranger by Eliza Meyer (20)
30. Mondegreens by Rachel Garlin (19)
30. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (19)
30. Lucky Girl by Claudia Nygaard (19)
30. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (19)
34. The Loud Album by Carla Ulbrich (18)
34. Lucky in Love by Antonio Andrade (18)
36. Chasing the Sun by Bobtown (17)
36. Bravado by Rose Cousins (17)
36. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (17)
36. Lp5 by John Moreland (17)
36. Facets of Folk by Mara Levine (17)
36. Hang Me Out to Dry by Trip McCool (17)
36. Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace (17)
43. Treat a Stranger Right by Frank and Allie Lee (16)
43. I Have Known Women by Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (16)
45. The Family Songbook by The Haden Triplets (15)
45. How We Want to Love by Lisa Bastoni (15)
45. Straight to Marrow by Clint Alphin (15)
48. Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn by Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn (14)
48. Love and Leave You by 100 Mile House (14)
48. And Laurie Lewis by Laurie Lewis (14)
48. The Tree of Forgiveness by John Prine (14)
48. Song Like a Seed by Sara Thomsen (14)
48. Circadian by Letitia Vansant (14)
54. A Long Way Back – The Songs of Glimmer by Kim Richey (13)
54. Call the Captain by Western Centuries (13)
54. Losing Ground Vol. 1 by The Sweeplings (13)
54. Sins We Made by Harrow Fair (13)
54. Wildwood by Katie Dahl (13)
59. Alicia Viani by Alicia Viani (12)
59. Someday Soon Somehow by Scott Fab (12)
59. Strange Fascination by Chatham County Line (12)
59. Refuge by Sultans of String (12)
59. Caught It From the Rye by Tre Burt (12)
59. Hold My Beer V.2 by Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen (12)
59. Big Blue Sky in the Morning by Barbara Jo Kammer (12)
59. From a Distance by Valerie Smith (12)
59. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (12)
59. Work My Claim by Brooks Williams (12)
59. One Town Over by g.f. Patrick (12)
70. Harmony Ascension Division by Pete Bernhard (11)
70. Ready to Go by Reggie Harris (11)
70. Honest by Ordinary Elephant (11)
70. Wings of a Jetliner by Nate Lee (11)
70. The Light We Bring by Trout Steak Revival (11)
70. Ghosts of West Virginia by Steve Earle (11)
70. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (11)
70. Where the Wind Blows by Beppe Gambetta (11)
70. Best of the Rest by Si Kahn (11)
70. Be a Pain by Alastair Moock (11)
70. Everyday Moments by Connie Kaldor (11)
70. Blindsided by Mark Erelli (11)

Top Songs of May 2020

1. “2020 Vision” by Danny Schmidt (22)
2. “From a Distance” by Valerie Smith (20)
3. “A Prayer for the Sane” by Danny Schmidt (19)
4. “Peace in Our Hearts” by Eliza Gilkyson (16)
5. “Ohio” by Rachael Sage (14)
6. “Six Feet Apart” by Crys Matthews and Heather Mae (13)
6. “Promises to Keep” by Eliza Gilkyson (13)
8. “Take This Hammer” by David Bromberg (12)
8. “Just Dropped in (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)” by
Gretchen Peters (12)
8. “Earthman” by The Dillards (12)
11. “A Simple Song” by Barry Oreck (11)
11. “The Path of Stones” by John Doyle (11)
11. “Why You Been Gone So Long” by Gretchen Peters (11)
11. “One Vote One Name” by Joel Rafael (11)
15. “Mothers” by Grace Morrison (10)
15. “Headlight” by Della Mae (10)
15. “East Side West Side” by The Mammals (10)
15. “Wash Your Hands” by The Twangtown Paramours (10)
15. “Heaven Help the Child” by Gretchen Peters (10)
15. “Bravery’s on Fire” by Rachael Sage (10)
15. “Frisco Depot” by Gretchen Peters (10)
22. “I Wonder” by Claudia Nygaard (9)
22. “Travelin’ the Road West” by Nell and Jim Band (9)
22. “No Place to Run” by Barry Oreck (9)
22. “In My Beautiful Dream” by Nell and Jim Band (9)
22. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” by Eliza Gilkyson (9)
22. “Sing Merrily to Me” by John Doyle (9)
22. “My Heart Aches” by Eliza Gilkyson (9)
22. “Lafayette” by Watkins Family Hour (9)
22. “Bet on Love” by Pharis and Jason Romero (9)

Top Artists of May 2020

1. Bob Dylan (149)
2. Pete Seeger (105)
3. Eliza Gilkyson (91)
4. Gretchen Peters (85)
5. John Prine (66)
6. Nell and Jim Band (57)
7. John Doyle (55)
8. Della Mae (47)
8. Watkins Family Hour (47)
8. Danny Schmidt (47)
11. John McCutcheon (44)
12. Rachael Sage (43)
13. Pharis and Jason Romero (42)
14. The Steeldrivers (41)
15. Lara Herscovitch (40)
16. David Bromberg (39)
17. Barry Oreck (38)
18. Special Consensus (37)
18. Sierra Hull (37)
20. Steve Forbert (35)
21. Lucinda Williams (34)
22. Jake Blount (33)
23. The Mammals (32)
23. Valerie Smith (32)
25. Billy Strings (31)
25. Jason Wilber (31)
25. Joan Baez (31)
25. Carla Ulbrich (31)
29. Indigo Girls (30)
29. Mara Levine (30)
31. Little Richard (29)
32. Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (27)
32. Gordon Thomas Ward (27)
34. Jud Caswell (26)
35. Ken Dunn (25)
35. Steve Goodman (25)
35. Tom Paxton (25)
38. Logan Ledger (24)
38. Thomas Aaron Garlow (24)
38. Laurie Lewis (24)

Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon was the top album on folk radio during June 2020, while the revered folksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist also was the month’s top artist and “$20 Bill (For George Floyd)” by Tom Prasada-Rao was the month’s #1 song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

John McCutcheon, a performing and recording artist since the mid-1970s, was the most-played artist for three consecutive years (2017-2019) and also had both the top album (To Everyone in All the World: A Celebration of Pete Seeger) and the top song (“Well May the World Go”) on folk radio during 2019. McCutcheon’s classic “Christmas in the Trenches” has been among the most-played songs during the holiday season for years. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine is his 41st recording. McCutcheon, also a longtime labor and social activist, wrote the songs while self-quarantined in his north Georgia cabin during the COVID-19 pandemic, after returning from an Australian tour in mid-March.

Tom Prasada-Rao, a Silver Spring, MD-based singer-songwriter, wrote and recorded “$20 Bill (For George Floyd)” in the days following the senseless murder of a 46 year-old black man by a Minneapolis, MN police officer after he allegedly bought cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. A poignant and heartbreakingly powerful protest song, “$20 Bill (For George Floyd)” has been covered by more than 150 other artists to date. Below is a link to view Prasada-Rao’s original version, while one he did with the Fox Run Five appears with the Top Songs chart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXYsv7SHhbk&fbclid=IwAR14s5HEohY4LfTEQ1zTSp19tb0HguF1_HHu1wNhmnFcGmGas6BVB-EL0wo

The June 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 14,283 airplays reported on 438 playlists submitted by 115 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (https://folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

The monthly top albums, songs and artists charts are posted on AcousticMusicScene.com, with permission.

Top Albums of June 2020

1. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon (107)
2. Ordinary Love by Ellis Delaney (97)
3. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (94)
4. Western Sun by Nell and Jim Band (75)
5. The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury by Gretchen Peters (73)
6. Nonet by The Mammals (68)
7. Swingin’ at the Savoy by Vi Wickam and Paul Anastasio (63)
8. I Have Known Women: Songs by Si Kahn Celebrating Women’s Lives and Struggles by Saro Lynch Thomason and Sam Gleaves (61)
9. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (58)
10. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (56)
11. Keep on Walkin’ by Julie and John Pennell (50)
12. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (47)
12. Alternative Facts and Other White Lies by Mike Glick (47)
14. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (46)
15. Roots, Rhymes and Branches by Brant Miller (44)
16. The Path of Stones by John Doyle (43)
17. 25 Trips by Sierra Hull (39)
18. Headlight by Della Mae (38)
18. Big Blue Sky in the Morning by Barbara Jo Kammer (38)
20. Bad for You by The Steeldrivers (37)
21. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (35)
22. Besos Kisses by Colleen Kattau (34)
23. Big Road by David Bromberg Band (33)
24. Eiderdown by Gordon Thomas Ward (32)
24. Brother Sister by Watkins Family Hour (32)
26. Character by Rachael Sage (31)
26. Home by Billy Strings (31)
28. Bitter Better by Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards (30)
28. Look Long by Indigo Girls (30)
30. We Fit Together by Barry Oreck (29)
31. Up Around the Bend by Kim Moberg (28)
32. Facets of Folk by Mara Levine (27)
32. Ghosts of West Virginia by Steve Earle and the Dukes (27)
34. Any Kind of Angel by Jenny Reynolds (26)
34. Rough and Rowdy Ways by Bob Dylan (26)
36. Blues With Friends by Dion (25)
36. Live at the Seagull Shop by Jud Caswell (25)
38. Early Morning Rain by Steve Forbert (24)
39. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (23)
40. Waterfalls by Thomas Aaron Garlow (22)
40. Freedom Highway by Rhiannon Giddens (22)
40. Heartbreaker Please by Teddy Thompson (22)
40. Hwy 17 Revisited by Penne Sandbeck (22)
40. Waltz for Abilene by Cindy Cashdollar (22)
45. Making Life Sweet by The Early Risers (21)
45. One Town Over by GF Patrick (21)
45. Bravado by Rose Cousins (21)
45. Time Traveler by Jason Wilber (21)
49. Wings of a Jetliner by Nate Lee (20)
49. The Tree of Forgiveness by John Prine (20)
49. Pawn Shop Radio by VickiKristinaBarcelona (20)
49. Planting in a Drought by Tom Smith (20)
53. Ready to Go by Reggie Harris (19)
53. Reunions by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (19)
53. Song Like a Seed by Sara Thomsen (19)
56. The Perfect Plan by The Lowest Pair (18)
56. Work My Claim by Brooks Williams (18)
58. The Family Songbook by The Haden Triplets (17)
58. Caught It From the Rye by Tre Burt (17)
58. Assiniboine and the Red by The Small Glories (17)
58. Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams by Darrell Scott (17)
58. Highway Philosophers by Lara Herscovitch (17)
63. The Loud Album by Carla Ulbrich (16)
63. Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton by Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton (16)
65. Chicago Barn Dance by Special Consensus (15)
65. “The Lockdown Sessions 2020 by Skinner and T’witch (15)
65. Concert at the Slab by Cris Cuddy (15)
65. Lucky Girl by Claudia Nygaard (15)
65. Straight to Morrow by Clint Alphin (15)
70. If I Catch My Dream: Songs of Hope for a Better World by Bett Padgett
(14)
70. Let Love Go On by Mark Dvorak (14)
70. Treat a Stranger Right by Frank and Allie Lee (14)
70. Hello Stranger by Eliza Meyer (14)
70. Me and the Ghost of Charlemagne by Amy Speace (14)

Top Songs of June 2020

[Here’s a link to view a video of Tom Prasada-Rao performing “$20 Bill (For George Floyd) with the Fox Run Five:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEXwcz9dm2k}

1. “20 Dollar Bill (For George Floyd)” by Tom Prasada-Rao (24)
2. “My Heart Aches” by Eliza Gilkyson (23)
2. “The Night That John Prine Died” by John McCutcheon (23)
4. “If You Could Hear Me Now” by The Mammals (18)
4. “Promises to Keep” by Eliza Gilkyson (18)
6. “I Remember Everything” by John Prine (16)
7. “The Finest Adventure” by Ellis Delaney (15)
7. “Front Line” by John McCutcheon (15)
7. “Peace in Our Hearts” by Eliza Gilkyson (15)
10. “Hometown Blues” by Pharis and Jason Romero (14)
10. “Pie for Breakfast” by Ellis Delaney (14)
12. “2020 Vision” by Danny Schmidt (13)
12. “If Your’e Not Outraged (You Are Not Listening)” by Mike Glick (13)
12. “When All of This Is Over” by John McCutcheon (13)
12. “Johnny” by Sarah Jarosz (13)
12. “Where Now America?” by Brant Miller (13)
12. “Six Feet Away” by John McCutcheon (13)
18. “Amen to the Freedom Rides” by Colleen Kattau (12)
18. “Sheltered in Place” by John McCutcheon (12)
18. “A Prayer for the Sane” by Danny Schmidt (12)
18. “Take This Hammer” by David Bromberg Band (12)
18. “Uncivil War” by Shemekia Copeland (12)
18. “Hometown” by Sarah Jarosz (12)
24. “A 60’s Hippie’s Psychedelic Nightmare” by Barry Oreck (11)
24. “Beside the Firelight” by Heather Pierson (11)
24. “Guantanamera” by Olga Alvarez (11)

Top Artists of June 2020

John McCutcheon (Photo: Irene Young)

Although the 34th Green River Festival that features music and hot air balloons has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, festival organizers have partnered with Northampton, Massachusetts-based radio station 93.9 The River (WRSI.com) to present Green River Festival On The Air, July 10-12, 2020.

Jim Olsen, the festival’s director, expressed gratitude that 84% of fans who purchased tickets for this year’s festival opted to hold onto them for 2021 and forgo refunds. ”We want to show our appreciation and bring together our festival community by offering an incredible weekend of performances,” Olsen said. Noting that streaming live musical performances will be interspersed artist interviews and fan reflections on festivals past on the campus of Greenfield Community College, he added: “We’re envisioning mini-listening parties in backyards and parks and hope to bring the spirit of the festival into homes everywhere.”

Artists slated to perform include the Avett Brothers, Billy Strings, Birds of Chicago, Deer Tick, Dustbowl Revival Samantha Fish,Michael Franti, I’m With Her, Eilen Jewell, Pokey LaFarge, Lake Street Drive, Heather Maloney, Mandolin Orange, The Mavericks, NRBQ, Old Crow Medicine Show, Chuck Prophet, Josh Ritter, Todd Snider, Mavis Staples, The Suitcase Junket, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Toots & The Maytals, Lucinda Williams, and The Wood Brothers, among others.To view the full lineup and schedule, visit https://greenriverfestival.com/.

Olsen is also the co-founder and president of Signature Sounds, an indie label on whose roster many of the festival’s artists appear. Earlier this year, the label also established The Parlor Room Home Sessions — a live-streaming portal for its artists and others to share their music online at https://signaturesounds.com/homesessions. Next up are Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry on Saturday, July 18 at 9 p.m. EDT.

A video archive of past performances, dating back to late March, may also be found on the website. Included are such artists as Brooke Annibale, AJ Croce, Kris Delmhorst, Mark Erelli, Melissa Ferrick, Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris, Rhiannon Giddens, Caroline Herring, Charlie Hunter, Freedy Johnston, Amythyst Kiah, Sonny Landreth, Patty Larkin, Liz Longley, Leyla McCalla, James McMurtry, Miss Tess & Amanda Anne Platt, Bruce Molsky, Ryan Montbleau, Peter Mulvey, Tim O’Brien, Parsonsfield, Amy Rigby, Chris Smither, Anna Tivel, Twisted Pine, and several of the artists who will be part of Green River Festival On The Air.

Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon was the top album on folk radio for a second consecutive month in July 2020, while the revered folksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist also was the month’s top artist and folk-rock harmony trio Gathering Time’s rendition of “Get Together” was the month’s #1 song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

John McCutcheon, a performing and recording artist since the mid-1970s, was the most-played artist for three consecutive years (2017-2019) and also had both the top album (To Everyone in All the World: A Celebration of Pete Seeger) and the top song (“Well May the World Go”) on folk radio during 2019. McCutcheon’s classic “Christmas in the Trenches” has been among the most-played songs during the holiday season for years. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine is his 41st recording. McCutcheon, also a longtime labor and social activist, wrote its 17 songs while self-quarantined in his north Georgia cabin during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, after returning from an Australian tour in mid-March.

Gathering Time (iPhone Photo: Michael Kornfeld)

The July 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 11,909 airplays reported on 408 playlists submitted by 103 different DJs. The number of reported spins appears in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

To view the monthly top albums, songs and artists charts, click on the link below:

https://www.folkradio.org/chart/july-2020/#albums

Ghost Tattoo by Americana quartet Kristen Grainger and True North was the top album on folk radio during August 2020, while “Keep the River on Your Right,” one of its tracks, tied with Canadian prairie roots balladeer Scott Cook’s “Say Can You See” for the month’s top song. John McCutcheon, a revered folksinger-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, was August’s most-played artist — closely followed by Cook and Granger. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Kristen Grainger and True North (Facebook photo)

Scott Cook (Photo: Michael Kornfeld)

John McCutcheon (Photo: Irene Young)

The August 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13,342 airplays reported on 423 playlists submitted by 108 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums – August 2020

1. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (89)
2. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (82)
3. The Dirt and the Stars by Mary Chapin Carpenter (79)
4. The Balladeer by Lori McKenna (76)
5. Welcome Home by Michael and Nell (65)
6. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (63)
7. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon (61)
8. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (59)
8. Pilot Me by Dennis Warner (59)
10. Willie Nile Uncovered by Various Artists (57)
11. Possum Came to Town by The Barbaloots (52)
12. Blonde on the Tracks by Emma Swift (47)
13. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (42)
14. Where The Wind Blows (Dove Tia O Vento) by Beppe Gambetta (38)
14. Love Circles ‘Round by Byrd and Street (38)
14. No Summer by Cinder Well (38)
17. All by His Own Self by Charlie Barnett (37)
17. Live at the Kitchen Sink by Ronny Cox (37)
17. Have Purpose Live Long by Josie Bello (37)
17. Long Day in the Milky Way by Kris Delmhorst (37)
21. Nonet by The Mammals (34)
21. I Have Known Women: Songs by Si Kahn Celebrating Women’s Lives and
Struggles by Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (34)
23. Best of Many Days by Michael Veitch (32)
23. Rough and Rowdy Ways by Bob Dylan (32)
23. Such Things Are Finely Done by Michael Smith (32)
26. 25 Trips by Sierra Hull (31)
27. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (30)
27. Ordinary Love by Ellis Delaney (30)
27. Alternative Facts and Other White Lies by Mike Glick (30)
30. Undercover by Bronwynne Brent (29)
31. Keep on Walkin by Julie and John Pennell (28)
31. But I’d Rather Be With You by Molly Tuttle (28)
33. Highway Philosophers by Lara Herscovitch (27)
34. Headlight by Della Mae (26)
34. Up Around the Bend by Kim Moberg (26)
36. Oh Darlin by Bradley and Adair (25)
36. The Path of Stones by John Doyle (25)
38. Besos Kisses by Colleen Kattau (24)
38. Gasoline by Grain Thief (24)
40. Any Kind of Angel by Jenny Reynolds (23)
40. Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1 by Gillian Welch (23)
40. Western Sun by Nell and Jim Band (23)
40. Right Now by Twisted Pine (23)
44. Mondegreens by Rachel Garlin (22)
44. Ledgers and Stones by Thomas Hine (22)
44. Old Flowers by Courtney Marie Andrews (22)
44. The Stories We Are Told by Heathcote Hill (22)
44. The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury by
Gretchen Peters (22)
49. Live! At the Seagull Shop by Jud Caswell (21)
49. Roots and Honey by Old-Time Pharmaceuticals (21)
49. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (21)
49. Brother, Sister by Watkins Family Hour (21)
49. Roll Up the Rug by The Roe Family Singers (21)
54. The Reservoir by Kenny Roby (20)
55. Big Blue Sky in the Morning by Barbara Jo Kammer (19)
55. There Was a Fair Maid Dwelling: Ballads of Katherine Jackson French
by Liza Disavino (19)
57. Rise and Fly by The Barefoot Movement (18)
57. The Wildmans by The Wildmans (18)
57. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (18)
57. Bill Monroe’s Lost Mandolin by Lorriane Jordan and Carolina Road (18)
57. Inner Journey by Darin and Brooke Aldridge (18)
57. Look Long by Indigo Girls (18)
57. Freedom, Love, and the Open Road by Lindley Creek (18)
57. Awake by Jayme Stone (18)
57. Waltz for Abilene by Cindy Cashdollar (18)
66. Bad for You by The Steeldrivers (17)
66. Love in the Midst of Mayhem by Joe Ely (17)
66. Chicago Barn Dance by Special Consensus (17)
66. Love and Leave You by 100 Mile House (17)
66. Total Freedom by Kathleen Edwards (17)
66. Old Tin by Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones (17)
66. We Fit Together by Barry Oreck (17)
66. Home by Billy Strings (17)

Top Songs – August 2020

1. “Say Can You See” by Scott Cook (19)
1. “Keep the River on Your Right” by Kristen Grainger and True North (19)
3. “Election Year Rag” by Michael and Nell (17)
4. “Farther Along and Further In” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (15)
4. “Hometown Blues” by Pharis and Jason Romero (15)
4. “Uphill” by Lori McKenna (15)
4. “Queen Jane Approximately” by Emma Swift (15)
8. “Golden Rule” by Dennis Warner (14)
8. “The Night That John Prine Died” by John McCutcheon (14)
8. “Put Your Good Foot in the Road” by Scott Cook (14)
8. “Secret Keepers” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (14)
12. “Have Purpose Live Long” by Josie Bello (13)
13. “Far Too Fast” by Tret Fure (12)
13. “Down in the Lonesome Draw” by Kristen Grainger and True North (12)
13. “Hometown” by Sarah Jarosz (12)
16. “American Stooge” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (11)
16. “Potter’s Wheel” by Dennis Warner (11)
16. “Across the Room” by Tret Fure (11)
16. “My Heart Aches” by Eliza Gilkyson (11)
16. “Hold Still” by Charlie Barnett (11)
16. “Peace in Our Hearts” by Eliza Gilkyson (11)
22. “Walking Through” by Thomas Hine (10)
22. “Famous in France” by Michael Smith (10)
22. “Tattooed Love Song” by Kristen Grainger and True North (10)
22. “Little Satchel” by Sarah Jarosz (10)
22. “Lonesome Dark-Eyed Beauty” by Caroline Doctorow (10)
22. “Until My Heart Grows Quiet” by The Promise Is Hope (10)
22. “Black Eyed Dog” by Ben Harper and Rhiannon Giddens (10)
22. “Good Fight” by Lori McKenna (10)
22. “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” by Kronos Quartet (10)
22. “Going Going Gone” by Emma Swift (10)
22. “Corinna, Corinna” by Charlie Barnett (10)
22. “No Summer” by Cinder Well (10)
22. “1920” by Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (10)
22. “Six Feet Away” by John McCutcheon (10)
22. “Any Kind of Angel” by Jenny Reynolds (10)

Top Artists – August 2020

1. John McCutcheon (95)
2. Scott Cook (91)
3. Kristen Grainger and True North (89)
4. Mary Chapin Carpenter (84)
5. Lori McKenna (76)
6. Michael Smith (68)
7. Sarah Jarosz (65)
7. Michael and Nell (65)
9. Pharis and Jason Romero (61)
10. Dennis Warner (59)
10. John Prine (59)
12. Bob Dylan (54)
13. Eliza Gilkyson (53)
14. The Barbaloots (52)
15. Emma Swift (47)
16. Justin Townes Earle (42)
16. Beppe Gambetta (42)
16. Byrd and Street (42)
19. Molly Tuttle (41)
20. Kris Delmhorst (40)
21. Ronny Cox (39)
22. Steve Goodman (38)
22. Cinder Well (38)
24. Charlie Barnett (37)
24. Josie Bello (37)
26. Gillian Welch (36)
27. The Mammals (35)
27. Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (35)
29. Sierra Hull (34)
30. Vance Gilbert (32)
30. Michael Veitch (32)
32. Mike Glick (31)
32. Della Mae (31)
34. Ellis Delaney (30)
34. Bronwynne Brent (30)
34. Jake Blount (30)
37. John Gorka (29)
38. Julie and John Pennell (28)
38. Mara Levine (28)
40. Rachael Sage (27)
40. Pete Seeger (27)
40. Tret Fure (27)
40. Lara Herscovitch (27)

Old Friends by Gathering Time was the top album on folk radio in September 2020 and features seven of the month’s top 25 songs, while the folk-rock harmony trio was the month’s most-played artist. James Lee Baker’s “100 Summers” edged out Scott Cook’s “Say Can You See” for the top song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Gathering Time — the Long Island, NY-based trio of Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny — has drawn the attention of folk fans with a sound reminiscent of musical luminaries such as The Byrds, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. However, Gathering Time’s vocal harmonies and instrumental acumen on both originals and choice covers have broadened its appeal to a wider audience.

Although the trio has also toured in Canada and Europe, Gathering Time has forged a musical foothold throughout the Northeast U.S. – due in part to having secured several official juried showcases at Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) conferences and being audience-voted as “Most Wanted to Return” artists at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in 2012.

Gathering Time’s new album, Old Friends, is a collection of classic folk-rock songs from the 1960s and 1970s. On it, the trio pays homage to some of the artists who influenced the sound of its original music through recreating and reinterpreting some of its members’ favorite songs — ones that Gathering Time revels in playing alongside its own and whose messages of love, concern and wisdom are as relevant today as they were a half-century or more ago.

Gathering Time’s songs have been widely played on folk radio for a number of years. Its previous three albums also made the top five on the monthly folk radio airplay charts. The trio’s 2016 release, Keepsake, was the #1 album and featured the month’s most-played song on folk radio during March 2016, while When One Door Closes … was the #3 album in January 2014 and Red Apples and Gold charted at #5 in September 2012.

Gathering Time’s cover of The Youngbloods’ classic “Getting Together,” which appears on Old Friends, was the most-played song on folk radio in July. That song was released to folk DJs ahead of the album at the urging of John Platt, host of Sunday Supper on New York’s WFUV, who also designated Old Friends the Spotlight Album of the Month for September on his New Folk Initiative blog. Writes Platt: “While they dive deep into the folk-rock canon from the ‘60s and early ‘70s on their superb new album, Old Friends, they don’t just honor the classics, [Gathering Time] make them their own with their delicious harmonies… These songs are indeed Old Friends, and the album reminds us why they’ve been part of the soundtrack of our lives.”

James Lee Baker is a Texas-based folk-rock balladeer who has been a finalist in several songwriting competitions. An official showcase artists at the 2019 Southwest Regional Folk Alliance (SWRFA) Conference, he has played stages throughout the southwestern U.S. “100 Summers” is the title track of his new album that was recorded in one take at Blue Rock Studios in Wimberly, Texas. Prior to its release this year, Baker released another album, Home Again, in 2017 and a pair of EPs in 2011 and 2014.

Here’s a link to view a video of James Lee Baker performing “100 Summers” live at Blue Rock Studios: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BCicb0xFyYg

Scott Cook’s song “Say Can You See,” which topped the charts in August, appears on his recent seventh release, Tangle of Souls, the second most-played album on folk radio in both August and September. An internationally touring Edmonton, Alberta-based troubadour, Cook has been playing an average of more than 150 shows and a dozen festivals annually since 2007. However, like most artists, he’s not been touring during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Chosen by Falcon Ridge Folk Festival attendees as the “Most Wanted to Return” artist following 2019’s Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase, Cook performed as part of the virtual festival in July.

The September 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13,108 airplays reported on 434 playlists submitted by 114 different DJs. The number of reported spins appears in parentheses in the monthly top albums, songs and artists charts that can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
https://www.folkradio.org/chart/september-2020/#albums

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson was the top album on folk radio in October 2020, while the late father and son were the month’s most-played artists and singer-songwriter Tim Grimm’s “ Gone,” was the month’s most-played song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Songs Doc Didn’t Sing is a collection of instrumental tunes recorded in the early 1980s by the multi-Grammy Award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Doc Watson and his son Merle. The roots-oriented American music legend and National Medal of Arts recipient, best known for his influential folk guitar stylings, played a mix of traditional Appalachian mountain music, bluegrass, blues, and country, while his son Merle (in whose memory MerleFest was named) was an instrumental virtuoso in his own right whose folk and bluegrass guitar and slide playing had a bit more of a bluesy quality.

“Gone” is a digital single from Tim Grimm, a southern Indiana-based folk-Americana singer-songwriter who has recorded a number of albums and songs that have reached the top of the Folk DJ (now FAI Folk Radio) and EuroAmericana charts. He had both the most-played album (A Stranger In This Time) and song (“Gonna Be Great”) on folk radio during 2017, while his 2019 release, Heart Land Again, was the top alum on the Folk DJ Chart that summer. “Woody’s Landlord,” Grimm’s song about Donald Trump’s father, was the most-played song on folk radio in 2016, while “King Of the Folksingers,” a tribute to his friend and musical icon Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, was the #1 song on the Folk DJ songs chart in 2014. Besides having released a dozen albums over the past 20 years, Grimm has worked as an actor in film, theater and television.

The October 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13, 453 airplays reported on 464 playlists submitted by 113 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of October 2020

1. Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson (91)
2. Chasing Echoes by Phil Henry (62)
3. Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1 by Gillian Welch (61)
4. Old Friends by Gathering Time (60)
5. Flyover Country by Susan Werner (59)
6. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (56)
7. Shadow of the Cyclone by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (53)
8. The Prettiest Bird by Susan Pepper (51)
9. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (49)
9. On My Way to Hooterville by Christine Lavin (49)
9. Woman in Color by Raye Zaragoza (49)
12. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (47)
13. Long Time Passing: Kronos Quartet and Friends Celebrate Pete Seeger by Kronos Quartet (46)
13. But I’d Rather Be With You by Molly Tuttle (46)
15. Friend of the Sky by Cej (44)
16. I Can Still Hear You by Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (43)
16. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (43)
18. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (41)
19. The Third Gleam by The Avett Brothers (39)
20. Soul River by Matthew Alexander (38)
21. More From the Levee by Chris Smither (37)
21. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (37)
23. 100 Summers by James Lee Baker (36)
23. Diary of a Snowflake by Donal Hinely (36)
23. Pretty Free by Justin Farren (36)
26. Tribulation by Appalachian Road Show (35)
27. The Dirt and the Stars by Mary Chapin Carpenter (34)
28. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon (33)
29. The Balladeer by Lori McKenna (32)
30. Mould’s Undertaking by Mike Craver (31)
31. A Dark Murmuration of Words by Emily Barker (30)
31. I’d Rather Lead a Band by Loudon Wainwright Iii (30)
31. Imagine We Have Wings by Jane Godfrey (30)
34. The Coronavirus Sessions by George Mann (29)
35. Noon by Leo Kottke and Mike Gordon (28)
35. Just Like Leaving by Bella White (28)
37. Another Sky by Kelly’s Lot (26)
38. Uncivil War by Shemekia Copeland (25)
38. Once Upon a River: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists (25)
38. Roots and Honey by Old-Time Pharmaceuticals (25)
41. Total Freedom by Kathleen Edwards (24)
42. Begin Again by Lyn Koonce (23)
42. Blonde on the Tracks by Emma Swift (23)
42. Pilot Me by Dennis Warner (23)
45. Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes by Leyla McCalla (22)
45. Welcome Home by Michael and Nell (22)
45. Good Good Man by Vance Gilbert (22)
45. Long Day in the Milky Way by Kris Delmhorst (22)
45. Highway Philosophers by Lara Herscovitch (22)
50. Revelation/Revolution by Drew and Clark Mottau (21)
51. Mondegreens by Rachel Garlin (20)
51. Headlight by Della Mae (20)
51. Shape and Destroy by Ruston Kelly (20)
51. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (20)
55. Love Circles ‘Round by Byrd and Street (19)
55. Such a Long Way by Jess Jocoy (19)
55. To Live in Two Different Worlds, Volume Two by Thomm Jutz (19)
58. Bonny Light Horseman by Bonny Light Horseman (18)
58. Song Like a Seed by Sara Thomsen (18)
58. This Road by Andy and Judy (18)
58. Motivational Speakeasy by Jordan Tice (18)
58. The Tree of Forgiveness by John Prine (18)
58. The Troth Sessions by Rich Krueger (18)
64. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (17)
64. One Sky by Philip Scott Poli (17)
64. Old Storms in New Places by Graeme James (17)
64. Best of Many Days by Michael Veitch (17)
64. Western Swing and Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs by Colter Wall (17)
69. Hand Me Down by Kate Rusby (16)
69. The Path of Stones by John Doyle (16)
69. Up Around the Bend by Kim Moberg (16)
69. Color Outside the Lines by Jim Stanard (16)
69. Just Where You Are by Tim Laborie (16)

Top Songs of October 2020

[Here’s a link to view a video for the month’s top song – “Gone” by Tim Grimm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPLKgCwBvug}

Tim Grimm’s “Gone” was the most-played song on folk radio during October 2020.

Top Artists of October 2020

1. Doc and Merle Watson (93)
2. John Prine (82)
2. Gillian Welch (82)
4. Jerry Jeff Walker (78)
5. Tim Grimm (74)
6. Gathering Time (66)
7. Susan Werner (64)
8. Phil Henry (62)
9. John McCutcheon (61)
10. Eliza Gilkyson (59)
11. Scott Cook (58)
11. Christine Lavin (58)
13. Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (53)
14. Raye Zaragoza (52)
14. Susan Pepper (52)
16. Molly Tuttle (49)
17. Kronos Quartet (48)
18. Kristen Grainger and True North (47)
18. Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (47)
20. Chris Smither (46)
21. Sarah Jarosz (45)
21. Dirk Powell (45)
23. Cej (44)
24. Bob Dylan (42)
24. The Avett Brothers (42)
26. Loudon Wainwright Iii (40)
27. Mary Chapin Carpenter (39)
28. Matthew Alexander (38)
28. Pharis and Jason Romero (38)
30. Justin Farren (36)
30. Lori McKenna (36)
30. James Lee Baker (36)
30. Donal Hinely (36)
34. Appalachian Road Show (35)
35. Pete Seeger (34)
36. Mike Craver (31)
36. George Mann (31)
38. Jane Godfrey (30)
38. Rachel Garlin (30)
38. Emily Barker (30)

Singer-Songwriter Gillian Welch was the most-played artist and had the top album (Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1) on folk radio in November 2020, while singer-songwriter Tim Grimm’s “ Gone” was the most-played song for a second consecutive month. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Welch performs and records with her musical partner, guitarist David Rawlings. Nashville-based acoustic roots artists, their music fuses elements of Appalachian, old time, classic country, bluegrass and Americana. Three of Welch’s previous albums have received Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Folk Album, while she was an associate producer and performed on two songs featured on the soundtrack for the Coen Brothers film O Brother Where Art Thou? that won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2002. Welch also made a cameo appearance in the film. She and Rawlings are recipients of the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting (2015), while she was named Artist of the Year (2012) in its Americana Music Honors & Awards. The duo’s recording, All The Good Times, is among the nominees for Best Folk Album in the 63rd annual Grammy Awards.

Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1 is part of a three-volume set containing 48 songs culled from an archival cache of home demos and reel-to-reel recordings that the two made in 2002 — between the recording of the albums Time (The Revelator) and Soul Journey.

[Here’s a link to listen to some music from Gillian Welch’s Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1: http://smarturl.it/GWBoots2Vol1 via her website].

Tim Grimm is a southern Indiana-based folk-Americana singer-songwriter who has recorded a number of albums and songs that have reached the top of the Folk DJ (now FAI Folk Radio) and EuroAmericana charts. He had both the most-played album (A Stranger In This Time) and song (“Gonna Be Great”) on folk radio during 2017, while his 2019 release, Heart Land Again, was the top alum on the Folk DJ Chart that summer. “Woody’s Landlord,” Grimm’s song about Donald Trump’s father, was the most-played song on folk radio in 2016, while “King Of the Folksingers,” a tribute to his friend and musical icon Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, was the #1 song on the Folk DJ songs chart in 2014. Besides having released a dozen albums over the past 20 years, Grimm has worked as an actor in film, theater and television.

[Here’s a link to view a video for the month’s top song, the digital single “Gone” by Tim Grimm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPLKgCwBvug].

The November 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 14,627 airplays reported on 483 playlists submitted by 121 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of November 2020

1. Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1 by Gillian Welch (78)
2. Woman in Color by Raye Zaragoza (74)
3. Back to the Earth by Adam Hurt (73)
4. Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson (72)
5. Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) by Joni
Mitchell (56)
6. Mipso by Mipso (52)
6. Flyover Country by Susan Werner (52)
8. I Can Still Hear You by Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (50)
9. Old Friends by Gathering Time (49)
10. Just a Little Rain by Ray Cardwell (48)
11. Soul River by Matthew Alexander (46)
11. Jaroso by Darrell Scott (46)
13. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (44)
13. Chasing Echoes by Phil Henry (44)
15. Long Time Passing: Kronos Quartet and Friends Celebrate Pete Seeger by Kronos Quartet (39)
16. Shadow of the Cyclone by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (38)
17. Friend of the Sky by Cej (37)
17. Pretty Free by Justin Farren (37)
19. Mould’s Undertaking by Mike Craver (35)
20. The Coronavirus Sessions by George Mann (34)
21. “Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes by Leyla McCalla (33)
21. Brave the Storm by Last Year’s Man (33)
23. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (32)
23. Commonplaces by Partington and Sweeney (32)
23. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (32)
26. Willie Nile Uncovered by Various Artists (31)
26. More From the Levee by Chris Smither (31)
28. Over That Road I’m Bound by Joachim Cooder (30)
29. 100 Summers by James Lee Baker (29)
29. Diary of a Snowflake by Donal Hinely (29)
31. On My Way to Hooterville by Christine Lavin (28)
31. The Prettiest Bird by Susan Pepper (28)
33. Imagine We Have Wings by Jane Godfrey (27)
33. The Third Gleam by The Avett Brothers (27)
35. The Balladeer by Lori McKenna (26)
35. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (26)
35. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon (26)
35. The Onlies by The Onlies (26)
39. Begin Again by Lyn Koonce (25)
39. Tribulation by Appalachian Road Show (25)
41. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (24)
41. The Dirt and the Stars by Mary Chapin Carpenter (24)
41. The Storyteller’s Suitcase by Ellis Paul (24)
41. Just Like Leaving by Bella White (24)
45. Another Sky by Kelly’s Lot (23)
45. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (23)
47. Pushing Forward by Wes Weddell and Ailisa Newhall (22)
47. Uncivil War by Shemekia Copeland (22)
47. Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions) by Sturgill Simpson
(22)
47. Distance and Time by Becky Buller (22)
51. Where the Heart Wants to Go by Buffalo Gals Band (21)
51. Brave New View by Kristi Flagg (21)
53. Ordinary Love by Ellis Delaney (20)
53. One Sky by Philip Scott Poli (20)
53. Alternative Facts and Other White Lies by Mike Glick (20)
53. Roots and Honey by Old-Time Pharmaceuticals (20)
53. The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury by
Gretchen Peters (20)
53. Kitchen Days by Braden Gates (20)
59. Mondegreens by Rachel Garlin (19)
59. Lift Me Up by Rob Kneisler (19)
59. This Road by Andy and Judy (19)
59. Hands and Knees by Two Bird Stone (19)
59. Red, White and I Love You Too by The Mastersons (19)
64. Blonde on the Tracks by Emma Swift (18)
64. Forbundet by Garmarna (18)
64. Johnny Cash and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra by Johnny Cash (18)
67. Bravado by Rose Cousins (17)
67. Letter to You by Bruce Springsteen (17)
67. Good Words Good Thoughts Good Deeds by Bob Sima (17)
70. Lucid Stories, Tentative Lies by Jessica Smucker (16)
70. John the Revelator by John Fusco and the X-Road Riders (16)
70. But I’d Rather Be With You by Molly Tuttle (16)
70. Motivational Speakeasy by Jordan Tice (16)

Top Songs of November 2020

1. “Gone” by Tim Grimm (29)
2. “America the Beautiful” by Jesse Palidofsky, Claire Lynch, and Lea
Gilmore (18)
2. “Let Me Tell You What I Think” by Ordinary Elephant (18)
4. “Ghosts of Houston Street” by Raye Zaragoza (17)
4. “Election Day” by Ellis Paul (17)
6. “Windy & Warm” by Doc and Merle Watson (16)
6. “I Think I Am a Soul” by Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (16)
8. “Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (15)
8. “Mind of a Soldier” by Abbie Gardner (15)
8. “There Be Monsters Here” by Phil Henry (15)
11. “Waiting for the Boatsman” by Adam Hurt (14)
11. “Say Can You See” by Scott Cook (14)
11. “Urge for Going” by Joni Mitchell (14)
14. “Kentucky Winder” by Adam Hurt (13)
15. “They Say” by Raye Zaragoza (12)
15. “Hometown” by Sarah Jarosz (12)
17. “Mr. Bojangles” by Jerry Jeff Walker (11)
17. “Diddle Aye Dee” by Cej (11)
17. “He Calls Me River” by Raye Zaragoza (11)
17. “Hold Each Other Up” by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (11)
17. “Pushing Forward” by Wes Weddell and Ailisa Newhall (11)
17. “Who I Am Today” by Gillian Tuite (11)
17. “I Can Still Hear You” by Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (11)
17. “I Hear Them All” by Scott Wolfson and Other Heroes (11)
17. “Thanksgiving” by Si Kahn (11)
17. “Keep the River on Your Right” by Kristen Grainger and True North (11)
17. “A Satisfied Mind” by Darrell Scott (11)

Top Artists of November 2020

1. Gillian Welch (100)
2. Joni Mitchell (95)
3. Doc and Merle Watson (76)
4. Adam Hurt (75)
5. Raye Zaragoza (74)
6. John McCutcheon (65)
6. Bob Dylan (65)
8. Susan Werner (64)
9. Jerry Jeff Walker (60)
10. Darrell Scott (57)
11. Gathering Time (54)
11. Mipso (54)
13. Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (52)
14. Tom Paxton (50)
14. Ray Cardwell (50)
16. Arlo Guthrie (47)
17. Matthew Alexander (46)
18. Chris Smither (45)
18. Mary Chapin Carpenter (45)
18. Phil Henry (45)
21. Kristen Grainger and True North (44)
22. Eliza Gilkyson (43)
23. Billy Joe Shaver (39)
23. Kronos Quartet (39)
23. Tim Grimm (39)
23. Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (39)
23. Gordon Lightfoot (39)
23. Johnny Cash (39)
23. The Avett Brothers (39)
30. Cej (38)
30. Christine Lavin (38)
32. Justin Farren (37)
33. Scott Cook (36)
34. Leyla McCalla (35)
34. Mike Craver (35)
36. Pharis and Jason Romero (34)
36. George Mann (34)
36. John Prine (34)
39. Sarah Jarosz (33)
39. Last Year’s Man (33)

The Longest Night of the Year, Volume 3 [Hudson Harding Music], a two-disc compilation featuring 26 songs recorded by various artists, was the most-played album on folk radio during December 2020. Topping the monthly songs chart was “Mrs. Claus” by Pennsylvania-based “kaleidoscope folk” singer-songwriter Lisa Jeanette. Phil Ochs, the late American troubadour, was December’s most-played artist. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

The December 2020 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13,906 airplays reported on 451 playlists submitted by 115 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (https://folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of December 2020

1. The Longest Night of the Year Vol. 3 by Various Artists (212)
2. Winter Wanderings by Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen (73)
3. Woman in Color by Raye Zaragoza (55)
4. Boots No. 2 the Lost Songs Vol. 1 by Gillian Welch (44)
5. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (41)
5. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon (41)
7. Old Friends by Gathering Time (39)
8. Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson (36)
9. Hudson Harding Happy Holidays Volume 12 by Various Artists (35)
9. Out Under the Sky by Chaise Lounge (35)
11. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (34)
12. Mipso by Mipso (31)
12. Jellyfish on the Moon by Lisa Jeanette (31)
14. Chasing Echoes by Phil Henry (29)
15. The Onlies by The Onlies (28)
15. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (28)
17. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (27)
17. Kitchen Days by Braden Gates (27)
19. The Tide of Winter by Runa (26)
20. Friend of the Sky by Cej (24)
20. Back to the Earth by Adam Hurt (24)
20. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (24)
23. Tryin’ to Get Home by Andy Cohen (23)
24. The Bells of Dublin by The Chieftains (22)
24. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (22)
24. A Dark Murmuration of Words by Emily Barker (22)
27. Chasing Rabbits by Terra Spencer (21)
27. Midwinter by Peter Mayer (21)
27. Distance and Time by Becky Buller (21)
27. Bethlehem by Storyhill (21)
31. Tis the Season by Amy Gallatin (20)
31. Another Sky by Kelly’s Lot (20)
31. Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions) by Sturgill Simpson
(20)
31. Prairie Christmas by Connie Kaldor (20)
35. Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas by Mary Chapin
Carpenter (19)
35. I Can Still Hear You by Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche (19)
35. There but for Fortune by Phil Ochs (19)
35. Highway Philosophers by Lara Herscovitch (19)
39. I Have Known Women: Songs by Si Kahn Celebrating Women’s Lives and
Struggles by Saro Lynch Thomason and Sam Gleaves (18)
39. Over That Road I’m Bound by Joachim Cooder (18)
39. Commonplaces by Partington and Sweeney (18)
39. More From the Levee by Chris Smither (18)
39. Just a Little Rain by Ray Cardwell (18)
39. Winter’s Grace by Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum (18)
45. The Balladeer by Lori McKenna (17)
45. 100 Summers by James Lee Baker (17)
45. The Dirt and the Stars by Mary Chapin Carpenter (17)
45. Where the Heart Wants to Go by Buffalo Gals Band (17)
45. Diary of a Snowflake by Donal Hinely (17)
45. Live at the Freight by Cry Cry Cry (17)
45. This Too Shall Pass by Chris Wilhelm (17)
45. Just Like Leaving by Bella White (17)
53. Ordinary Love by Ellis Delaney (16)
53. Blue by Joni Mitchell (16)
53. Flyover Country by Susan Werner (16)
53. Besos Kisses by Colleen Kattau (16)
53. Total Freedom by Kathleen Edwards (16)
53. Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) by Joni
Mitchell (16)
59. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (15)
59. Peace Vol. 2 by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (15)
59. Christmas by Bruce Cockburn (15)
59. Christmas Morning by Silent Winters (15)
59. A Very Acoustic Christmas by Various Artists (15)
59. The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury by
Gretchen Peters (15)
65. Love Circles ‘Round by Byrd and Street (14)
65. The Prettiest Bird by Susan Pepper (14)
65. American Noel by Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer (14)
65. Color Outside the Lines by Jim Stanard (14)
65. The Gift of the Magi (And Other Seasonal Stories) by Darryl Purpose
(14)
65. Pretty Free by Justin Farren (14)
65. John the Revelator by John Fusco and the X-Road Riders (14)
65. Brave the Storm by Last Year’s Man (14)

Top Songs of December 2020

[Here’s a link to listen to Lisa Jeanette singing “Mrs. Claus,” the month’s top song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89ApgL0JR_8]

1. “Mrs. Claus” by Lisa Jeanette (31)
2. “It’s That Time of Year” by Ellis Delaney (19)
2. “Christmas in the Trenches” by John McCutcheon (19)
4. “Gone” by Tim Grimm (16)
4. “Santa Claus Ain’t Comin’ to Town” by Mark Stepakoff (16)
6. “Rebuild” by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (15)
6. “They Say” by Raye Zaragoza (15)
6. “Let’s Build That Lovin’ Land” by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (15)
6. “River” by Joni Mitchell (15)
10. “The December Letter” by Aoife Scott (14)
10. “Song for a Winter’s Night” by Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen (14)
12. “Keep the River on Your Right” by Kristen Grainger and True North (13)
12. “Solstice Dreams” by Amelia Krinke (13)
14. “Hanerot Halalu” by Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen (12)
14. “Trimmin’ the Tree” by Chaise Lounge (12)
16. “I Remember Everything” by John Prine (11)
16. “The Night That John Prine Died” by John McCutcheon (11)
16. “Thank God the Liquor Stores Are Open on Christmas Eve” by Jon Shain
and Fj Ventre (11)
19. “The Christmas Waltz” by Abbie Gardner and Matt Nakoa (10)
19. “Dreaming of a Safer Christmas” by Skinner and T’witch (10)
19. “Lucy She Rises (Theme)” by Nicolas and the Iceni (10)
19. “Christmas in Paradise” by Mary Gauthier (10)
19. “Hometown” by Sarah Jarosz (10)
24. “A Dram to the Holidays” by Andrew McKnight (9)
24. “When I’m Gone” by Phil Ochs (9)
24. “The Longest Night” by Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen (9)
24. “We Teach Them How” by Emily Kurn (9)
24. “Christmas Day on Planet Earth” by Lennie Gallant (9)

Top Artists of December 2020

1. Phil Ochs (122)
2. John McCutcheon (98)
3. Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen (75)
4. Raye Zaragoza (59)
5. Gathering Time (57)
6. Gillian Welch (56)
7. John Prine (54)
8. Joni Mitchell (46)
9. Mary Chapin Carpenter (43)
9. Dirk Powell (43)
11. Bob Dylan (42)
11. Joel Mabus (42)
13. Kristen Grainger and True North (41)
14. Charley Pride (40)
15. Doc and Merle Watson (37)
16. Eliza Gilkyson (36)
16. Chaise Lounge (36)
16. Lisa Jeanette (36)
19. Ellis Delaney (35)
20. Skinner and T’witch (34)
21. Sarah Jarosz (33)
21. Mipso (33)
21. Phil Henry (33)
24. Runa (32)
24. Tony Rice (32)
26. Jerry Jeff Walker (31)
26. Pharis and Jason Romero (31)
26. Peter Mayer (31)
29. Darrell Scott (30)
29. Pete Seeger (30)
29. Christine Lavin (30)
29. Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum (30)
33. Kate Rusby (29)
33. The Onlies (29)
35. The Chieftains (28)
35. Braden Gates (28)
35. Gordon Lightfoot (28)
38. Andy and Judy (27)
38. Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (27)
40. Scott Cook (26)
40. Cej (26)
40. Sofia Talvik (26)
40. Mark Stepakoff (26)
40. Ray Cardwell (26)
40. Tim Grimm (26)

Folk DJs from throughout the northeastern United States and Canada, along with a couple from outside the region, will present a free, online emerging artist showcase on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Extending from 3-6 p.m. EST, the 2021 Folk DJ Emerging Artist Showcase is hosted by Folk Music Notebook, an online radio station showcasing a wide array of folk music 24/7 since May 2019. The showcase premieres with a video stream on its YouTube channel (Here is a direct link to view the video: https://youtu.be/ZOAHIRHvTb8], while there will also be a separate audio stream at www.FolkMusicNotebook.com.

Inspired by the Folk DJ Showcase that was started in 2003 at the annual Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) Conference by Rich Warren (the former longtime host of The Midnight Special on Chicago’s WFMT that is also nationally syndicated) and the late Suzi Wollenberg, this virtual showcase will carry on the tradition that was interrupted with the cancellation of the November event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, notes Ron Olesko, a veteran folk DJ who founded and curates Folk Music Notebook.

Realizing that the NERFA Conference would not be taking place, Olesko contacted fellow DJs John Platt, Joe Pszonek and Bruce Swan to discuss doing something online in its place. “We brainstormed and came up with this virtual showcase, and I think what all the DJs have created will remind viewers and listeners of the spirit of the guerrilla Folk DJ Showcase that has been part of NERFA since 2003,” said Olesko. “If this event is well received, we might try another in the spring with other DJs from around the United States and Canada. The talent in our community continues to astound me, and I predict that the artists who are participating in this event will soon become audience favorites.”

Referring to the Folk DJ Showcase as a highlight of the NERFA Conference for a couple of decades, Platt, host of Sunday Supper on WFUV in New York, recalls “first getting turned on to [Canadian singer-songwriter] Rose Cousins and being gratified by the response to artists like [eclectic NY-based alt-roots-Americana band] Spuyten Duyvil that I introduced.” He believes “The lineup here is equally strong, and the beauty is you don’t have to pay for registration or have a hotel room to enjoy them.”

Here is the list of DJs and the artists whom they will be presenting (in order of appearance):

Shanna in a Dress from Boulder, Colorado will close out the 2021 Folk DJ Emerging Artist Showcase.

Distance and Time by Becky Buller, a Minnesota-based multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, was the most-played album on folk radio during January 2021. Topping the monthly songs chart was “Monuments” by singer-songwriter Tret Fure. Tony Rice, the late bluegrass guitar virtuoso who died on Christmas Day, was January’s most-played artist. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Buller is a 10-time winner of International Bluegrass Music Awards (including 2016 Fiddler and Female Vocalist of the Year) and was a musician and songwriter on three Grammy-nominated albums last year. She has also taught bluegrass fiddle, singing and songwriting for 20 years and serves on the board of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s IBMA Foundation.

Fure has released nearly 20 albums during a career spanning 50 years. “Monuments” appears on her latest release, Stone By Stone, which was the #2 album in January. Her previous album, Roses in November, was on the Folk DJ charts for eight months, while one of its tracks, “Lessons From Home Plate,” was the most-played song in June 2018. Fure also teaches guitar and songwriting and is a past president of AFM Local 1000, the traveling musicians union. Here’s a link to hear “Monuments”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZj_cVPJkYA.

Rice, a 2013 inductee into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, was an influential acoustic guitar player who developed his own flatpicking style that melded elements of acoustic jazz, traditional country and folk with bluegrass. He played with J.D. Crowe & The New South, the David Grisman Quintet, The Bluegrass Album Band, Tony Rice Unit, and Rice, Hillman & Pederson. Rice also collaborated with such artists as Norman Blake, Bela Fleck, Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, and Ricky Skaggs. Here’s a link to an article posted shortly after his death: http://acousticmusicscene.com/2020/12/29/tony-rice-bluegrass-guitar-virtuoso-1951-2020/

The January 2021 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13, 679 airplays reported on 458 playlists submitted by 112 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of January 2021

1. Distance and Time by Becky Buller (120)
2. Stone by Stone by Tret Fure (88)
3. Hold the Line by Hardened and Tempered (64)
4. Our Turn Now by Len Seligman (59)
5. Roots by Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road (48)
6. All About the Timing by Roland Roberts (46)
7. Woman in Color by Raye Zaragoza (42)
8. Back to the Earth by Adam Hurt (41)
9. Learning to Listen by Susan Ellenton (38)
9. Shall We Hope by Tony Trischka (38)
11. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (37)
12. Solace in the Wild by Erin Ivey (33)
13. Mipso by Mipso (31)
14. We Go On: Si Kahn’s Songs of Hope in Hard Times by Katie Oates (30)
14. Old Friends by Gathering Time (30)
14. Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson (30)
14. Kitchen Days by Braden Gates (30)
18. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (29)
18. Manzanita by The Tony Rice Unit (29)
18. Cabin Fever: Songs From the Quarantine by John McCutcheon (29)
18. As Long as I’m Dreaming by Laura Smith (29)
22. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (28)
22. Tryin’ to Get Home by Andy Cohen (28)
24. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (27)
24. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (27)
26. Joyful Banner Blazing by Maria Dunn (24)
26. The Burnt Pines by The Burnt Pines (24)
26. Night Flyer: The Singer Songwriter Collection by Tony Rice (24)
26. Tony Rice Sings Gordon Lightfoot by Tony Rice (24)
26. Jaroso by Darrell Scott (24)
31. Rough Enough by Frank Richard (23)
31. Church Street Blues by Tony Rice (23)
33. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (22)
33. The Onlies by The Onlies (22)
35. Boulevard by Rod Macdonald (21)
35. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (21)
35. Winter Wanderings by Sara Thomsen and Paula Pedersen (21)
35. Total Freedom by Kathleen Edwards (21)
39. Live @ the Freight by Cry Cry Cry (20)
39. Record Time by Randy Casey (20)
39. My Work Here Ain’t Yet Done by Georgie Jessup (20)
39. Fall Like Rain by Justin Moses (20)
43. Love Circles ‘Round by Byrd and Street (19)
43. Over That Road I’m Bound by Joachim Cooder (19)
43. I’ll Be Back Soon by Tiffany Williams (19)
43. Shadow of the Cyclone by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (19)
43. Skaggs and Rice by Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice (19)
48. Chasing Echoes by Phil Henry (18)
48. Tribulation by Appalachian Road Show (18)
48. Pretty Free by Justin Farren (18)
51. Unit of Measure by The Tony Rice Unit (17)
51. The Balladeer by Lori McKenna (17)
51. Ordinary Love by Ellis Delaney (17)
51. Norman Blake and Tony Rice 2 by Norman Blake and Tony Rice (17)
51. Diary of a Snowflake by Donal Hinely (17)
51. Just a Little Rain by Ray Cardwell (17)
51. More From the Levee by Chris Smither (17)
51. Mariah by Mama Said String Band (17)
59. Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 3 by Gillian Welch (16)
60. The Dirt and the Stars by Mary Chapin Carpenter (15)
60. Blake and Rice by Norman Blake and Tony Rice (15)
60. Still Time by Karen Matheson (15)
60. Over the Sea to Skye by Hanneke Cassel (15)
60. This Too Shall Pass by Chris Wilhelm (15)
60. Just Like Leaving by Bella White (15)
60. The Coronavirus Sessions by George Mann (15)
60. Long Day in the Milky Way by Kris Delmhorst (15)
68. Friend of the Sky by Cej (14)
68. Me and My Guitar by Tony Rice (14)
68. Cuttin’ Grass, Vol. 1 (The Butcher Shoppe Sessions) by Sturgill
Simpson (14)
68. The Longest Night of the Year, Vol. 3 by Various Artists (14)
68. Alternative Facts and Other White Lies by Mike Glick (14)

Top Songs of January 2021

Tret Fure

Top Artists of January 2021

Tony Rice (photo courtesy of Absolute Publicity)

Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears had the top album (Just Over the Ridge) and three of the five most-played songs on folk radio during February 2021. The Colorado-based duo, whose repertoire includes original compositions and reverent interpretations of old-time and bluegrass standards, also was the month’s most-played artist. The duo edged out Rod Abernethy, a North Carolina-based singer-songwriter and grand-prize winner of the 2021 International Acoustic Music Awards, whose Normal Isn’t Normal Anymore was February’s second-most-played album. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

The February 2021 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 12,099 airplays reported on 415 playlists submitted by 116 different DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (https://folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of February 2021

1. Just Over the Ridge by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (82)
2. Normal Isn’t Normal Anymore by Rod Abernethy (78)
3. Ellis Paul’s Traveling Medicine Show Vol. 1 by Ellis Paul (61)
4. Distance and Time by Becky Buller (52)
5. Solace in the Wind by Erin Ivey (42)
6. We Go On: Si Kahn’s Songs of Hope in Hard Times by Katie Oates (41)
7. The River Flows by John Hurlbut and Jorma Kaukonen (40)
8. Stone by Stone by Tret Fure (39)
8. Lamentations by Rupert Wates (39)
8. I’ll Be Back Soon by Tiffany Williams (39)
11. Things She Couldn’t Get Over by Dale Ann Bradley (38)
12. Ecstatic Bird in the Burning by Luke Concannon (35)
13. Joyful Banner Blazing by Maria Dunn (32)
13. Lost Songs by Terry Kitchen (32)
15. All About the Timing by Roland Roberts (31)
15. Still Time by Karen Matheson (31)
15. On the Loose by The Squirrel Hillbillies (31)
18. That’s Life by Willie Nelson (30)
19. Revolutionary Love by Ani Difranco (29)
20. Hold the Line by Hardened and Tempered (27)
21. The Burnt Pines by The Burnt Pines (25)
22. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (24)
22. In Our Voices by Moira Smiley and Voco (24)
24. Roots by Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road (23)
24. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (23)
26. Freedom Highway by Rhiannon Giddens (21)
27. Woman in Color by Raye Zaragoza (20)
28. Have You Been to Jail for Justice? by Anne Feeney (19)
28. Our Turn Now by Len Seligman (19)
30. Learning to Listen by Susan Ellenton (18)
30. Flyover Country by Susan Werner (18)
30. My Work Here Ain’t Yet Done by Georgie Jessup (18)
33. Songs From the Cabin by Jeff and Teresa Davidsmeyer (17)
33. Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson (17)
35. What Lies Ahead by Ed Sweeney and Yang Wei (16)
35. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (16)
35. Commonplaces by Partington and Sweeney (16)
38. 2020 by Eliza Gilkyson (15)
38. Pushing Forward by Wes Weddell and Ailisa Newhall (15)
38. Ready to Go by Reggie Harris (15)
38. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (15)
38. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (15)
38. Mariah by Mama Said String Band (15)
44. Fiddler’s Pastime by Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (14)
44. Dump the Bosses Off Your Back by Anne Feeney (14)
44. Diary of a Snowflake by Donal Hinely (14)
44. Shall We Hope by Tony Trischka (14)
44. Fall Like Rain by Justin Moses (14)
44. Just Like Leaving by Bella White (14)
50. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (13)
50. Old Friends by Gathering Time (13)
50. Union Maid by Anne Feeney (13)
50. Chasing Echoes by Phil Henry (13)
50. Slow It Down by Crowes Pasture (13)
50. Kitchen Days by Braden Gates (13)
56. Ilanga by Afrika Mamas (12)
56. Johnny Cash: Forever Words Expanded by Various Artists (12)
56. Highway Troubadour by Jesse Colin Young (12)
56. Back to the Earth by Adam Hurt (12)
56. Besos Kisses by Colleen Kattau (12)
56. Where the Trees Know My Name by Larry Cordle (12)
56. By Request by A.j. Croce (12)
56. Knew Things by Cliff Eberhardt (12)
64. Calla Lily by The Brother Brothers (11)
64. Spider Tales by Jake Blount (11)
64. As Long as I’m Dreaming by Laura Smith (11)
64. Out of the Blue by Mitch Katz (11)
68. Poets, Philosophers, Workers and Wanderers by Joe Jencks (10)
68. 100 Summers by James Lee Baker (10)
68. Bravado by Rose Cousins (10)
68. Accidental August by Anne Hills (10)
68. About Towers by Wor (10)
68. The Life and Times of Emmylou Harris by Various Artists (10)
68. American Silence by Chris Pierce (10)
68. Damage Control by Curtis Salgado (10)
68. j.t by Steve Earle and the Dukes (10)

Top Songs of February 2021

Natalie Spears and Lizzy Plotkin (Photo: Renee Ramge)

Top Artists of February 2021

Rod Abernethy (Photo by Jonathan Byrd)

Tim Grimm, a southern Indiana-based folk-Americana singer-songwriter, had the top album (Gone), three of the four most-played songs, and was the most-played artist on folk radio during March 2021. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Inspired by the times in which we are living, Gone is an eight-track album that reflects on dreams past and present, and on personal and community loss. As on past recordings, Grimm is joined by members of his family on Gone – including wife Jan on harmony vocals and harmonica, son Connor on bass, and son Jackson on banjo, guitar and mandolin. “Dreaming of King Lear,” which closes out the album, was the month’s top song, with “25 Trees” and “Carry Us Away” close behind.

The album’s title track was released as a digital single last fall and was the most-played song on folk radio last year and tied for #11 last month with “Cadillac Hearse,” another Grimm song. Indeed, seven of the album’s eight tracks made March 2021’s top songs chart.

Gone is just one of a number of albums and songs by Grimm that have reached the top of the Folk DJ (now FAI Folk) and EuroAmericana charts. He had both the most-played album (A Stranger In This Time) and song (“Gonna Be Great”) on folk radio during 2017, while his 2019 release, Heart Land Again, was the top alum on the Folk DJ Chart that summer. “Woody’s Landlord,” Grimm’s song about Donald Trump’s father, was the most-played song on folk radio in 2016, while “King Of the Folksingers,” a tribute to his friend and musical icon Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, was the #1 song on the Folk DJ songs chart in 2014. Besides having released a dozen albums over the past 20 years, Grimm has worked as an actor in film, theater and television.

Here’s a link to listen to “Dreaming of King Lear”, in which Grimm reflects on a few singer-songwriters who we lost in the past year, Michael Smith, Eric Taylor and David Olney: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Umzjq_ntTwI.

The March 2021 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 14,709 airplays reported on 487 playlists submitted by 121 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (https://folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of March 2021

1. Gone by Tim Grimm (139)
2. Changemakers by Crys Matthews (79)
2. Still Woman Enough by Loretta Lynn (79)
4. Jellyfish on the Moon by Lisa Jeanette (69)
5. Just Over the Ridge by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (66)
5. Normal Isn’t Normal Anymore by Rod Abernethy (66)
7. Joyful Banner Blazing by Maria Dunn (55)
7. Ellis Paul’s Traveling Medicine Show Vol. 1 by Ellis Paul (55)
9. Poets by Liz Simmons (47)
9. Mississippi River Suite by Michael J. Miles (47)
11. Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno by Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno (45)
11. Deadstock: Uncollected Recordings 2005 =E2=80=93 2020 by Jeffrey Foucault (45)
11. Boulevard by Rod Macdonald (45)
14. Tapered Point of Stone by Eli West (44)
15. Desert Ghosts by Jaspar Lepak (43)
15. Distance and Time by Becky Buller (43)
17. Calla Lily by The Brother Brothers (41)
18. Salvation by Megan Lacy (38)
19. Woman in Color by Raye Zaragoza (37)
20. We Go On: Si Kahn’s Songs of Hope in Hard Times by Katie Oates (36)
21. Solace in the Wild by Erin Ivey (35)
21. + 1 by Mike Barnett (35)
23. Lost Songs by Terry Kitchen (34)
23. Ecstatic Bird in the Morning by Luke Concannon (34)
25. Stone by Stone by Tret Fure (33)
25. Lamentations by Rupert Wates (33)
27. Still Time by Karen Matheson (32)
27. I’ll Be Back Soon by Tiffany Williams (32)
29. The Midnight Broadcast by Peter Case (29)
30. The Painter by Michael Johnathon (27)
30. Songs of 69 by Reid Jamieson (27)
30. Karen Bella by Karen Bella (27)
33. Roots by Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road (26)
33. The River Flows by John Hurlbut and Jorma Kaukonen (26)
33. The Darkness and the Light by Mike Ward (26)
36. Waterlines by Zoe Fitzgerald Carter (25)
36. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (25)
36. Hold the Line by Hardened and Tempered (25)
39. Daddy’s Country Gold by Melissa Carper (24)
39. These 13 by Jimbo Mathus and Andrew Bird (24)
41. On the Loose by The Squirrel Hillbillies (22)
42. Songs Doc Didn’t Sing by Doc and Merle Watson (21)
43. Shall We Hope by Tony Trischka (20)
43. Come on Over: The Honky Tonk Duets by Domenic Cicala (20)
43. In Our Voices by Moira Smiley and Voco (20)
46. The Burnt Pines by The Burnt Pines (19)
47. The Fray by John Smith (18)
47. That’s Life by Willie Nelson (18)
49. The Mando Chronicles by Peter Ostroushko (17)
49. The Path of Stones by John Doyle (17)
49. Revolutionary Love by Ani Difranco (17)
49. Red Maple Tree by Sloan Wainwright (17)
49. Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (17)
49. Learning to Listen by Susan Ellenton (17)
55. They’re Calling Me Home by Rhiannon Giddens (16)
55. All the Good Times Are Past and Gone by Gillian Welch and David
Rawlings (16)
55. The Great Irish Songbook by Dervish (16)
55. We’re Only Family if You Say So by The Rough and Tumble (16)
55. Illuminations by Sean Della Croce (16)
55. Home by Billy Strings (16)
61. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (15)
61. Evidence of Hope by Friction Farm (15)
61. How Many Times by Esther Rose (15)
64. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (14)
64. I Have Known Women: Songs by Si Kahn Celebrating Women’s Lives and Struggles by Saro Lynch-Thomason and Sam Gleaves (14)
64. Pushing Forward by Wes Weddell and Ailisa Newhall (14)
64. All About the Timing by Roland Roberts (14)
64. American Silence by Chris Pierce (14)
69. Fiddler’s Pastime by Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (13)
69. String of Pearls by Annabelle Chvostek (13)
69. Covers by Mo Kenney (13)
69. Fall Like Rain by Justin Moses (13)
69. Things She Couldn’t Get Over by Dale Ann Bradley (13)
69. Everything Changes by Sara Thomsen (13)

Top Songs of March 2021

1. “Dreaming of King Lear” by Tim Grimm (28)
2. “25 Trees” by Tim Grimm (26)
3. “Call Them In” by Crys Matthews (24)
4. “Carry Us Away” by Tim Grimm (20)
5. “A Woman’s Place” by Sara Thomsen (19)
6. “I Am of Ireland” by Cathy Jordan and Seamie O’Dowd (18)
7. “Will You” by Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno (17)
7. “Which Side Are You on – Enough” by Michael J. Miles (17)
9. “Ever Gonna Fly” by Jaspar Lepak (16)
9. “Seasons Change” by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (16)
11. “Gone” by Tim Grimm (15)
11. “Cadillac Hearse” by Tim Grimm (15)
13. “Don’t Blame Me (Jolene’s Reply)” by Lisa Jeanette (14)
13. “Born to Be With You” by Mike Barnett (14)
13. “Joseph Cross” by Tim Grimm (14)
13. “A Case of You” by Alice Howe (14)
13. “Exactly Where You Are” by Crys Matthews (14)
18. “Still Woman Enough” by Loretta Lynn (13)
18. “Carry Me With You” by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (13)
18. “In Times Like These” by Sloan Wainwright (13)
21. “Joyful Banner Blazing” by Maria Dunn (12)
21. “Yukon Women” by Susan Ellenton (12)
21. “We Are the Girls” by Lyn Koonce (12)
21. “A Dream” by Tim Grimm (12)
21. “Transatlantic” by Aoife O’Donovan (12)
21. “Blind Love Blues” by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (12)

Top Artists of March 2021

1. Tim Grimm (153)
2. Peter Ostroushko (107)
3. Loretta Lynn (89)
4. Crys Matthews (82)
5. Ellis Paul (73)
6. Lisa Jeanette (72)
7. Rod Abernethy (66)
7. Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (66)
9. Maria Dunn (61)
10. Bob Dylan (50)
11. Jeffrey Foucault (48)
12. Michael J. Miles (47)
12. Rod Macdonald (47)
12. Liz Simmons (47)
15. Eli West (46)
15. Tiffany Williams (46)
15. Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno (46)
18. Mike Barnett (45)
19. Becky Buller (43)
19. Jaspar Lepak (43)
19. The Brother Brothers (43)
22. John McCutcheon (41)
23. Raye Zaragoza (39)
24. Rhiannon Giddens (38)
24. Tret Fure (38)
24. Megan Lacy (38)
27. Karen Matheson (36)
27. John Prine (36)
27. Terry Kitchen (36)
27. Katie Oates (36)
31. Erin Ivey (35)
32. Jack Hardy (34)
32. Luke Concannon (34)
32. Sarah Jarosz (34)
35. Rupert Wates (33)
36. Gillian Welch (32)
37. Tim O’Brien (30)
37. Joni Mitchell (30)
37. Peter Case (30)
40. Michael Johnathon (29)

Peggy Seeger was the most-played artist and had the top album (First Farewell) on folk radio during April 2021, edging out Reggie Harris in both categories. Darryl Purpose’s rendition of Dave Carter’s “Gentle Arms of Eden” was the month’s most-played song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Seeger, who turns 86 next month, is an Anglo-American folksinger-songwriter, activist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator who has been living in the UK for more than 60 years. She is a half-sister of the late Seeger, the widow of Ewan MacColl, and stepmother of Kirsty MaColl. Reggie Harris is a singer-songwriter, storyteller and cultural ambassador who views himself as being on a mission to educate, entertain and inspire – sharing messages of joy, unity, tolerance and peace through music. Daryl Purpose is a singer-songwriter known for his narrative lyrical style and fingerstyle guitar playing. He’s also a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame.

The April 2021 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 12,912 airplays reported on 432 playlists submitted by 120 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (www.folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of April 2021

1. First Farewell by Peggy Seeger (117)
2. On Solid Ground by Reggie Harris (112)
3. Changemakers by Crys Matthews (100)
4. Gone by Tim Grimm (89)
5. Just Causes by Noel Paul Stookey (66)
6. The Fray by John Smith (55)
7. Tapered Point of Stone by Eli West (49)
8. Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno by Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno (43)
8. Industrial Strength Bluegrass by Various Artists (43)
10. Evidence of Hope by Friction Farm (41)
11. Calla Lily by The Brother Brothers (39)
11. Just Over the Ridge by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (39)
13. They’re Calling Me Home by Rhiannon Giddens (38)
13. Palms to Pines by Dave Richardson (38)
15. Jellyfish on the Moon by Lisa Jeanette (36)
16. Let’s Get Happy Together by Maria Muldaur (34)
17. Ellis Paul’s Traveling Medicine Show, Vol. 1 by Ellis Paul (31)
17. Still Woman Enough by Loretta Lynn (31)
19. These Times by Ron Israel (29)
20. Poets by Liz Simmons (28)
21. Boulevard by Rod MacDonald (27)
21. Old-Time Sweethearts – Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 by Various Artists (27)
23. + 1 by Mike Barnett (25)
23. When We Wander by Jesse Terry (25)
25. Solace in the Wild by Erin Ivey (24)
25. Looking for the Light by Christopher Mark Jones (24)
27. There Used to Be Horses Here by Amy Speace (23)
27. Stone by Stone by Tret Fure (23)
27. All the Good Times Are Past and Gone by Gillian Welch (23)
30. Between Here and There by Sarah Morris (22)
30. Normal Isn’t Normal Anymore by Rod Abernethy (22)
30. String of Pearls by Annabelle Chvostek (22)
33. Joyful Banner Blazing by Maria Dunn (21)
33. Hurricane by Danny Burns (21)
33. Hold the Line by Hardened and Tempered (21)
36. Karen Bella by Karen Bella (20)
37. We Go On: Si Kahn’s Songs of Hope in Hard Times by Katie Oates (19)
37. Daddy’s Country Gold by Melissa Carper (19)
37. The Midnight Broadcast by Peter Case (19)
40. When I Wait for You by Dirk Powell (18)
40. Distance and Time by Becky Buller (18)
40. Waterlines by Zoe Fitzgerald Carter (18)
43. Looking for Wonderland by Smithfield Fair (17)
43. Women in Color by Raye Zaragoza (17)
43. Illuminations by Sean Della Croce (17)
43. Deadstock: Uncollected Recordings 2005 =E2=80=93 2020 by Jeffery Foucault (17)
47. Parachute by Mandy Bowden (16)
47. Back to the Earth by Adam Hurt (16)
47. Bluegrass Troubadour by Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass (16)
47. Desert Ghosts by Jaspar Lepak (16)
51. Lost Songs by Terry Kitchen (15)
51. Mississippi River Suite by Michael J. Miles (15)
51. The Tree of Forgiveness by John Prine (15)
51. The Darkness and the Light by Mike Ward (15)
51. Wings by Zoe Speaks (15)
56. Tangle of Souls by Scott Cook (14)
56. Whispers and Sighs by David Olney and Anana Kaye (14)
56. The Painter by Michael Johnathon (14)
56. Annamania by Anna Elizabeth Laube (14)
56. Ghost Tattoo by Kristen Grainger and True North (14)
56. I’ll Be Back Soon by Tiffany Williams (14)
56. World on the Ground by Sarah Jarosz (14)
56. Simple Syrup by Sunny War (14)
64. Just Like Leaving by Bella White (13)
64. Bet on Love by Pharis and Jason Romero (13)
66. Working Woman by Grace Pettis (12)
66. Lamentations by Rupert Wates (12)
66. Fall Like Rain by Justin Moses (12)
66. Songs of 69 by Reid Jamieson (12)
66. The Ghost Light by Bob Bradshaw (12)

Top Songs of April 2021

Darryl Purpose’s rendition of Dave Carter’s “Gentle Arms of Eden” topped the FAI Folk Songs Chart in April.

Top Artists of April 2021

1. Peggy Seeger (120)
2. Reggie Harris (113)
3. Crys Matthews (101)
4. Tim Grimm (96)
5. Noel Paul Stookey (76)
6. John Prine (73)
7. John Smith (62)
8. Eli West (51)
9. Pete Seeger (47)
10. John McCutcheon (46)
11. Gillian Welch (44)
11. Rhiannon Giddens (44)
13. Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno (43)
14. Friction Farm (42)
15. Loretta Lynn (41)
16. Ellis Paul (39)
16. Lisa Jeanette (39)
16. The Brother Brothers (39)
16. Maria Muldaur (39)
16. Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (39)
21. Dave Richardson (38)
21. Bob Dylan (38)
23. Darryl Purpose (32)
24. Joni Mitchell (31)
25. Ron Israel (30)
26. Mike Barnett (28)
26. Phil Ochs (28)
26. Liz Simmons (28)
29. Simon and Garfunkel (27)
29. Rod MacDonald (27)
31. Amy Speace (26)
32. Emmylou Harris (25)
32. Joan Baez (25)
32. Jesse Terry (25)
32. Katie Oates (25)
36. Sarah Morris (24)
36. Christopher Mark Jones (24)
36. Erin Ivey (24)
39. Tret Fure (23)
39. Sarah Jarosz (23)

Multi-instrumentalists Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell had the top album (Grit & Polish) and were the most-played artists on folk radio during June 2021, while singer-songwriter Jackson Browne’s “My Cleveland Heart” was the month’s most-played song. So say charts compiled by Folk Alliance International based on radio playlists submitted to FOLKDJ-L, an electronic discussion group for DJs and others interested in folk-based music on the radio.

Grit & Polish features original fiddle tunes and songs, along with choice covers of songs by Bob Dylan and Louis Jordan. Schatz and McDowell, who were formerly part of The Claire Lynch Band, play and sing a mix of bluegrass, old-time, folk and swing. Twice named IBMA Bass Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, Schatz has toured and recorded with such notable acoustic artists as Bela Fleck, John Hartford, Sara Jarosz, Nickel Creek, Tim O’Brien, and Tony Rice. A master of stringed instruments, McDowell was a first-place winner on three of them (fiddle, mandolin and guitar) at the National Flatpicking Championships in Winfield, Kansas when he was just 18 and has won many instrumental contests and accolades since then. He’s also toured with bluegrass artists Alison Brown, Sierra Hull and Molly Tuttle and has shared his love for mountain music with young people as a teacher.

A noted songwriter and performer, Browne has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also a longtime environmental and social activist., who has been honored for his humanitarian efforts as well. “My Cleveland Heart” is the first single off his new studio release, Downhill From Everywhere. [Here’s a link to view the official video for Jackson Browne’s “My Cleveland Heart,” which he co-wrote with his longtime guitarist Val McCallum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_gWWzLph24].

The June 2021 Top Albums, Songs and Artists charts are based on 13,103 airplays reported on 451 playlists submitted by 118 different folk DJs. The number of reported spins is shown below in parentheses.

Folk Alliance International (folk.org) is a nonprofit organization that aims to serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through preservation, presentation and promotion.

Top Albums of June 2021

1. Grit & Polish by Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell (105)
2. Be Ready When I Call You by Guy Davis (83)
3. Light and Dark by Chris Ronald (74)
4. Outside Child by Allison Russell (69)
5. Ballad of a Bad Girl by Kate McDonnell (61)
5. On Solid Ground by Reggie Harris (61)
7. Red Maple Tree by Sloan Wainwright (57)
8. All This Time Running by Craig Cardiff (52)
8. Time out Session 1 by The Accidentals (52)
10. We Can Hear Each Other by Erin Ash Sullivan (50)
11. There Used to Be Horses Here by Amy Speace (45)
12. Undertaker’s Songbook by Sons of the Never Wrong (44)
12. He Walked On by Tim O’Brien (44)
12. Don’t You Marry No Railroad Man by JP Harris (44)
12. Echo Land by Bumarang (44)
16. Animal Communicator by Robin Bienemann (43)
17. Let Us Sing by Andy and Judy (40)
18. First Farewell by Peggy Seeger (38)
19. They’re Calling Me Home by Rhiannon Giddens (36)
19. Bang at the Door by Donna Herula (36)
19. Downhill From Everywhere by Jackson Browne (36)
22. Grenadine and Kerosene by Carolyn Shulman (33)
23. I Wanna Start a Band by Britton Patrick Morgan (32)
24. Knew Things by Cliff Eberhardt (31)
25. Everybody Wants My Hat by Marc Black (29)
25. A Better Day A-Coming by Robin and Linda Williams (29)
25. Shame and Sedition by Lula Wiles (29)
25. Where and When by Kelly’s Lot (29)
29. Sharecropper’s Son by Robert Finley (28)
30. Appalachia: American Stories by Grant Maloy Smith (27)
30. We Shall Stay Here by Paul Kaplan (27)
32. Cycles by Rachel Baiman (26)
32. The Waylon Sessions by Shannon McNally (26)
34. Changemakers by Crys Matthews (25)
34. Migrants by Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra (25)
34. Six Degrees of Separation by Wilson Banjo Co. (25)
37. Markology II by Mark O’Connor (24)
37. Annamania by Anna Elizabeth Laube (24)
37. Songs of a Simple Life by Merle Monroe (24)
37. Song to a Refugee by Diana Jones (24)
37. When We Wander by Jesse Terry (24)
42. Madison Archives by Frank Evans and Ben Plotnick (23)
43. Friends in High Places by Turner Cody and the Soldiers of Love (22)
44. Happy Again by Bill and the Belles (21)
44. Meridian by Miles Gannett (21)
46. Just Causes by Noel Paul Stookey (19)
46. Backyard Birds by Lisa Bastoni (19)
48. Calla Lily by The Brother Brothers (18)
48. Haymakers Live at Art Church by Haymakers (18)
48. Gone by Tim Grimm (18)
51. Normal Isn’t Normal Anymore by Rod Abernethy (17)
51. Cheater’s Waltz by Michelle and Jason Hannan (17)
51. Blue by Joni Mitchell (17)
51. Queen of the In-Between by K. C. Jones (17)
55. The Fray by John Smith (16)
55. Truer Picture by Graham Sharp (16)
55. American Quilt by Paula Cole (16)
58. Poets by Liz Simmons (15)
58. Let’s Get Happy Together by Maria Muldaur with Tuba Skinny (15)
58. Just Over the Ridge by Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears (15)
58. Streamliner by Jesse Brock (15)
58. Adeline by Sam Allison, Chris Coole, Adrian Gross, Mark Kilianski,
John Showman (15)
58. Desert Ghosts by Jaspar Lepak (15)
64. Renaissance by Valerie Smith (14)
64. Tapered Point of Stone by Eli West (14)
64. Still Woman Enough by Loretta Lynn (14)
64. Only Human by Luke Leblanc (14)
64. Smoke From the Chimney by Tony Joe White (14)
64. Leftover Feelings by John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band (14)
64. Hourglass by Murray McLauchlan (14)
64. Into the Ground by Beth Whitney (14)
64. Up With the Masses by Sue Jeffers (14)

Top Songs of June 2021

1. “My Cleveland Heart” by Jackson Browne (36)
2. “A Better Day A-Coming” by Robin and Linda Williams (30)
3. “Father’s Day” by Amy Speace (20)
4. “The Keeper” by Sloan Wainwright (19)
5. “For What It’s Worth” by Tom Prasada-Rao (17)
6. “Kensington Station” by Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell (16)
6. “Still Turning” by Chris Ronald (16)
8. “God’s Gonna Make Things Over” by Guy Davis (15)
8. “Fireflies” by Erin Ash Sullivan (15)
8. “Tmi” by Robin Bienemann (15)
8. “I Found” by Valerie Smith (15)
12. “All This Time Running” by Craig Cardiff (14)
12. “The Best Summer” by Christine Lavin (14)
14. “The Girl I Love Don’t Pay Me No Mind” by Mark Schatz and Bryan
McDowell (13)
14. “Please Don’t Come for Me Now” by Chris Ronald (13)
14. “Wildfire” by The Accidentals (13)
14. “All Shall Be Well” by The Accidentals (13)
14. “Tears of Joy” by Marc Black (13)
19. “Persephone” by Allison Russell (12)
19. “Standing in Freedom’s Name” by Reggie Harris (12)
19. “Ballad of a Bad Girl” by Kate McDonnell (12)
19. “Hob Thrasher” by Michael McNevin (12)
19. “My Father’s Eye” by Leah Kaufman (12)
24. “Badonkadonk Train” by Guy Davis (11)
24. “Muskrat” by Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell (11)
24. “My Old Man” by Steve Goodman (11)
24. “What Do You Care” by Anne E Dechant (11)
24. “Clearwater Tune” by Emma’s Revolution (11)
24. “My East Tennessee Home” by Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell (11)
24. “Flint River Blues” by Guy Davis (11)
24. “House Carpenter” by JP Harris (11)
24. “City Girl” by Chris Ronald (11)
24. “Got Your Letter in My Pocket” by Guy Davis (11)
24. “The Invisible Woman” by Peggy Seeger (11)

Top Artists of June 2021

1. Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell (105)
2. Guy Davis (87)
3. Reggie Harris (82)
4. Chris Ronald (76)
5. Bob Dylan (71)
5. Allison Russell (71)
7. Kate McDonnell (62)
8. Sloan Wainwright (61)
9. Tim O’Brien (57)
10. Craig Cardiff (53)
10. The Accidentals (53)
12. Amy Speace (51)
12. Sons of the Never Wrong (51)
14. Erin Ash Sullivan (50)
15. John McCutcheon (48)
16. Rhiannon Giddens (47)
17. Bumarang (44)
17. JP Harris (44)
17. Robin Bienemann (44)
20. Peggy Seeger (43)
20. Jackson Browne (43)
22. Andy and Judy (41)
23. Donna Herula (36)
23. Robin and Linda Williams (36)
25. Grace Griffith (35)
26. Cliff Eberhardt (34)
26. Joni Mitchell (34)
28. Carolyn Shulman (33)
29. Tom Prasada-Rao (32)
29. Britton Patrick Morgan (32)
31. Grant Maloy Smith (31)
31. Kelly’s Lot (31)
31. John Prine (31)
31. John Smith (31)
31. Tim Grimm (31)
31. Lula Wiles (31)
37. Ellis Paul (29)
37. Marc Black (29)
37. Paul Kaplan (29)
40. Robert Finley (28)
40. Diana Jones (28)
40. Kate Wolf (28)