Upstate Crossroads by Ithaca, New York-based fiddler Tim Ball was the top album on folk radio during January 2023, while “Four Strong Winds” by the folk duo Ian and Sylvia was the month’s most-played song and the late Canadian troubadour Ian Tyson, who died in December, was the month’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.

Upstate Crossroads is the debut solo album by Tim Ball and sheds new light on old fiddle tunes and folk songs from New York State. Ball has been playing traditional fiddle music for much of his life and has performed in Celtic and contra dance bands for two decades, as well as in Renaissance festival bands. For his first solo release, he draws songs, tunes and inspiration from the surrounding Irish-American, New England, Atlantic Canadian, and bluegrass traditions. Besides performing, Ball teaches string ensemble at the Ithaca Waldorf School and violin as a visiting lecturer at Cornell University, directs the Finger Lakes Fiddle Orchestra, leads Irish sessions, and has a private violin and fiddle studio. More information may be found on his website.

“Four Strong Winds,” the title track of Ian and Sylvia’s 1964 sophomore release, was penned by Ian Tyson and is among Canada’s most beloved and covered songs. The internationally acclaimed folk duo released nearly a dozen albums before splitting up in the mid-1970s. Ian Tyson — who died on December 29, 2022 at his ranch in southern Alberta at age 89 — performed and released music as a solo artist well into his senior years.

A Juno Award recipient for country male vocalist of the year in 1987 and a Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer since 1989, Tyson was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame – along with his former wife and singing partner, Sylvia, three years later. He became a member of the Order of Canada in 1994, received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2003, and was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2006. ASCAP paid tribute to him during the 20th annual Folk Alliance International Conference in 2008, while he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2019. Here’s a link to remembrance piece that was posted on Acoustic MusicScene.com earlier this year:https://acousticmusicscene.com/2023/01/07/remembering-ian-tyson-1933-2022/.

The January 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 14, 729 airplays reported on 482 playlists submitted by 121 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 January 2023

Upstate Crossroads, Tim Ball’s debut solo release, was the most-played album on folk radio in January 2023.

Top Songs of January 2023

“Four Strong Winds,” the title track of Ian & Sylvia 1964 sophomore release, was the most-played song on folk radio in January 2023.

Top Artists of January 2023

Ian Tyson, who died on December 29, 2022 at age 89, was the top artist on folk radio in January 2023.

CornMaiz Stringboard was the most-played artist and had the top album on folk radio in February 2023.

CornMaiz is a nouveau old-time family string band whose debut album includes original numbers and traditional, old-time tunes from East Kentucky. The band features clawhammer banjo. Bass, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and three-part harmonies, while its live performances also include traditional Appalachian dance styles.

Bonnie Raitt is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist. A ten-time Grammy Award winner, she has been performing and recording for more than 50 years. ”Just Like That” is the title track of her 21st album, her first new release in more than six years. It recently won the coveted Grammy Award for Song of the Year. [Here’s a link to view the official lyric video for Bonnie Raitt’s “Just Like That:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skd0XR3twCA]

The February 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12, 209 airplays reported on 422 playlists submitted by 120 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 February 2023

1. Fresh-Picked Kentucky Music by CornMaiz Stringband (76)
2. Reckonings by Eric Kilburn (66)
3. Outpourings by Craig Bickhardt (65)
4. Filament by Buddy Mondlock (61)
5. Love Hope Trust by Roger Street Friedman (60)
6. York’s Lament and Other Stories by Reggie Garrett (56)
7. Handled With Care by Jason Lang (54)
8. Beyond the Great Pause by Doug Cox and Linda McRae (50)
9. Upstate Crossroads by Tim Ball (47)
9. Valley of Stars by Ben Bedford (47)
11. Landmarks by Helene Cronin (41)
12. Snow White Memories by Irene Kelley (40)
12. Me / and / Dad by Billy Strings (40)
14. Missouri Folklore: Songs and Stories From Home by My Politic (39)
15. March of the Mollusk by Benny Bleu (37)
16. Radio John: Songs of John Hartford by Sam Bush (33)
16. How Can I Say This? by Annie Capps (33)
16. Crooked Tree by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (33)
19. The Old Man and the C Chord by Chris Coole (32)
20. Songs You Didn’t Know I Wrote About You by Emily White (31)
20. Rhizomes by The Squirrel Hillbillies (31)
22. One Step Away by Casey Penn (29)
22. Tribute to a Songpoet: Songs of Eric Andersen by Various Artists (29)
24. Boomerang Town by Jaimee Harris (28)
24. Just Like That by Bonnie Raitt (28)
26. Lifeline by Laura Zucker (26)
27. A Murder of Songs by Grant Peeples (25)
28. Lay Your Darkness Down by Mark Erelli (24)
28. Lost Voices by Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz (24)
28. Skylight Intervention by Tom Glynn (24)
31. Traditional by Dave Rudolf (22)
32. Seth Avett Sings Greg Brown by Seth Avett (21)
33. Riveter by Sami Braman (20)
34. 1964 by Pat Guadagno (19)
35. Timeless Space by The Heart Collectors (18)
35. Together Through the Dark by Slaid Cleaves (18)
35. Down a Gravel Road by Ron Fetner (18)
35. The Light at the End of the Line by Janis Ian (18)
35. Traveler’s Rest by The Foreign Landers (18)
35. Further On: The Songs of Billy Conway by Various Artists (18)
41. Tell ‘Em You Were Gold by Pharis and Jason Romero (17)
41. Living in a Song by Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley (17)
41. Traveling Wildfire by Dom Flemons (17)
41. The Empress by The McDades (17)
41. Workin’ on a World by Iris Dement (17)
46. Ever-Changing by The Ruta Beggars (15)
46. Leap! by John McCutcheon (15)
48. White Trash Revelry by Adeem the Artist (14)
48. Don’t Look Down by The Burnt Pines (14)
48. So Many Wows by Lucie Blue Tremblay (14)
48. Bunchgrass by Wylie and the Wild West (14)

Top Songs of February 2023

1. “Just Like That” by Bonnie Raitt (22)
2. “The Wheel Meets the Road” by Eric Kilburn (16)
3. “Breaking the Bread” by Craig Bickhardt (14)
3. “So Far Away” by Reggie Garrett (14)
5. “Jubilee” by CornMaiz Stringband (13)
5. “Ghosts of Sugarland” by Roger Street Friedman (13)
5. “Rollin in My Sweet Baby’s Arms” by CornMaiz Stringband
(13)
8. “Filament” by Buddy Mondlock (12)
8. “Solsbury Hill” by CornMaiz Stringband (12)
8. “Beyond the Great Pause” by Doug Cox and Linda McRae (12)
8. “Strangers” by Nickel Creek (12)
12. “Stagecoach Mary” by Reggie Garrett (11)
12. “Bath County Boy” by CornMaiz Stringband (11)
14. “If Holes Were Coins” by Craig Bickhardt (10)
14. “Unchained” by Jesse Lynn Madera (10)
14. “Groundhog Day” by Fred Arcoleo (10)
14. “Jackson Petty” by Buddy Mondlock (10)
14. “Radio” by Emily White (10)
14. “Murmurations” by Ben Bedford (10)
14. “Crooked Tree” by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (10)
14. “Senses of Your Love” by Jason Lang (10)
14. “Valentine’s Day” by The Real Sarahs (10)
14. “I Gave My Love a Valentine” by Randall Kromm (10)
14. “Ready for the Times to Get Better” by Doug Cox and Linda McRae (10)
14. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (10)
14. “What a Life” by My Politic (10)
14. “Lucky” by Eric Kilburn (10)

Top Artists of February 2023

1. CornMaiz Stringband (76)
2. Craig Bickhardt (68)
3. Eric Kilburn (66)
4. Buddy Mondlock (64)
5. Roger Street Friedman (61)
6. Reggie Garrett (58)
7. Jason Lang (54)
8. Ben Bedford (51)
9. Doug Cox and Linda McRae (50)
10. Tim Ball (47)
11. Billy Strings (45)
12. Helene Cronin (41)
13. Irene Kelley (40)
14. My Politic (39)
14. Benny Bleu (39)
16. Bob Dylan (36)
17. Sam Bush (34)
17. Bonnie Raitt (34)
19. Willie Nelson (33)
19. Annie Capps (33)
19. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (33)
22. Chris Coole (32)
22. Lucy Kaplansky (32)
22. Janis Ian (32)
25. John McCutcheon (31)
25. The Squirrel Hillbillies (31)
25. Emily White (31)
28. Jaimee Harris (30)
28. Laura Zucker (30)
30. Casey Penn (29)
31. Dom Flemons (28)
31. Mark Erelli (28)
33. Eric Andersen (27)
33. Iris Dement (27)
35. Pete Seeger (26)
35. Tim Stafford and Thomm Jutz (26)
35. Grant Peeples (26)
35. Kate Macleod (26)
39. John Gorka (25)
39. David Crosby (25)

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey had the top album (Nine Apples of Gold), was the most-played artist on folk radio, and had four of the top 10 songs during March 2023, while Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy’s “Woman of the House” 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.

Karan Casey was the most-played artist and had the top album and four of the month’s ten most-played songs on folk radio during March 2023.

A leading advocate for women’s empowerment, Casey’s commitment to helping female performers of Irish traditional and folk music achieve fairness and gender balance prompted her to co-found Fair Pie five years ago. It’s also the inspiration behind some of the songs on Nine Apples of Gold, which was released in late February.

[Here’s a link to enjoy the official video for ‘Nine Apples of Gold,” the title track of Karan Casey’s album and its first single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAF1I1lrALc.]

“Woman of the House” appears on Canadian Celtic couple Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy’s latest album, Canvas, which was released in March. Sung in Scots Gaelic, the song also features guest artist Rhiannon Giddens. A fiery, world renowned fiddler and talented step-dancer, multiple Juno Award-winner Natalie MacMaster is among Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s most notable musical exports, while her husband and musical collaborator Donnell Leahy is also a renowned fiddler recognized for his ability to synthesize traditional influences with more contemporary Celtic/folk sensibilities.

[Here’s a link to listen to “Woman of the House” by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFsR13T0pFw.]

Tim Grimm, an award-winning, southern Indiana-based folk-Americana singer-songwriter, was the month’s second most-played artist and had the #2 album (The Little In-Between) and song (“The Leaving”). A number of his albums and songs have reached the top of the FAI Folk Charts (formerly the Folk DJ Charts) and the EuroAmericana charts over the years.

[Here’s a link to listen to “The Leaving” by Tim Grimm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M0v6CMxIjY.]

The March 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12, 727 airplays reported on 428 playlists submitted by 120 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 March 2023

1. Nine Apples of Gold by Karan Casey (123)
2. The Little In-Between by Tim Grimm (108)
3. Crossing the Causeway by Mary Beth Carty (98)
4. Traveling Wildfire by Dom Flemons (81)
5. Canvas by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (73)
6. Workin’ on a World by Iris Dement (70)
7. Mighty Poplar by Mighty Poplar (60)
7. Hello World by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (60)
9. Sanctuary by Rebecca Folsom (57)
10. Taking Flight by Amelia Hogan (56)
11. Tumbleweedyworld by Lynn Miles (54)
12. March of the Mollusk by Benny Bleu (53)
13. Filament by Buddy Mondlock (46)
13. Together Through the Dark by Slaid Cleaves (46)
15. Outpourings by Craig Bickhardt (43)
16. Ridin’ by Eric Bibb (40)
16. CornMaiz String Band by CornMaiz String Band (40)
18. The Gaulway Ramblers by The Gaulway Ramblers (38)
19. Reckonings by Eric Kilburn (37)
19. Missouri Folklore: Songs and Stories From Home by My Politic (37)
21. Boomerang Town by Jaimee Harris (36)
22. Passages and Partings by April Verch and Cody Walters (35)
23. York’s Lament and Other Stories by Reggie Garrett (34)
24. It Goes Like It Goes by Bunny Barnes (32)
25. Not Far From the Tree by Just Us Lillys (31)
25. A Murder of Songs by Grant Peeples (31)
27. Handled With Care by Jason Lang (30)
27. Me|and|Dad by Billy Strings (30)
29. Lay Your Darkness Down by Mark Erelli (28)
29. Upstate Crossroads by Tim Ball (28)
29. Lovin’ of the Game by Michael Cleveland (28)
32. Snow White Memories by Irene Kelley (27)
32. Beyond the Great Pause by Doug Cox and Linda McRae (27)
34. Both Things Are True by Marilyn Jordan (25)
34. Songs You Didn’t Know I Wrote About You by Emily White (25)
36. OKX by The Ok Factor (24)
36. Circumstance by Alice Howe (24)
36. The Coming of the Years by Joe Jencks (24)
36. Riveter by Sami Braman (24)
40. The Old Man and the C Chord by Chris Coole (22)
40. Valley of Stars by Ben Bedford (22)
40. Bluegrass Vacation by Robbie Fulks (22)
43. Living in a Song by Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley (21)
43. Love (And Other Mysteries) by Tipps and Obermiller (21)
45. Tribute to a Songpoet: Songs of Eric Andersen by Various Artists (20)
45. Common Nation of Sorrow by Rachel Baiman (20)
47. Landmarks by Helene Cronin (19)
47. Traditional by Dave Rudolf (19)
49. How Can I Say This? by Annie Capps (17)
49. The Very First Time by Steve and Kristi Nebel (17)
49. 1964 by Pat Guadagno (17)

Top Songs of March 2023

1. “Woman of the House” by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (24)
2. “The Leaving” by Tim Grimm (23)
3. “Workin’ on a World” by Iris Dement (22)
4. “The Rocks of Bawn” by Karan Casey (21)
5. “Up on the Divide” by Mighty Poplar (20)
6. “Sister I Am Here for You” by Karan Casey (19)
6. “Nine Apples of Gold” by Karan Casey (19)
8. “The Little In-Between” by Tim Grimm (18)
8. “Guess I’m Doing Fine” by Dom Flemons (18)
10. “When the Moon Gets Tangled” by Karan Casey (17)
11. “Tow Truck Song” by Mary Beth Carty (16)
12. “All of the Time in the World to Kill” by The Milk Carton Kids (15)
12. “I Don’t Know This World” by Tim Grimm (15)
14. “We Are the Girls” by Lyn Koonce (14)
15. “Highway 105” by Lynn Miles (13)
15. “Stirrin’ Up Trouble” by Tim Grimm (13)
15. “Red Winged Blackbird” by Amelia Hogan (13)
18. “Dear Island” by Mary Beth Carty (12)
19. “I Thank My Lucky Stars” by Karan Casey (11)
19. “The Weeping Time” by Karan Casey (11)
19. “Big Money Blues” by Dom Flemons (11)
19. “Johnny Without June” by Lynn Miles (11)
19. “The Breath of Burning” by Tim Grimm (11)
19. “Colour Theory” by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (11)
19. “The Fair and Dark Haired Lad” by Jaimee Harris (11)

Top Artists of March 2023

1. Karan Casey (131)
2. Tim Grimm (116)
3. Mary Beth Carty (102)
4. Dom Flemons (86)
5. Iris Dement (80)
6. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (73)
7. Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (61)
8. Mighty Poplar (60)
9. Rebecca Folsom (58)
10. Doc Watson (56)
10. Amelia Hogan (56)
12. Lynn Miles (55)
13. Benny Bleu (53)
14. Slaid Cleaves (50)
14. Craig Bickhardt (50)
16. Buddy Mondlock (47)
17. Eric Bibb (45)
18. Bob Dylan (42)
19. CornMaiz String Band (40)
20. The Gaulway Ramblers (38)
20. Eric Kilburn (38)
20. Mark Erelli (38)
23. My Politic (37)
24. John McCutcheon (36)
24. Jaimee Harris (36)
26. Willie Nelson (35)
26. April Verch and Cody Walters (35)
28. Reggie Garrett (34)
29. Billy Strings (33)
30. Bunny Barnes (32)
31. Just Us Lillys (31)
31. Grant Peeples (31)
31. Joni Mitchell (31)
34. Joe Jencks (30)
34. Jason Lang (30)
36. Michael Cleveland (29)
36. Alice Howe (29)
38. Tim Ball (28)
39. Irene Kelley (27)
39. Doug Cox and Linda McRae (27)

Singer-Songwriter Greg Greenway had the top album (Between Hello and Goodbye) and was the most-played artist on folk radio during April 2023, edging out the bluegrass band Mighty Poplar, while singer-songwriter Tom Chapin’s “This Pretty Planet” (co-written with John Forster) 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.

The April 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 13, 343 airplays reported on 448 playlists submitted by 116 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 April 2023

1. Between Hello and Goodbye by Greg Greenway (96)
2. Mighty Poplar by Mighty Poplar (95)
3. Constellations by Meredith Moon (83)
3. Nine Apples of Gold by Karan Casey (83)
5. This Pretty Planet by Tom Chapin (80)
6. Circumstance by Alice Howe (76)
6. The Little In-Between by Tim Grimm (76)
8. Traveling Wildfire by Dom Flemons (73)
9. Crossing the Causeway by Mary Beth Carty (71)
10. Only This Far by The Rough and Tumble (64)
11. Canvas by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (62)
12. Celebrants by Nickel Creek (59)
13. Bluegrass Vacation by Robbie Fulks (58)
14. Taking Flight by Amelia Hogan (53)
15. The Enchanted World by The Rifters (51)
16. The Sea Besides Us by Beth DeSombre (50)
17. Workin’ on a World by Iris Dement (49)
18. Sanctuary by Rebecca Folsom (46)
19. Not Far From the Tree by Just Us Lillys (44)
20. Headland by Kalos (40)
20. Hello World by Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (40)
20. Maybe Modern by Grace Morrison (40)
23. Together Through the Dark by Slaid Cleaves (37)
24. Songs of Small Resistance by Daniel Janke (35)
25. Passages and Partings by April Verch and Cody Walters (32)
26. It Goes Like It Goes by Bunny Barnes (30)
26. Where We’re At by Abby K (30)
28. On Banjo by Alison Brown (29)
28. TumbleWeedyWorld by Lynn Miles (29)
28. O Sun O Moon by Bruce Cockburn (29)
31. Lovin’ of the Game by Michael Cleveland (28)
31. Boomerang Town by Jaimee Harris (28)
33. Filament by Buddy Mondlock (27)
33. Cup of Sugar by Tim O’Brien (27)
33. Outpourings by Craig Bickhardt (27)
36. I Don’t Know a Thing About Love: The Songs of Harlan Howard by Willie
Nelson (26)
36. Common Nation of Sorrow by Rachel Baiman (26)
38. Accomplice Two by Tommy Emmanuel (25)
38. Radio John: Songs of John Hartford by Sam Bush (25)
38. Okx by The Ok Factor (25)
41. Angels in the Wreckage by Low Lily (24)
41. Tribute to a Songpoet: Songs of Eric Andersen by Various Artists (24)
43. Savoy by Taj Mahal (23)
43. Ridin by Eric Bibb (23)
43. Nude Descending an Elevator by Puppets of Castro (23)
46. Infinite Brightness by Hanneke Cassel (22)
46. Riveter by Sami Braman (22)
48. Dear Friend by The Bombadils (20)
49. Snow White Memories by Irene Kelley (18)
49. Upstate Crossroads by Tim Ball (18)
49. Peggy’s Dream by Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble (18)

Top Songs of April 2023

[Here’s a link to view a video for “This Pretty Planet,” a song co-written by Tom Chapin and John Forster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-cs5ohkXyc.]

1. “This Pretty Planet” by Tom Chapin (30)
2. “That’s Where the Hope Comes From” by Greg Greenway (27)
3. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Peggy Seeger (22)
4. “Up on the Divide” by Mighty Poplar (21)
5. “Big Wide World” by Greg Greenway (20)
6. “Return to the Wild” by Karan Casey (17)
7. “Hello Hello Hello” by Greg Greenway (16)
8. “A Hundred Years From Now” by Adler and Hearne (15)
8. “Little Lamb Little Lamb” by Tim O’Brien (15)
8. “Soldier’s Joy” by Meredith Moon (15)
8. “The Leaving” by Tim Grimm (15)
12. “Nine Apples of Gold” by Karan Casey (14)
13. “Dragons” by Beth DeSombre (13)
13. “Song for the Trees” by Mary Madden (13)
13. “Woman of the House” by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (13)
13. “Broken Things” by Grace Morrison (13)
13. “Slow Moving Train” by Meredith Moon (13)
13. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (13)
19. “Constellations” by Meredith Moon (12)
19. “20 Years of Shadows” by Tim Grimm (12)
19. “You’ve Been Away So Long” by Alice Howe (12)
19. “A Better Life” by Graham Nash (12)
19. “Sister I Am Here for You” by Karan Casey (12)
19. “Foggy Morning Breaking” by Alison Brown (12)
19. “Home” by Rebecca Folsom (12)
19. “Workin’ on a World” by Iris Dement (12)
19. “Nobody Wrote It Down” by Dom Flemons (12)
19. “North Country Blues” by Mighty Poplar (12)

Top Artists of April 2023

1. Greg Greenway (99)
2. Mighty Poplar (95)
3. Tim Grimm (88)
4. Tom Chapin (86)
5. Meredith Moon (85)
5. Karan Casey (85)
7. Alice Howe (78)
8. Dom Flemons (75)
9. Mary Beth Carty (71)
10. The Rough and Tumble (69)
11. Willie Nelson (67)
12. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (62)
13. Nickel Creek (61)
14. Robbie Fulks (60)
15. The Rifters (55)
15. Iris Dement (55)
17. Amelia Hogan (53)
18. Beth DeSombre (51)
19. Rebecca Folsom (46)
20. Just Us Lillys (44)
21. Slaid Cleaves (43)
22. Grace Morrison (41)
22. Tim O’Brien (41)
22. Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt (41)
25. Kalos (40)
26. Harry Belafonte (39)
26. Cheryl Wheeler (39)
26. Bruce Cockburn (39)
29. Bob Dylan (38)
30. John McCutcheon (36)
31. Emmylou Harris (35)
31. Daniel Janke (35)
31. John Prine (35)
34. Sam Bush (33)
34. Pete Seeger (33)
36. April Verch and Cody Walters (32)
37. Abby K (30)
37. Alison Brown (30)
37. Bunny Barnes (30)
37. Buddy Mondlock (30)

Gordon Lightfoot, the iconic Canadian folksinger-songwriter who died on May 1, was the top artist and had four of the five most-played songs on folk radio during May 2023, while fellow Canadian Michael Jerome Browne, a noted acoustic blues and roots artist, had the month’s top album (Gettin’ Together). 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 May 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12,640 airplays reported on 421 playlists submitted by 112 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 May 2023

1. Gettin’ Together by Michael Jerome Browne (75)
2. Gord’s Gold by Gordon Lightfoot (69)
3. Skylark by Open Road (65)
4. O Sun O Moon by Bruce Cockburn (62)
5. Traveling Wildfire by Dom Flemons (60)
6. Between Hello and Goodbye by Greg Greenway (55)
7. Only This Far by The Rough and Tumble (53)
8. Constellations by Meredith Moon (50)
8. Stand in the Joy by William Prince (50)
10. Songbook by Gordon Lightfoot (48)
11. How to Shine by Jaime Michaels (47)
12. Mighty Poplar by Mighty Poplar (46)
13. Circumstance by Alice Howe (43)
13. Forgottonia by Chris Vallillo (43)
15. Tony Rice Sings Gordon Lightfoot by Tony Rice (42)
16. Bluegrass Vacation by Robbie Fulks (41)
16. Into the Night by Robinson and Rohe (41)
18. The Little In-Between by Tim Grimm (40)
18. Great Blue North by Special Consensus (40)
20. Nuevo South Train by Larry and Joe (39)
21. On Banjo by Alison Brown (38)
21. Headland by Kalos (38)
21. Beautiful: A Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot by Various Artists (38)
24. Among Other Things by Bella White (37)
24. Angels in the Wreckage by Low Lily (37)
24. Maybe Modern by Grace Morrison (37)
27. Grass Roots by Leftover Salmon (36)
28. California by The Refugees (35)
29. God Fearing Heathen by Dan Tyminski (33)
30. Celebrants by Nickel Creek (32)
31. The Enchanted World by The Rifters (31)
31. The Chicago Sessions by Rodney Crowell (31)
33. Keep Your Courage by Natalie Merchant (29)
33. Workin’ on a World by Iris Dement (29)
35. Nine Apples of Gold by Karan Casey (28)
35. The Mother of Trouble by Vance Gilbert (28)
35. Taking Flight by Amelia Hogan (28)
38. Get Behind the Wheel by Eilen Jewell (27)
38. Crossing the Causeway by Mary Beth Carty (27)
40. Canvas by Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy (25)
41. Other Voices, Other Rooms by Nanci Griffith (24)
41. I Only See the Moon by The Milk Carton Kids (24)
43. Rona by Queen Esther (23)
44. Lightfoot by Gordon Lightfoot (22)
45. When My Momma Sang to Me: Songs of Murphy Hicks Henry by Various
Artists (21)
45. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot (21)
47. The Sea Beside Us by Beth Desombre (20)
47. Now by Graham Nash (20)
49. All the Love by Brittany Jean (19)
49. The Way I Feel by Gordon Lightfoot (19)
49. Pieces of Treasure by Rickie Lee Jones (19)

Top Songs of May 2023

[Here’s a link to listen to “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” by Gordon Lightfoot, the month’s most-played song on folk radio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXzauTuRG78.]

1. “Canadian Railroad Trilogy” by Gordon Lightfoot (33)
2. “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot (23)
3. “Where I’m Coming From” by Robinson and Rohe (21)
4. “Early Morning Rain” by Gordon Lightfoot (20)
5. “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot (19)
6. “Ten Degrees and Getting Colder” by Nanci Griffith (17)
6. “Coffee Blues” by Michael Jerome Browne (17)
8. “My Mother’s House” by Cosy Sheridan (16)
8. “Jamaica Farewell” by Harry Belafonte (16)
10. “Looking for Yes” by Joe Crookston (15)
11. “Slow Moving Train” by Meredith Moon (14)
12. “Monday Morning Blues” by Michael Jerome Browne (13)
12. “Alberta Bound” by Special Consensus (13)
14. “Sundown” by Gordon Lightfoot (12)
14. “Cut ‘Em Down” by Erik Balkey (12)
14. “God of War” by The Rough and Tumble (12)
14. “No Hiding Place” by Open Road (12)
14. “Brakeman’s Daughter” by Kalos (12)
19. “Everybody Loves You” by Open Road (11)
19. “Big Money Blues” by Dom Flemons (11)
19. “Early Morning Rain” by Ian and Sylvia (11)
19. “That’s Where the Hope Comes” by Greg Greenway (11)
19. “Broken Things” by Grace Morrison (11)
19. “Julia Ward Howe (A Mother’s Day for Peace)” by Tom Chapin (11)
19. “Wildflowers” by Open Road (11)

Top Artists of May 2023

[Here’s a link to an article about Gordon Lightfoot, the month’s most-played artist. that was posted on AcousticMusicScene.com on May 2, the day after he died:
https://acousticmusicscene.com/2023/05/02/gordon-lightfoot-canadas-folk-poet-laureate-1938-2023/.]

The late Gordon Lightfoot was the most-played artist on folk radio in May 2023; Gord’s Gold was the #2 album; and four of his classic songs were among the top five.

Bob Sherman, host of the long-running and award-winning radio show “Woody’s Children” in New York City, passed away on June 27, 2023 at the age of 90.

Bob Sherman, host of the long-running radio show, “Woody’s Children,” has died at age 90.

When it wrapped in January, “Woody’s Children” was the longest continuously running folk music radio program in America and among the most influential. It was created and had been hosted by Sherman since its inception in January 1969. “Woody’s Children” began its lengthy run on WQXR, where Sherman also served a long stint as program director and later as senior consultant – having begun his career there as a clerk-typist nearly 70 years ago and become its director of recorded music and music director before ever going on the air. Prior to launching “Woody’s Children,” Sherman had programmed but not hosted another show called “Folk Music of the World.”

Pete Seeger, Sherman’s guest on the very first program, is credited with coining the name “Woody’s Children” out of reverence for Woody Guthrie and the singer-songwriters following in his footsteps. Seeger was a frequent guest on the show, as were Tom Chapin, Judy Collins, Odetta, Tom Paxton, and Peter, Paul and Mary, among others. Sherman also gave early career boosts to such artists as John Gorka and Christine Lavin.

Standing (l.-r.): Doug Mishkin, Pete Seeger, Lydia Adams Davis, Harold Leventhal, Oscar Brand, Tom Paxton, Fred Kellerman, and Joe Heukerott (kneeling) joined Bob Sherman in celebrating Woody’s Children’s 15th anniversary in 1984 (Photo: Steve J. Sherman)

Some of Bob Sherman’s favorite folk artists — including David Amram, Tom Chapin and Tom Paxton – helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Woody’s Children,” during a nearly sold-out December 7, 2018 concert at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space in Manhattan.

Although WQXR dropped “Woody’s Children” 35 years ago, Sherman, whose background was in classical music, continued to host a number of programs at the classical station as well from the 1970s until recently – including the Young Artists Showcase, which he began hosting in 1978 and whose final show aired earlier this month when he announced his retirement. He also hosted television programs (Vibrations and Camera Three) on PBS and CBS during the 1970s.

“Bob Sherman’s interest in both young classical music performers and all folk musicians informed his long-running radio show and were a wonderful service to New Yorkers,” Tom Chapin told AcousticMusicScene.com. Calling him “a remarkably warm and caring person,” Chapin continued, “I shall really miss visiting his ‘Woody’s Children’ radio show and singing him whatever new songs I had in my pocket, as well as the amazing Symphony Space concerts that brought my heroes and compatriots together to celebrate that long-running radio staple.”

John Platt, host of “Sunday Supper” on WFUV, noted: “I used to joke, ‘I wanna be Bob Sherman when I grow up, even though I was only a half-generation younger and already a radio professional for 30 years. It was his lifelong dedication to the music and his ongoing commitment to new artists that inspired me. It was only in the last few months, when his health finally declined, that he stepped back from his shows at WFUV and WQXR. He was as much a treasure within the music community and radio audience as the artists he played… I’ll always cherish our mutual admiration and, as I’ve said, I’ll continue to honor the legacy of ‘Woody’s Children.'”

Bob Sherman @ 90 (Photo: Steve J. Sherman)

Singer-Songwriter Eliza Gilkyson was the top artist and had the most-played album (Home) and three of the top 10 songs on folk radio during June 2023, while singer-songwriter Joe Crookston’s “Looking for Yes” 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.

[Click on the link below to listen to “World Keeps On Singing” from Eliza Gilkyson’s new album, Home: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3USAjMv1a6U.]

The June 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 11, 548 airplays reported on 392 playlists submitted by 109 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 2023

1. Home by Eliza Gilkyson (85)
2. Seven Stones by Katie Dahl (75)
3. Nine Becomes One by Joe Crookston (57)
4. Bits and Pieces by Malcolm Holcombe (51)
4. 55 by Ellis Paul (51)
6. When My Momma Sang to Me: Songs of Murphy Hicks Henry by Various Artists (45)
6. Gettin’ Together by Michael Jerome Browne (45)
8. O Sun O Moon by Bruce Cockburn (44)
9. Promise to Harry by The Sherpas (43)
10. On Banjo by Alison Brown (41)
11. Undaunted by Corey Purcell (39)
12. Nuevo South Train by Larry and Joe (38)
13. Now by Graham Nash (36)
14. I Only See the Moon by The Milk Carton Kids (35)
15. On My Way by Owen Walsh (33)
16. All the Love by Brittany Jean (30)
16. The Kitchen Sessions by John and Sheila Ludgate (30)
16. Traveling Wildfire by Dom Flemons (30)
16. The Beauty of It All by Brian Kalinec (30)
16. The Legend of Sam Davis by Aaron Smith and the Coal Biters (30)
21. California by The Refugees (29)
21. Forgottonia by Chris Vallillo (29)
23. Into the Night by Robinson and Rohe (26)
24. Among Other Things by Bella White (25)
24. Skylark by Open Road (25)
26. How to Shine by Jaime Michaels (24)
26. Stand in the Joy by William Prince (24)
28. Mighty Poplar by Mighty Poplar (23)
28. Rona by Queen Esther (23)
28. Between Hello and Goodbye by Greg Greenway (23)
31. Constellations by Meredith Moon (22)
31. Only This Far by The Rough and Tumble (22)
33. Circumstance by Alice Howe (21)
33. Cup of Sugar by Tim O’Brien (21)
33. Crossing the Causeway by Mary Beth Carty (21)
33. The Mother of Trouble by Vance Gilbert (21)
33. Wide Open Light by Ben Harper (21)
33. Rants and Romance by Rod MacDonald (21)
33. Gentle Man by Mitch Hayes (21)
40. Nine Apples of Gold by Karan Casey (20)
40. The Sea Beside Us by Beth DeSombre (20)
40. The Little In-Between by Tim Grimm (20)
43. Great Blue North by Special Consensus (19)
43. The Chicago Sessions by Rodney Crowell (19)
45. Folkocracy by Rufus Wainwright (18)
46. Lucky Me by Liz Miller (17)
46. Keep Your Courage by Natalie Merchant (17)
46. Elan by Rachel Hair and Ron Jappy (17)
46. Nothing by Julia Crafton (17)
46. Makin’ a Run by The Silas Powell Band (17)

Top Songs of June 2023

[Here’s a link to enjoy Joe Crookston’s Looking for Yes,” the most-played song on folk radio during June 2023: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jNNNvTdktII.]

1. “Looking for Yes” by Joe Crookston (19)
2. “World Keeps on Singing” by Eliza Gilkyson (17)
3. “A Ways to Go” by The Sherpas (13)
3. “Both Doors Open” by Katie Dahl (13)
3. “55” by Ellis Paul (13)
3. “Temperance River” by Katie Dahl (13)
7. “Since I Was Eight” by Katie Dahl (12)
7. “Sunflowers” by Eliza Gilkyson (12)
7. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (12)
10. “The Point” by Chuck Brodsky (11)
10. “Foggy Morning Breaking” by Alison Brown (11)
10. “True North” by Eliza Gilkyson (11)
13. “Looking Through My Father’s Eyes” by Randall Kromm (10)
13. “Sacristy” by Katie Dahl (10)
13. “Joy Revolution” by Raye Zaragoza (10)
13. “The Banks of Sweet Dundee” by Corey Purcell (10)
13. “Nuevo South Train” by Larry and Joe (10)
18. “Conscience of Man” by Malcolm Holcombe (9)
18. “How Deep” by Eliza Gilkyson (9)
18. “Where I’m Coming From” by Robinson and Rohe (9)
18. “Midnight Special” by Lead Belly (9)
18. “To Keep the World We Know” by Bruce Cockburn (9)
18. “Coffee Blues” by Michael Jerome Browne (9)
24. “Dad Worked Hard” by Rachael Kilgour (8)
24. “Tall Tree” by Eric Kilburn (8)
24. “Colin Went Down to the Water” by Bruce Cockburn (8)
24. “Cocktail Swing” by Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem (8)
24. “Fill Those Shoes” by Malcolm Holcombe (8)
24. “Are You a Friend of Dorothy?” by Jill Sobule (8)
24. “Bits and Pieces” by Malcolm Holcombe (8)
24. “When I Think of Her” by Julie Gold (8)
24. “Safety Zone” by Eliza Gilkyson (8)
24. “Henry Martain” by Aaron Smith and the Coal Biters (8)
24. “Summer Grass” by Katie Dahl (8)
24. “Cosmos” by Ellis Paul (8)
24. “Kings and Pharaohs” by Owen Walsh (8)

Top Artists of June 2023

Eliza Gilkyson was the most-played artist and had the top album on folk radio in June 2023 (Photo: Rodney Bursiel)

Eliza Gilkyson was the most-played artist, while her album Home tied with The Scooches’ Lift You Up as the top album on folk radio during July 2023 and Bob and Sarah Amos’ “The Hills That I Call Home” 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.

Gilkyson, who was also the most played artist and had the top album on folk radio in June, is a widely acclaimed Taos, New Mexico-based folk, Americana and roots country singer-songwriter. She is a member of the Austin Music Hall of Fame and the Austin Songwriter Hall of Fame and was named Songwriter of the Year (2014) and honored for “Song of the Year” (2021) during the International Folk Music Awards presented by Folk Alliance International. Her latest release Home features songs that reflect her appreciation for family, home and hearth in these times.

[Click on the link below to listen to “World Keeps on Singing” from Eliza Gilkyson’s new album, Home: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3USAjMv1a6U.]

The Scooches — led by bandleader, composer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Russo and vocalist, composer and guitarist Betina Hershey — is an eclectic, genre-bending, New York City-based group whose original music is inspired by world folk traditions, global Americana, New Orleans verve, and the unfettered exuberance of the 1920s. Lift You Up, The Scooches’ third full-length album, is a collection of 12 songs inspired by the current social climate in the U.S.

[Here’s a link to listen to the title track of The Scooches’ new album, Lift You Up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM3cjOdY70k.]

Bob and Sarah Amos is a father-daughter, Americana harmony duo who also perform with a full band. Although he writes songs in many different styles, Bob Amos is best known in bluegrass circles for having formerly fronted the band Front Range for 15 years and having songs recorded by other major acts in the genre. Vocalist Sarah Amos has been singing professionally for more than a decade.

[Here’s a link to view a video of the Bob and Sarah Amos Band performing “The Hills That I Call Home”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgY90u_AOf8.]

The July 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 14,191 airplays reported on 462 playlists submitted by 116 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 July 2023

1. Home by Eliza Gilkyson (83)
1. Lift You Up by The Scooches (83)
3. Ever Onward by Bob and Sarah Amos (81)
4. Seven Stones by Katie Dahl (68)
5. Rants and Romance by Rod MacDonald (67)
6. Don’t Blink by Crowes Pasture (56)
7. 55 by Ellis Paul (54)
8. City of Gold by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (45)
9. On My Way by Owen Walsh (44)
9. Gettin’ Together by Michael Jerome Browne (44)
9. Chimney Smoke by Ed Snodderly (44)
12. Cup of Sugar by Tim O’Brien (42)
13. Makin’ a Run by The Silas Powell Band (39)
13. This Far South by Tommy Prine (39)
15. Nine Becomes One by Joe Crookston (37)
15. Promise to Harry by The Sherpas (37)
17. Into the Night by Robinson and Rohe (36)
18. I Only See the Moon by The Milk Carton Kids (35)
19. O Sun O Moon by Bruce Cockburn (34)
19. Bits and Pieces by Malcolm Holcombe (34)
21. Stand in the Joy by William Prince (33)
22. For the Giving by Aleksi Campagne (32)
23. Circle of Days by The Nields (31)
23. Now by Graham Nash (31)
25. Kentucky for Me by Dale Ann Bradley (30)
26. Skylark by Open Road (29)
27. When My Momma Sang to Me: Songs of Murphy Hicks Henry by Various
Artists (28)
27. Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet by Brennen Leigh (28)
29. On Banjo by Alison Brown (26)
29. Circumstance by Alice Howe (26)
31. Refuge by Stan Davis (25)
31. Among Other Things by Bella White (25)
33. Bluegrass by Willie Nelson (24)
33. Weathervanes by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (24)
33. Nuevo South Train by Larry and Joe (24)
36. The Legend of Sam Davis by Aaron Smith and The Coal Biters (23)
36. Triple Shot by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (23)
36. Forgottonia by Chris Vallillo (23)
39. The Mother of Trouble by Vance Gilbert (22)
39. Only This Far by The Rough and Tumble (22)
41. Love and Rain by Annie and Rod Capps (21)
41. Quiet Flame by Caitlin Canty (21)
41. Great Blue North by Special Consensus (21)
41. California by The Refugees (21)
45. Undaunted by Corey Purcell (20)
45. 1988 by Lori McKenna (20)
45. Ampm by Big Little Lions (20)
45. Sweet Western Sound by Tanya Tucker (20)
49. The Other Side by Rachael Sage (19)
49. Rona by Queen Esther (19)
49. Between Hello and Goodbye by Greg Greenway (19)

Top Songs of July 2023

1. “The Hills That I Call Home” by Bob and Sarah Amos (20)
2. “World Keeps on Singing” by Eliza Gilkyson (18)
3. “Northwest Passage” by Runa (17)
4. “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” by The Scooches (16)
5. “Come Out Annie” by Rod MacDonald (15)
6. “Bound for Freedom” by Emma’s Revolution (14)
6. “Lift You Up” by The Scooches (14)
8. “Still Is Still Moving to Me” by Willie Nelson (13)
8. “If I Should Fall Behind” by Crowes Pasture (13)
10. “Circle of Destruction” by Sofia Talvik (12)
11. “Let’s Grow Our Roots Deep and True” by The Scooches (11)
11. “Goin’ Down the Road” by John Linn (11)
11. “You Left Me a Long, Long Time Ago” by Willie Nelson (11)
11. “Better Just Ride the Mule” by Ed Snodderly (11)
11. “Ever Onward” by Bob and Sarah Amos (11)
16. “Thoughts and Prayers” by Josie Bello (10)
16. “Two Old Birds” by Katie Dahl (10)
16. “Dream of a Miner’s Child” by Bob and Sarah Amos (10)
16. “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie (10)
16. “Cry Freedom” by Rod MacDonald (10)
16. “Wherever I Go” by Bob and Sarah Amos (10)
16. “Gone With Gone and Long Time” by Ed Snodderly (10)
16. “Hold On” by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (10)
16. “Cosmos” by Ellis Paul (10)
16. “Both Doors Open” by Katie Dahl (10)

Top Artists of July 2023

Eliza Gilkyson was the most-played artist on folk radio in July 2023, as she was in June. (Photo: Rodney Bursiel)

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza’s Hold That Spirit was the most-played album on folk radio during August 2023, while seminal Canadian-American roots rockers The Band topped the month’s artists chart and had its most-played song (“The Weight”). 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.

Originally from New York City, Ray Zaragoza is a woman of mixed indigenous, Asian and Latina heritage, whose political folk music is informed by her intersectional identity. Hold That Spirit, her third album, was created entirely by women and features songs that were inspired by her thinking about the expectations placed on women as they age. “Hold That Spark is an album about reclaiming the spark inside you that you once thought had to be lit by something outside of yourself,” she says.

[Here’s a link to listen to Raye Zaragoza’s song “Strong Woman,” one of the tracks on
Hold That Spirit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG5j7XSN6m4.]

The Band, widely viewed as pioneers of Americana music, burst on the scene with the release of its debut album, Music From Big Pink, 55 years ago. Among its tracks is the group’s signature song, “The Weight.” One of the most iconic recordings of the 1960s, it was written by Robbie Robertson, who passed away last month. Ostensibly about a visitor’s experiences in a town known as Nazareth (Martin Guitars, which Robertson played, are manufactured in Nazareth, PA), “The Weight” is a song replete with biblical allusions that Robertson once said addressed “the impossibility of sainthood.” The movies of Ingmar Bergman and Luis Bunuel, as well as the music of the American South and the life experiences of the late Levon Helm and other band members reportedly inspired the much-covered song.

[Here’s a link to enjoy a re-mastered recording of “The Weight” by The Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFAQuWFcTo.]

The August 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 11,816 airplays reported on 407 playlists submitted by 111 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 August 2023

1. Hold That Spirit by Raye Zaragoza (77)
2. City of Gold by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (74)
3. Gently as I Go by Caroline Cotter (71)
4. Triple Shot by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (65)
5. Ever Onward by Bob and Sarah Amos (54)
6. Where the Light Lives by Joy Zimmerman (52)
7. Another Ghost Town by Andy and Judy (49)
8. California Morning by Rachel Anne Goodman (48)
8. The Seven Fires Prophecy Suite for Humanity by Kim Moberg (48)
10. New Old Friends by C. Daniel Boling (46)
11. Macguffin by Phil Henry (45)
11. Rants and Romance by Rod MacDonald (45)
13. 1988 by Lori McKenna (44)
14. Center of the Universe by Sofia Talvik (43)
15. Home by Eliza Gilkyson (40)
16. Joni Mitchell at Newport by Joni Mitchell (37)
17. Everything Is Alive by Darlingside (34)
17. You’re the One by Rhiannon Giddens (34)
19. Don’t Blink by Crowes Pasture (31)
20. Lift You Up by The Scooches (30)
21. Nothing but the Green Willow: The Songs of Mary Sands and Jane Gentry
by Martin Simpson and Thomm Jutz (29)
22. Visions by Jan Gillies (28)
22. The Last Waltz by The Band (28)
24. On My Way by Owen Walsh (27)
24. Quiet Flame by Caitlin Canty (27)
26. Kentucky for Me by Dale Ann Bradley (26)
26. The Band by The Band (26)
26. Playing for the Man at the Door: Field Recordings From the Collection
of Mark McCormick by Various Artists (26)
29. Seven Stones by Katie Dahl (25)
30. Alone at Sea by Jeff Plankenhorn (24)
30. Circle of Days by The Nields (24)
32. Lightfoot by Brittany Jean (23)
33. Sweet Western Sound by Tanya Tucker (22)
34. Songs Before They Write Themselves by Holler Choir (21)
34. Bluegrass by Willie Nelson (21)
34. Nothing Else Matters by Phoebe Hunt (21)
34. Dandelion Breeze by The Clements Brothers (21)
34. 55 by Ellis Paul (21)
39. Music From Big Pink by The Band (20)
39. Little Songs by Colter Wall (20)
41. Thank Goodness by Robert Bidney (19)
41. Headwinds by The Kennedys (19)
41. Nine Becomes One by Joe Crookston (19)
44. O Sun O Moon by Bruce Cockburn (18)
44. Cup of Sugar by Tim O’Brien (18)
44. When My Mamma Sang to Me by Songs of Murphy Hicks Henry (18)
44. Gallery of Echoes by Steve Howell (18)
44. It’s a Complicated Life by The Two Tracks (18)
49. The Ballad of Madelyne and Therese by Rachel Garlin (17)
49. Stories From a Rock N Roll Heart by Lucinda Williams (17)
49. Bits and Pieces by Malcolm Holcombe (17)

Top Songs of August 2023

1. “The Weight” by The Band (20)
2. “Strong Woman” by Raye Zaragoza (19)
3. “Up on Cripple Creek” by The Band (16)
3. “How Shall We Sing” by Joy Zimmerman (16)
5. “The Djs” by Andy and Judy (14)
5. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (14)
5. “Italian Balconies” by Lara Herscovitch (14)
8. “Don’t Wait” by Caroline Cotter (13)
9. “Circle of Destruction” by Sofia Talvik (12)
9. “The Year of the Wrecking Ball” by Caroline Cotter (12)
11. “Old Friends” by C. Daniel Boling (11)
11. “If I Should Fall Behind” by Joy Zimmerman (11)
11. “World Keeps on Singing” by Eliza Gilkyson (11)
11. “Joy Revolution” by Raye Zaragoza (11)
11. “On the Sunny Side of Life” by Bob and Sarah Amos (11)
11. “I Put a Spell on You” by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (11)
11. “Songs That Still Make You Cry” by Phil Henry (11)
11. “Hold That Spirit” by Raye Zaragoza (11)
11. “Still Here” by Raye Zaragoza (11)
11. “Waiting for the Rain” by Rachel Anne Goodman (11)
21. “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell (10)
21. “The First Fire – Exodus” by Kim Moberg (10)
21. “Break My Mind” by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (10)
21. “California Morning” by Rachel Anne Goodman (10)
21. “Weightless” by Phil Henry (10)
21. “Here Comes the Storm” by Julie Grower (10)
21. “Heal the World” by Rod MacDonald (10)
21. “Get a Life!” by C. Daniel Boling (10)
21. “The Piney Wood Hills” by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (10)
21. “Alice in the Bluegrass” by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (10)

Top Artists of August 2023

1. The Band (126)
2. Raye Zaragoza (78)
3. Caroline Cotter (74)
3. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (74)
5. Shannon Leigh Reynolds (65)
6. Eliza Gilkyson (64)
6. Joni Mitchell (64)
8. Joy Zimmerman (57)
9. Rod MacDonald (55)
10. Bob and Sarah Amos (54)
11. Phil Henry (50)
12. Andy and Judy (49)
12. Kim Moberg (49)
14. Rachel Anne Goodman (48)
14. Lori McKenna (48)
14. C. Daniel Boling (48)
17. Sofia Talvik (47)
18. Rhiannon Giddens (41)
19. Bob Dylan (38)
20. Willie Nelson (37)
21. John McCutcheon (36)
22. Crowes Pasture (35)
23. Darlingside (34)
23. Nanci Griffith (34)
25. Caitlin Canty (33)
26. Robbie Robertson (32)
27. Brittany Jean (31)
27. Dale Ann Bradley (31)
29. The Scooches (30)
29. Joe Crookston (30)
31. Martin Simpson and Thomm Jutz (29)
31. Tim O’Brien (29)
33. Jan Gillies (28)
34. Ellis Paul (27)
34. Joan Baez (27)
34. Owen Walsh (27)
37. Katie Dahl (26)
37. Tanya Tucker (26)
39. Sinead O’Connor (25)
39. The Nields (25)

The Kennedys, a popular folk-rock and Americana duo, had the most-played album (Headwinds), topped the artists chart, and had four of the month’s top ten songs on folk radio during September 2023. Christian Parker’s rendition of “You Ain’t Going Nowhere” edged out three of them as 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.

The Kennedys (Photo: Suzy Allman)

[Listen to The Kennedys’ song “Waging Peace”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwD2Us-yYmo.]

The Kennedys, who began their writing and touring life three decades ago as members of Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra and developed their own sound as a frequent support act on her tours, logged well over a million miles of roadwork prior to the pandemic and, after three years of weekly live-streamed lockdown-era concerts that afforded them the opportunity to explore classic songwriting in depth, they are touring extensively this fall in support of the new album.

“After such a deep dive into American roots music, we felt like we had a new set of writing tools. We were ready to create this body of work, and there’s just so much to write about,” said Maura Kennedy. “During our five-year hiatus from writing and recording, America changed in massive ways, divisive ways that have shaken our whole foundation. That has to be addressed by creative artists, those of us who have a voice to speak for others. Our love of the great things about this country, things that are under threat, is the reason we decided to make “Headwinds” the title track of the CD. Political and social headwinds are making it hard to get back ‘home’ to our greatness as a nation. We want to push back in a positive way against those winds.”

[Here’s a link to listen to listen to The Kennedys’ song “Late September Breeze”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv4ycFrOmeY.]

Christian Parker is an upstate New York-based songwriter, guitarist and longtime recording artist whose rendition of “You Ain’t Going Nowhere” appears on Sweethearts: A Tribute to The Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo, the month’s second most-played album on folk radio.

The September 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 11,583 airplays reported on 397 playlists submitted by 104 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 September 2023

1. Headwinds by The Kennedys (138)
2. Sweethearts: A Tribute to the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo by
Christian Parker (85)
3. Highways, Gamblers, Devils, and Dreams by Hank Woji (73)
4. New Old Friends by C. Daniel Boling (59)
5. The Breath Between by David Francey (56)
6. Rooted by Emma’s Revolution (52)
7. You’re the One by Rhiannon Giddens (50)
8. Gently as I Go by Caroline Cotter (49)
9. Old Cane Back Rocker by Darrell Scott String Band (44)
10. Hold That Spirit by Raye Zaragoza (42)
11. Bayou St. John by Gregg Hill (39)
12. Location, Location, Location! by John Forster (38)
13. My Father Loved Me by Rachael Kilgour (36)
13. A Great Wild Mercy by Carrie Newcomer (36)
15. Bluegrass by Willie Nelson (35)
15. City of Gold by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (35)
17. All You Need by Steven Gellman (34)
18. Ever Onward by Bob and Sarah Amos (32)
19. My Own Mistakes by Eric Kilburn (31)
19. Morning Shift by Steep Canyon Rangers (31)
21. Be Brave by Catherine Miles and Jay Mafale (30)
22. Sweet Western Sound by Tanya Tucker (29)
23. Gallery of Echoes by Steve Howell (28)
23. The Lonesome Chronicles by Kathy Kallick Band (28)
23. Center of the Universe by Sofia Talvik (28)
26. Triple Shot by Shannon Leigh Reynolds (27)
27. Where the Light Lives by Joy Zimmerman (26)
28. California Morning by Rachel Anne Goodman (25)
28. Jubilee by Old Crow Medicine Show (25)
30. The Seven Fires Prophecy: Suite for Humanity by Kim Moberg (24)
30. Another Ghost Town by Andy and Judy (24)
32. Try to Make It Fly by Lonesome Ace Stringband (23)
33. Everything Is Alive by Darlingside (22)
33. Let All Who Will by Chris Pierce (22)
33. Alone at Sea by Jeff Plankenhorn (22)
36. Sweetheart of the Rodeo by The Byrds (21)
36. A Sunday Drive by Ed Sweeney (21)
38. Visions by Jan Gillies (20)
39. Valley of Heart’s Delight by Margo Cilker (19)
39. Home by Eliza Gilkyson (19)
39. Anything but Ordinary by Jan Aldridge Clark (19)
39. Macguffin by Phil Henry (19)
39. The Returner by Allison Russell (19)
44. 1988 by Lori McKenna (18)
44. Cup of Sugar by Tim O’Brien (18)
46. Rants and Romance by Rod Macdonald (17)
46. The Road Less Taken by Carl Jack (17)
48. Don’t Blink by Crowes Pasture (16)
48. Promised Land by Danny Burns (16)
48. Count It in Moons by Heather Miller (16)

Top Songs of September 2023

[Here’s a link to listen to Christian Parker’s rendition of The Byrds’ “You Ain’t Going Nowhere”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_brvK4yGdjY.]

1. “You Ain’t Going Nowhere” by Christian Parker (21)
2. “Late September Breeze” by The Kennedys (20)
2. “New Set of Wheels” by The Kennedys (20)
2. “Waging Peace” by The Kennedys (20)
5. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (19)
6. “Little Green Bottles” by The Kennedys (18)
7. “Late September” by Randall Kromm (17)
8. “Just Lonesome Ol’ Me and the Radio” by Kathy Kallick Band (16)
9. “100 Summers” by James Lee Baker (14)
10. “Pretty Boy Floyd” by Christian Parker (12)
10. “The Year of the Wrecking Ball” by Caroline Cotter (12)
10. “I Called It Love” by David Francey (12)
13. “The Coffee Song” by Rod Abernethy (11)
13. “Headwinds” by The Kennedys (11)
13. “Come Monday” by Jimmy Buffett (11)
13. “The Woods and the Wild” by The Kennedys (11)
17. “Strong Woman” by Raye Zaragoza (10)
17. “Coming Your Way” by Caroline Cotter (10)
17. “It’s Lonesome Everywhere I Go” by Kathy Kallick Band (10)
17. “The Sky Doesn’t Look Right” by The Kennedys (10)
21. “End of Summer” by John and Sheila Ludgate (9)
21. “You Don’t Miss Your Water” by Christian Parker (9)
21. “Ya Gotta Love Jerusalem” by John Forster (9)
21. “Hen in the Foxhouse” by Rhiannon Giddens (9)
21. “Clearwater Tune” by Emma’s Revolution (9)
21. “This Town Has No Cafe” by C. Daniel Boling (9)
21. “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” by Darrell Scott String Band (9)
21. “You’re the One” by Rhiannon Giddens (9)
21. “Just Like You, Just Like Me” by Steven Gellman (9)
21. “The Pemberton Mill” by Andy and Judy (9)

Top Artists of September 2023

Maura and Pete Kennedy (Photo: Jeff Fasano)

More Than A Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith, a compilation album featuring various artists performing songs written or recorded by the late singer-songwriter, was the most-played album on folk radio during November 2023. One of its tracks, “Listen to the Radio” performed by Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle, was the top song — edging out songs by Erik Balkey and Laura Zucker. Veteran Canadian singer-songwriter Sylvia Tyson was the month’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 November 2023 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 11,413 airplays reported on 385 playlists submitted by 109 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 November 2023

1.More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith by Various Artists (114)
2. At the End of the Day by Sylvia Tyson (99)
3. The Lonesome Chronicles by Kathy Kallick Band (87)
4. Together by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (83)
5. Ozark Symphony by Kelly Hunt (60)
6. Under a Cathedral Sky by Ynana Rose (59)
7. Lavender Moonshine by Tret Fure (55)
8. Imaginary People by Viv and Riley (50)
9. A Great Wild Mercy by Carrie Newcomer (49)
10. Folktown by Mark Leggett (48)
11. The Breath Between by David Francey (47)
12. Two Singing Songs by Ben Gage (44)
13. Tarwater by Colin Cutler (40)
13. Fear of Falling Stars by Kristen Grainger and True North (40)
15. Try to Make It Fly by Lonesome Ace Stringband (39)
16. Keep Going by Connie Kaldor (38)
17. Sun to Sun by Alice Gerrard (37)
17. Ancestor Song by Janice Jo Lee (37)
19. Homecoming by Folk Legacy Trio (34)
20. Old Cane Back Rocker by Darrell Scott String Band (33)
21. On the Blind Side by Ray Bonneville (31)
21. Love and Rain by Annie and Rod Capps (31)
23. Endless Turn of Day Into Night by Last Birds (30)
24. Headwinds by The Kennedys (29)
25. Cherchez La Femme by Karyn Oliver (28)
26. Battle Cry Mercy by Jared Dustin Griffin (26)
26. Gently as I Go by Caroline Cotter (26)
26. City of Gold by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (26)
26. You’re the One by Rhiannon Giddens (26)
30. Ever Onward by Bob and Sarah Amos (24)
31. Queen of Time by Lindsay Lou (23)
32. Leave the Light On by Terry Klein (21)
32. Jubilee by Old Crow Medicine Show (21)
32. Center of the Universe by Sofia Talvik (21)
35. No Help Coming by The Fugitives (20)
35. Highways, Gamblers, Devils and Dreams by Hank Woji (20)
35. Heat Comes Down by John R. Miller (20)
38. Sweethearts: A Tribute to the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo by Christian Parker (19)
38. Dogs Without a Home by E.G. Cooper (19)
40. I Kept These Old Blues by Muireann Bradley (18)
40. Colors and Covers by Brittany Jean (18)
40. Dandelion Breeze by The Clements Brothers (18)
40. New Dawn by Tricia Eaves (18)
44. Big Red Gibson by Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus (17)
45. My Father Loved Me by Rachael Kilgour (16)
45. By the Refinery Lights by Laura Zucker (16)
45. 55 by Ellis Paul (16)
48. Valley of Heart’s Delight by Margo Cilker (15)
48. Timepiece by Matthew Morgan (15)
48. Thank God We Left the Garden by Jeffrey Martin (15)
48. Traveling Wildfire by Dom Flemons (15)
48. Hackney Diamonds by The Rolling Stones (15)

Top Songs of November 2023

1. “Listen to the Radio” by Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle (17)
2. “Thanksgiving Prayer” by Laura Zucker (16)
2. “Born in the USA” by Erik Balkey (16)
4. “Sun to Sun” by Alice Gerrard (15)
5. “Just Lonesome Ol’ Me & the Radio” by Kathy Kallick Band (14)
5. “Folktown” by Mark Leggett (14)
7. “Lavender Moonshine” by Tret Fure (13)
7. “Redwood Holler” by Ynana Rose (13)
7. “Now Tell Me That You’ve Got the Blues” by Sylvia Tyson (13)
7. “Love at the Five and Dime” by John Prine and Kelsey Waldon (13)
11. “Thanksgiving Song” by Mary Chapin Carpenter (12)
11. “Home for the Harvest” by Craig Bickhardt (12)
11. “Company” by Ben Gage (12)
11. “Long Chain of Love” by Sylvia Tyson (12)
11. “I Called It Love” by David Francey (12)
11. “Kygers Hill” by Viv and Riley (12)
17. “At the End of the Day” by Sylvia Tyson (11)
17. “Letters From Joe” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (11)
17. “Run to the River” by Colin Cutler (11)
17. “Midlife Walkin’ Blues” by Ynana Rose (11)
17. “In America” by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (11)
17. “Gulf Coast Highway” by Brandy Clark (11)
17. “November” by Bob and Sarah Amos (11)
17. “Ford Econoline” by Todd Snider (11)
25. “People Get Ready” by The Sherpas (10)
25. “Angels in Troubled Times” by Sylvia Tyson (10)
25. “It’s a Hard Life Wherever You Go” by Steve Earle (10)
25. “Not Quite Rain” by Sylvia Tyson (10)
25. “Mama Don’t Know Where Heaven Is” by Colin Cutler (10)
25. “No Place Like Home” by Tret Fure (10)
25. “Sweet Agony” by Sylvia Tyson (10)

Top Artists of November 2023

1. Sylvia Tyson (108)
2. Kathy Kallick Band (87)
3. Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (83)
4. Joni Mitchell (71)
5. Kelly Hunt (61)
6. Tret Fure (60)
7. Ynana Rose (59)
7. Carrie Newcomer (59)
9. Viv and Riley (50)
10. David Francey (49)
11. Bob Dylan (48)
11. Mark Leggett (48)
13. Connie Kaldor (45)
14. Ben Gage (44)
15. Lonesome Ace Stringband (42)
16. Kristen Grainger and True North (41)
17. Darrell Scott String Band (40)
17. Colin Cutler (40)
19. Alice Gerrard (39)
20. John McCutcheon (38)
21. Janice Jo Lee (37)
22. Folk Legacy Trio (34)
22. Rhiannon Giddens (34)
24. Ray Bonneville (33)
25. The Kennedys (31)
25. Annie and Rod Capps (31)
25. Brittany Jean (31)
25. Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (31)
29. Last Birds (30)
30. Willie Nelson (29)
31. Karyn Oliver (28)
32. Eliza Gilkyson (27)
33. Jared Dustin Griffin (26)
33. Caroline Cotter (26)
33. The Fugitives (26)
36. Arlo Guthrie (25)
37. Bob and Sarah Amos (24)
37. Old Crow Medicine Show (24)
37. Gordon Lightfoot (24)
40. Ellis Paul (23)
40. John R. Miller (23)
40. John Prine (23)
40. Mary Gauthier (23)
40. Lindsay Lou (23)

The Americana Music Association has released a listing of the top 100 albums of 2023 as reported to the Americana Radio Airplay Albums Chart (powered by CDX) during the period extending from January 1—December 12, 2023. Topping the chart is Weathervanes by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, which also had the #1 and #3 singles with “When We Were Close” and “Death Wish,” respectively. Charley Crockett had the #2 album (The Man From Waco) and #2 song (“Trinity River”).

Here’s a link to listen to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s “When We Were Close”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF141kKZ-nc

Established in 1999, the Americana Music Association is a professional not-for-profit trade association whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world. In addition to publishing the weekly Americana Airplay Chart, it hosts an annual AmericanaFest in Nashville, Tennessee each September, of which its Americana Honors & Awards is a highlight. Visit americanamusic.org for more information.

1 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit/Weathervanes
2 Charley Crockett/The Man From Waco
3 Lukas Nelson + POTR/Sticks and Stones
4 The Band of Heathens/Simple Things
5 Margo Price/Strays
6 Lucinda Williams/Stories From a Rock N Roll Heart
7 Turnpike Troubadours/A Cat in the Rain
8 Rodney Crowell/The Chicago Sessions
9 Slaid Cleaves/Together Through the Dark
10 Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway/City of Gold
11 Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives/Altitude
12 The Wood Brothers/Heart is the Hero
13 Josh Ritter/Spectral Lines
14 Devon Gilfillian/Love You Anyway
15 Hiss Golden Messenger/Jump for Joy
16 Tyler Childers/Rustin’ in the Rain
17 Plains/I Walked With You a Ways
18 Sunny War/Anarchist Gospel
19 The Revivalists/Pour It Out Into the Night
20 The Teskey Brothers/The Winding Way
21 Nikki Lane/Denim & Diamonds
22 Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors/Strangers No More
23 Sunny Sweeney/Married Alone
24 Charley Crockett/Live from the Ryman
25 Brent Cobb/Southern Star
26 The Shootouts/Stampede
27 Rhiannon Giddens/You’re the One
28 Eilen Jewell/Get Behind the Wheel
29 Nickel Creek/Celebrants
30 Black Pumas/Chronicles of a Diamond
31 Billy Strings/Me/And/Dad
32 Old Crow Medicine Show/Jubilee
33 Deer Tick/Emotional Contracts
34 Brandy Clark/Brandy Clark
35 Chris Stapleton/Higher
36 Eddie 9V/Capricorn
37 Allison Russell/The Returner
38 Grace Potter/Mother Road
39 The Lone Bellow/Love Songs for Losers (Deluxe Edition)
40 Flatland Cavalry/Songs to Keep You Warm – EP
41 Brennen Leigh/Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet
42 Iris Dement/Workin’ on a World
43 Parker Millsap/Wilderness Within You
44 The Lone Bellow/Love Songs for Losers
45 Colter Wall/Little Songs
46 Melissa Carper/Ramblin’ Soul
47 Jaime Wyatt/Feel Good
48 Emily Nenni/On the Ranch
49 Pony Bradshaw/North Georgia Rounder
50 The War and Treaty/Lover’s Game
51 Various Artists/More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith
52 Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley/Living in a Song
53 Son Volt/Day of the Doug
54 Margo Cilker/Valley of Heart’s Delight
55 The Arcs/Electrophonic Chronic
56 Tyler Childers/Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?
57 Shakey Graves/Movie of the Week
58 Kyle Nix & the 38’s/After the Flood
59 Natalie Merchant/Keep Up Your Courage
60 Abraham Alexander/Sea/Sons
61 Trampled by Turtles/Alpenglow
62 Tommy Emmanuel/Accomplice Two
63 Jobi Riccio/Whiplash
64 Wilder Woods/Fever
65 Caamp/Lavender Days
66 Ryan Bingham/Watch Out for the Wolf – EP
67 Randy Rogers Band/Homecoming
68 Bonnie Raitt/Just Like That…
69 Bahamas/Bootcut
70 Jaimee Harris/Boomerang Town
71 Vince Herman/Enjoy the Ride
72 Miko Marks & the Resurrectors/Feel Like Going Home
73 Duane Betts/Wild & Precious Life
74 Zach Bryan/American Heartbreak
75 Lucero/Should’ve Learned by Now
76 Gov’t Mule/Peace… like a River
77 Gabe Lee/The Hometown Kid
78 Brit Taylor/Kentucky Blue
79 Carter Simpson/Gold
80 Willie Nelson/Bluegrass
81 Bruce Cockburn/0 Sun 0 Moon
82 Sam Bush/Radio John: Songs of John Hartford
83 Charles Wesley Godwin/Family Ties
84 Dom Flemons/Traveling Wildfire
85 Joshua Ray Walker/What Is It Even?
86 Robbie Fulks/Bluegrass Vacation
87 Jason Carter/Lowdown Hoedown
88 Zach Bryan/Zach Bryan
89 Will Hoge/Wings on My Shoes
90 Darrell Scott String Band/Old Cane Back Rocker
91 JD Clayton/Long Way From Home
92 Amy Grant/If All Goes South
93 The Great Divide/Providence
94 Seth Avett/Seth Avett Sings Greg Brown
95 Adeem the Artist/White Trash Revelry
96 William Prince/Stand in the Joy
97 Various Artists/One Night in Texas: the Next Waltz’s Tribute to the Red Headed Stranger
98 Lori McKenna/1988
99 The Watson Twins/Holler
100 Tedeschi Trucks Band/I Am the Moon: IV. Farewell

Alice Di Micele had the top album (Interpretations: Volume 1) and was the most-played artist on folk radio during January 2024. “The Great Forgetting” by Natalia Zukerman edged out “Let’s Get Happy Together” by Jim Kweskin, the month’s second most-played artist, for 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.

Alice Di Micele is a New Jersey-born and Oregon-based independent folk artist. Interpretations: Volume 1, released last month on her own independent label, is her 17th solo recording and features covers of songs by artists who have inspired her as performers and songwriters. These include Rev. Gary Davis, The Grateful Dead, Abbey Lincoln, Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Sting, Kate Wolf, and Neil Young. Di Micele released her first solo recording (Make a Change) in 1988 and also appears on a number of compilations. An environmental and peace activist, many of Di Micele’s own songs reflect on those themes as she seeks to uplift the human experience through her music.

[Here’s a link to view a video of Alice Di Micele performing her rendition of Kate Wolf’s “Give Yourself to Love”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm65iQs7taA.]

Natalia Zukerman, whose song “The Great Forgetting” appears on Hudson Harding Music’s Folk Now: Songs For These Times (Jan. 2024) compilation, is a musician, painter and educator. A daughter of violist –conductor Pinchas Zukerman and flutist-writer Eugenia Zukerman), she grew up in New York City, studied art at Oberlin, started a mural business in San Francisco, began her songwriting career in Boston, and now resides, writes, plays, teaches and paints in New York’s Hudson Valley. She has released eight independent albums and has toured internationally as a solo performer since 2005. Zukerman also developed and performs a multimedia one-woman show, The Women Who Rode Away. She was a Cultural Diplomat for the U.S. Department of State — playing concerts and conducting workshops with her trio.

[Here’s a link to listen to “The Great Forgetting” by Natalia Zukerman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GeJa_fhz7k&list=PLhIof2GTkkV11AhZYVVYZ9rDlfieNzWoU&index=6&pp=iAQB8AUB.]

The January 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12, 269 airplays reported on 414 playlists submitted by 108 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 January 2024

1 Interpretations: Volume 1 by Alice Di Micele (70)
2 More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith by Various Artists (62)
3 Never Too Late: Duets With My Friends by Jim Kweskin (60)
4 By Request by Mustard’s Retreat (54)
5 Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 (Live at the Hollywood Bowl) by Various Artists (48)
6 So Strong by Jaspar Lepak (42)
7 The Lonesome Chronicles by Kathy Kallick Band (41)
8 Dark Harvest by Malcolm MacWatt (38)
8 Together by Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon (38)
10 I Kept These Old Blues by Muireann Bradley (34)
11 Wanderlust by Elexa Dawson and Stanley Hotel (31)
11 Simple Motion by Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (31)
13 Even Better on the Bad Days by Scott Sean White (29)
14 Old Ghosts by Diane Coll (28)
14 The Songs of Tom Gala by Free Wheelin’ Fools (28)
16 Two Singing Songs by Ben Gage (26)
17 American Patchwork Quartet by American Patchwork Quartet (25)
18 Fear of Falling Stars by Kristen Grainger and True North (24)
19 At the End of the Day by Sylvia Tyson (23)
19 The Breath Between by David Francey (23)
19 Ozark Symphony by Kelly Hunt (23)
22 A Recipe for Hope by Linda Marks (22)
22 Do You Recall by Dori Freeman (22)
24 Songs to Fight Oppression by Scott Free (21)
24 Ever Onward by Bob and Sarah Amos (21)
24 A Great Wild Mercy by Carrie Newcomer (21)
27 Au Coeur De l’Aube by Genticorum (20)
27 Colors and Covers by Brittany Jean (20)
29 City of Gold by Golden Highway and Molly Tuttle (19)
29 Lavender Moonshine by Tret Fure (19)
29 The Little in Between by Tim Grimm (19)
32 Old Cane Back Rocker by Darrell Scott String Band (18)
32 Endless Turn of Day Into Night by Last Birds (18)
32 Home by Eliza Gilkyson (18)
32 Under a Cathedral Sky by Ynana Rose (18)
36 Honeysuckle Switches: The Songs of Lucinda Williams by Amos Lee (17)
36 Weathervanes by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (17)
36 Praying’ for Sunshine by Suzy Bogguss (17)
36 Born Again Bluegrass by Marty Falle (17)
40 Bigger Than in Between by Sam Robbins (16)
40 I’m the Only One Who Will Tell You, You’re Bad by Goodnight Moonshine (16)
42 New Old Friends by C. Daniel Boling (15)
42 Songs for the Canyon by John Vincent Iii (15)
42 Mile 77 by Jody Stecher and Mile Twelve (15)
42 1988 by Lori McKenna (15)
46 Constellations by Meredith Moon (14)
46 Leaning In by Open Book (14)
46 Love and Rain by Annie and Rod Capps (14)
46 You’re the One by Rhiannon Giddens (14)
46 Rants and Romance by Rod MacDonald (14)
46 Folktown by Mark Leggett (14)

Top Songs of January 2024

Natalia Zukerman had the most-played song on folk radio in January 2024. (Photo: Jen Lee)

Top Artists of January 2024

Alice Di Micele was the most-played artist and had the top album on folk radio in January 2024.

Sarah Jarosz had the top album (Polaroid Lovers), two of the top ten songs, and was the most-played artist on folk radio during March 2024. “The Ballad of Sally Anne” by Rhiannon Giddens and “If God is an Apple” by Erik Balkey and Jessica Smucker tied for the month’s 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.

The March 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 13,042 airplays reported on 429 playlists submitted by 111 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 March 2024

[Here’s a link to view a video of Sarah Jarosz performing songs from Polaroid Lovers, the top album on folk radio during March 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTRNQfESd0k.]

Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz was the most-played album on folk radio during March 2024.

Top Songs of March 2024

[Here’s a link to enjoy a video of Erik Balkey and Jessica Smucker performing their song entitled “If God is an Apple:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZAxyMCoepU.]

[And here’s one to view he official lyric video for Rhiannon Giddens’ song “The Ballad of Sally Anne:” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TEjVW_AX1A.]

1 “The Ballad of Sally Anne” by Rhiannon Giddens (23)
1 “If God Is an Apple” by Erik Balkey and Jessica Smucker (23)
3 “World Brand New” by Mouths of Babes (18)
3 “Trapped in an Irish Drinking Song” by Miranda Hardy (18)
5 “One More Time Around the Sun” by Tom Rush (17)
6 “The Barley and the Rye” by Altan (15)
7 “Someone to Follow” by Aoife O’Donovan (14)
7 “Runaway Train” by Sarah Jarosz (14)
9 “Days Can Turn Around” by Sarah Jarosz (13)
9 “River Rock” by Meghan Cary (13)
11 “Worth” by Jillian Matundan (12)
11 “The Fields of Chazy” by Claudia Gibson (12)
11 “Pictures of You” by Mouths of Babes (12)
14 “Tree of Life” by Mara Levine (11)
14 “10 Dollar Show” by Jay Linden (11)
14 “Relic of the Rain” by Ordinary Elephant (11)
14 “When the Lights Go Out” by Sarah Jarosz (11)
14 “Her Voice Is a River” by Colleen Kattau (11)
14 “Nothing Says It’s Springtime Like the Redbud” by Chris Haddox (11)
14 “The Border” by Willie Nelson (11)
14 “Jubilee” by Mouths of Babes (11)
22 “Rhapsody in Blue(s)” by Bela Fleck (10)
22 “Frozen” by Jillian Matundan (10)
22 “Take the High Road” by Sarah Jarosz (10)
22 “Once Upon a Time” by Ordinary Elephant (10)
22 “Sailing” by Tom Rush (10)
22 “Beneath the Willow” by American Patchwork Quartet (10)
22 “The Donegal Selection: An Bothar Mor/Tommy Peoples’ Reel/Is Cuma Liom (Reels)” by Altan (10)

Top Artists of March 2024

1 Sarah Jarosz (92)
2 Tom Rush (76)
2 Altan (76)
4 Mouths of Babes (70)
5 Stan Rogers (57)
6 American Patchwork Quartet (53)
7 Jillian Matundan (51)
7 Susan Werner (51)
9 Malcolm Holcombe (50)
10 Jeff Talmadge (49)
10 Runa (49)
12 Rhiannon Giddens (48)
13 Jay Linden (43)
14 Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (40)
14 Aoife O’Donovan (40)
16 John Smith (38)
16 Leslie Evers (38)
18 Mad Agnes (35)
18 Nanci Griffith (35)
18 Jim Kweskin (35)
21 Josh Fortenbery (34)
22 John McCutcheon (32)
22 Muireann Bradley (32)
22 The Heart Collectors (32)
22 Claudia Gibson (32)
26 Jesse Lynn Madera (31)
26 Doc Watson (31)
28 Simone Keane (30)
28 Charm City Junction (30)
30 David Francey (29)
30 Joni Mitchell (29)
32 The Chieftains (28)
32 Carole Wise (28)
32 Tim O’Brien (28)
32 Lisa Bastoni (28)
36 Bob Dylan (27)
36 Charlie Parr (27)
38 Ordinary Elephant (26)
39 Willi Carlisle (25)
39 Wayne Brereton (25)
39 Malcolm MacWatt (25)

Cris Jacobs had the top album (One of These Days) and was the most-played artist on folk radio during April 2024, while Tim Grimm had the month’s most-played song (“Broken Truth”) and was the second 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.

Cris Jacobs is a Baltimore, Maryland-based singer-songwriter. The music on his album One of These Days is rooted in bluegrass, folk and blues. Produced by Jerry Douglas (an acclaimed Dobro player and winner of 16 Grammy Awards), the 11-track album was recorded live and features Jacobs’ friends The Infamous Stringdusters as his backing band. Also lending their musical talents to the recording are Sam Bush, Billy Strings, Lee Ann Womack, The McCrary Sisters, Lindsay Lou, and more.

“I’ve always found so much comfort in roots music — in string band music,” says Jacobs. “ There’s just something about the sound of all those instruments together that resonates with me to my core and brings me grounding and peace.”

[Here’s a link to listen to the title track of Cris Jacobs’ One of These Days: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ar6TOfYs9M.]

Tim Grimm is an acclaimed storytelling balladeer who splits his time between homes in the woods of southern Indiana and a cottage in Oklahoma when not on tour. Over the years, he’s had a number of top albums and songs on the Folk DJ (now FAI Folk) and EuroAmericana charts. Gone and A Stranger In This Town were the most-played albums on folk radio during 2021 and 2017 respectively, while “Gone,” “Gonna Be Great,” “Woody’s Landlord” (about former President Donald Trump’s father), and “King of the Folksingers” (a tribute to his friend and musical icon Ramblin’ Jack Elliott) were the most-played songs of 2020, 2017, 2016, and 2014.

Like the first three songs mentioned above, Grimm’s recent chart-topping single, “Broken Truth” is a politically charged one. About “Broken Truth,” Grimm says: “We as a society should have dismissed Trump after his loss, and certainly after the January 6th storming of the Capitol. We should have arrested him and dismantled the framework that enabled him. But we didn’t, and he’s still out there—telling outright lies and running for another term. We must speak up. We must face this deep tear in the fabric of our society, not bury our heads in the sand. We must fight back. We must not let our country descend into this dystopian madness. We need to wield the songwriting sword with a fervent intent these days. For nine years we’ve lived with sorrow – our will has been tested and our hearts have been broken. Let’s turn the tide and wield Pete Seeger’s Hammer. Let’s make America a good place, a compassionate place which can be called a beacon for truth and hope again. I’ll be singing, loud and clear.”

[Here’s a link to a video for Tim Grimm’s “Broken Truth”: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XYGLjP-58.]

The April 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 11,836 airplays reported on 413 playlists submitted by 108 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 April 2024

1 One of These Days Cris Jacobs (74)
2 Trail of Flowers Sierra Ferrell (65)
3 Sailing Dreams Muriel Anderson (62)
4 By Now Heather Little (60)
5 Restless Soul Syndrome Jon Shain (55)
6 Diamond Days Brooks Williams (44)
6 Gardens Old, Flowers New Tom Rush (44)
8 Another Side Rachael Sage (43)
9 Bring in the Light Phoebe Rees (38)
10 Little Sun Charlie Parr (36)
10 My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall Various Artists (36)
12 Far Rockaway – The Songs of Phil Ochs Phil Odgers and John Kettle (35)
13 One Guitar Woman Sue Foley (34)
13 Polaroid Lovers Sarah Jarosz (34)
15 Singing to the Moon Jillian Matundan (33)
16 Seed Todd Burge (31)
16 All Is Song Misner and Smith (31)
18 All My Friends Aoife O’Donovan (30)
19 World Brand New Mouths of Babes (29)
20 All About the Bones Chris (27)
20 The Best Part Lisa Redfern (27)
20 Ordinary Sunrise Jay Linden (27)
20 Likely Story Mad Agnes (27)
24 Live at the Scala Theater Eric Bibb (26)
25 Ordinary Elephant Ordinary Elephant (25)
26 Whitechapel West of Eden (24)
26 Leaning In Open Book (24)
26 Wanderer Ruth Moody (24)
26 American Patchwork Quartet American Patchwork Quartet (24)
26 Simple Motion Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (24)
31 Death’s Little Black Train Roman Barten-Sherman (23)
32 Sparrow Jeff Talmadge (22)
32 Used to Ain’t Here No More Ken Tillery (22)
34 Another Heart Ann Savoy (21)
34 Donegal Altan (21)
36 Out of the Darkness Nina Jo Smith (20)
36 No Such Thing as Forever Josh Fortenbery (20)
36 Tigers Blood Waxahatchee (20)
39 The Fields of Chazy Claudia Gibson (19)
39 More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith Various Artists (19)
41 Graced by Leaves Simone Keane (18)
42 Salt Box Charm City Junction (17)
42 The Living Kind John Smith (17)
44 Halfway to Houston Susan Werner (16)
45 Tell ‘Em You Were Gold Pharis and Jason Romero (15)
45 Visitor John Moreland (15)
45 Ezra Ezra (15)
45 Prayin’ for Sunshine Suzy Bogguss (15)
45 The Bard of Aquarius Zera Starchild (15)
50 So Much for Forever Authentic Unlimited (14)
50 On the Water Lisa Bastoni (14)
50 Deeper Well Kacey Musgraves (14)
50 The Last Trip Home Wendy Grossman (14)

Top Songs of April 2024

1 Broken Truth Tim Grimm (49)
2 Oceans Rising Kristen Grainger and True North (14)
2 Hands Like Mine Heather Little (14)
4 High on a Mountain With Ola Belle Reed Phoebe Rees (13)
4 “Tides” Muriel Anderson (13)
4 “Jersey Barriers” Jon Shain (13)
4 “The Growing Season” Todd Burge (13)
8 “American Dreaming” Sierra Ferrell (12)
8 “The Border” Willie Nelson (12)
10 “Big Sky” Brooks Williams (11)
10 “Albatross” Rachael Sage (11)
10 “Time to Move On” Chris Smither (11)
10 “Runaway Train” Sarah Jarosz (11)
10 “Lighthouse” Sierra Ferrell (11)
10 “Already Free” Ruth Moody (11)
16 “A Meadow” Open Book (10)
16 “Pale Blue Dot” Bett Padgett (10)
16 “One of These Days” Cris Jacobs (10)
16 “World Brand New” Mouths of Babes (10)
16 “Beauty of this World” Mad Agnes (10)
16 “Transistor Radio” Heather Little (10)
16 “Let Loose and Fly” Muriel Anderson (10)
16 “Work Song (I Can Still Sing)” Cris Jacobs (10)
24 “We Are Turning Gold” Joe Crookston (9)
24 “ Dooley” Tony Trischka (9)
24 “The Place of Fun” Rachael Sage (9)
24 “Relic of the Rain” Ordinary Elephant (9)
24 “All About the Bones” Chris Smither (9)
24 “When the Light Has Gone” Jack Williams (9)
24 “Lonesome Homesick Blues” Sue Foley (9)
24 “Small Towns (Are Smaller for Girls)” Leyla McCalla (9)
24 “Heavy Water” Cris Jacobs (9)
24 “Sailing Dream” Muriel Anderson (9)
24 “Bluegrass Radio” Alison Brown and Steve Martin (9)

Top Artists of April 2024

1 Cris Jacobs (74)
2 Tim Grimm (73)
3 Sierra Ferrell (70)
4 Muriel Anderson (67)
5 Si Kahn (66)
6 Heather Little (60)
7 Jon Shain (56)
8 Pete Seeger (54)
9 Brooks Williams (51)
10 Tom Rush (50)
11 Rachael Sage (49)
12 Charlie Parr (40)
12 Phil Ochs (40)
12 Sarah Jarosz (40)
15 Phoebe Rees (38)
16 Sue Foley (36)
16 John Prine (36)
18 Phil Odgers and John Kettle (35)
19 Jillian Matundan (33)
19 Malcolm Holcombe (33)
19 Chris Smither (33)
22 Misner and Smith (32)
22 Mad Agnes (32)
22 Todd Burge (32)
22 Mouths of Babes (32)
22 Aoife O’Donovan (32)
27 John McCutcheon (31)
27 Ordinary Elephant (31)
29 Lisa Redfern (29)
30 Bob Dylan (28)
30 The Seldom Scene (28)
32 Jay Linden (27)
32 Eric Bibb (27)
32 Magpie (27)
32 Susan Werner (27)
36 Ruth Moody (26)
37 Steve Goodman (25)
37 Emmylou Harris (25)
37 Rhiannon Giddens (25)
37 West of Eden (25)

Cris Jacobs had the top album (One of These Days) on folk radio during May 2024, while Stella Prince’s “Dear Future Me” was the most-played song and Bob Dylan was the month’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.

A Baltimore, Maryland-based singer-songwriter, Jacobs also had the most-played album on folk radio in April. The music on One of These Days is rooted in bluegrass, folk and blues. Produced by Jerry Douglas (an acclaimed Dobro player and winner of 16 Grammy Awards), the 11-track album was recorded live and features Jacobs’ friends The Infamous Stringdusters as his backing band. Also lending their talents to the recording are Sam Bush, Billy Strings, Lee Ann Womack, The McCrary Sisters, Lindsay Lou, and more.

[Here’s a link to listen to Cris Jacobs’ “Work Song (I Can Still Sing)” also featuring Lindsay Lou: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=523p6c6_BeE.]

Stella Prince’s Dear Future Me,” is the title track of a five-song EP that the up-and-coming, Nashville, Tennessee-based singer-songwriter released in April. Prince describes her sound as “Gen Z Folk” and aims to help bring folk music to a new generation, although her music has also been getting considerable play on Americana and alt country radio. She was the youngest performer at this year’s Tin Pan South festival, has performed for a full house at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Café, showcased her talents at Your Roots Are Showing -Ireland’s Folk Conference, and reportedly played a sold out tour of the UK.

[Here’s a link to listen to Stella Prince’s “Dear Future Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or7lLiBgKQQ.]

The May 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12,387 airplays reported on 420 playlists submitted by 110 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 May 2024

1 One of These Days by Cris Jacobs 73
2 Wanderer Ruth Moody 64
2 Sharing in the Spirit Ana Egge 64
4 Trail of Flowers Sierra Ferrell 62
5 Diamond Days Brooks Williams 61
6 As Above Now So Below Crow and Gazelle 59
7 The Ghost of Tucumcari Dana Cooper 56
8 All About the Bones Chris Smither 54
9 By Now Heather Little 49
10 Sailing Dreams Muriel Anderson 45
11 Strange Medicine Kaia Kater 44
12 My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall Various Artists (42)
13 Restless Soul Syndrome Jon Shain (40)
13 Dear Future Me Stella Prince (40)
15 Jubilee Becky Buller (37)
16 The Pie Chart of Love RubyJoyful (36)
17 Bring in the Light Phoebe Rees (35)
18 Trees Laurie Lewis (33)
18 Gary Davis Style: The Legacy of Reverend Gary Davis Various Artists (33)
20 Every New Beginning Kim Richey (32)
20 Ordinary Elephant Ordinary Elephant (32)
22 All Is Song Misner and Smith (30)
23 Another Heart Ann Savoy (26)
24 Garden Old, Flowers New Tom Rush (25)
25 Change Is Now: A Tribute to the Byrds Christian Parker (23)
26 Les Secrets Du Ciel Yann Falquet (22)
26 Listen to the World Spin Paper Wings (22)
26 Used to Ain’t Here No More Ken Tillery (22)
29 Another Side Rachael Sage (21)
30 Life After Life Mark and Maggie O’Connor (20)
30 $10 Cowboy Charley Crockett (20)
30 Little Sun Charlie Parr (20)
30 Time and Evolution Stephanie Sammons (20)
30 The Living Kind John Smith (20)
30 The Last Trip Home Wendy Grossman (20)
30 Before the Machine Zoe Fitzgerald Carter (20)
30 The Border Willie Nelson (20)
38 Out of the Darkness Nina Jo Smith (19)
38 All My Friends Aoife O’Donovan (19)
38 World Brand New Mouths of Babes (19)
41 Tigers Blood Waxahatchee (18)
41 Banjo Jubulations Benny Bleu (18)
43 Edge of a Hurricane Katie Oates (17)
43 Yellow Line Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road (17)
43 Water This Dark John Shipe (17)
43 Seed Todd Burge (17)
43 American Patchwork Quartet American Patchwork Quartet (17)
43 Ship to Shore Richard Thompson (1)
43 Simple Motion Eric Brace and Thomm Jutz (17)
43 The Complete Friends of Old Time Music Concert (Live) Georgia Sea Island Singers (17)
43 The Beauty of This Now Marc Douglas Berardo (17)
43 The Best Part Lisa Redfern (17)

Top Songs of May 2024

1 “Dear Future M” Stella Prince (21)
2 “Broken Truth” Tim Grimm (19)
3 “Don’t You Sleep” Ana Egge (17)
4 “Where Berries Grow” Ana Egge (14)
4 “These Are the Days” Crow and Gazelle (14)
4 “Work Song (I Can Still Sing)” Cris Jacobs (14)
7 “Door Won’t Close” Ana Egge (13)
7 “The Witch” Kaia Kater (13)
9 “Big Sciota” Benny Bleu (12)
9 “American Dreaming” Sierra Ferrell (12)
9 “Honey Whatcha Like Me to Do” Jon Shain (12)
12 “Big Sky” Brooks Williams (11)
12 “Dangerfield Newby” New Dangerfield (11)
12 “Digging the Hole” Chris Smither (11)
12 “The Spell of the Lilac Bloom” Ruth Moody (11)
12 “Poor Davey” Cris Jacobs (11)
12 “The Ghost of Tucumcari” Dana Cooper (11)
12 “If You See Her, Say Hello” Erik Balkey (11)
12 “One of These Days” Cris Jacobs (11)
20 “That Laugh” Josie Bello (10)
20 “The Same Day” RubyJoyful (10)
20 “In Montreal” Kaia Kater (10)
20 “Calm Before the Storm” Chris Smither (10)
20 “North Calling” Ruth Moody (10)
20 “Sailing Dream” Muriel Anderson (10)
20 “Already Free” Ruth Moody (10)

Top Artists of May 2024

1 Bob Dylan (102)
2 Pete Seeger (76)
3 Cris Jacobs (75)
4 Ruth Moody (66)
4 Ana Egge (66)
4 Sierra Ferrell (66)
7 Brooks Williams (65)
8 Chris Smither (61)
9 Dana Cooper (59)
9 Crow and Gazelle (59)
11 Heather Little (49)
12 Muriel Anderson (47)
13 Kaia Kater (45)
14 Becky Buller (43)
15 Stella Prince (42)
16 Laurie Lewis (40)
16 Jon Shain (40)
18 RubyJoyful (36)
19 Phoebe Rees (35)
19 Benny Bleu (35)
21 Ordinary Elephant (34)
22 John Prine (33)
23 Willie Nelson (32)
23 Kim Richey (32)
23 Spider John Koerner (32)
26 Misner and Smith (30)
27 Tom Rush (29)
27 Tim O’Brien (29)
27 Tim Grimm (29)
30 Judy Collins (28)
30 Joan Baez (28)
32 John Smith (27)
33 Ann Savoy (26)
33 Christian Parker (26)
35 John McCutcheon (25)
35 Sarah Jarosz (25)
35 Bruce Cockburn (25)
35 Joni Mitchell (25)
39 Gordon Lightfoot (24)
39 Leyla McCalla (24)
39 Carrie Newcomer (24)

Laurie Lewis had the top album (Trees) and was the most-played artist on folk radio during June 2024, while Beppe Gambetta had the month’s most-played song (“Sit and Pick with You”). 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.

Laurie Lewis is an acclaimed, California-based singer-songwriter and fiddler who has been making music since the the 1970s. Although steeped in the bluegrass tradition, her roots music extends beyond that genre and appeals to Americana and folk fans as well. A two-time International Bluegrass Music Association(IBMA) Female Vocalist of the Year, she also won its coveted Song of the Year award for her rendition of the now-standard “Who Will Watch the Someplace?” Such artists as Kathy Mattea and Patsy Montana have also recorded her songs, while Lewis has been prominently featured on the recording of other artists. Besides her solo projects, Lewis has also performed with her bluegrass band, The Right Hands, and as a duo with Tom Rozum, as well as Nina Gerber. She has also spent many years as a teacher at music camps across the U.S., has been a mentor to many young female artists, and has produced albums for other musicians as well.

The 12 tracks on her new album, Trees, include original songs, along with cover of songs by Tom T. Hall, John Hartford, Bill Morrissey, Kate MacLeod, and Mark Simos. Here’s a link to a video for the album’s nature-inspired opening track, “Just a Little Ways Down the Road”: https://laurielewis.com/video/just-a-little-ways-down-the-road/.

Beppe Gambetta, whose “Sit and Pick With You” topped the song charts in June,is an Italian acoustic guitarist, composer and singer whose musical stylings blend elements of European tradition with American roots music and contemporary flair. During his 50-year musical career to date, the Genoa, Italy native has performed extensively on both sides of the Atlantic.

On his 2024 release, Terra Madre (Mother Earth), the master guitarist is joined by such other notable acoustic artists as David Grisman, Tim O’Brien and Dan Crary. “Sit and Pick with You” is the album’s first single. Here’s a link to a video for it that features a number of still photos of Gabetta performing in concert and at festivals with other artists of note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbtIH2NJH2I.

The June 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12, 068 airplays reported on 406 playlists submitted by 107 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 2024

1 Trees Laurie Lewis (78)
2 Change Is Now: A Tribute to the Byrds Christian Parker (63)
2 Terra Madre Beppe Gambetta (63)
4 The Price of Happiness Miranda Hardy (62)
5 Banjo Jubilations Benny Bleu (58)
6 The Wanderer Ruth Moody (57)
7 Earl Jam Tony Trischka (54)
8 Proxy Music Linda Thompson (48)
9 Trail of Flowers Sierra Ferrell (44)
10 Sharing in the Spirit Ana Egge (41)
11 Positively 4th Street: A Tribute to Bob Dylan Rory Block (40)
12 Every New Beginning Kim Richey (36)
12 Strange Medicine Kaia Kater (36)
14 All About the Bones Chris Smither (34)
14 Ship to Shore Richard Thompson (34)
14 Wild Birds Warble Jubal Lee Young (34)
17 The Ghost of Tucumcari Dana Cooper (33)
18 The Earth Turns and So Do We The Honey Badgers (32)
18 The Border Willie Nelson (32)
20 Look Up Lynn Hollyfield (31)
20 One of These Days Cris Jacobs (31)
22 Signposts and Marks Erin Ash Sullivan (29)
22 The Doman Tracks Heather Anne Lomax and Michael Doman (29)
24 As Above Now So Below Crow and Gazelle (26)
24 Time and Evolution Stephanie Sammons (26)
24 The Beauty of This Now Marc Douglas Berardo (26)
27 Gardens Old, Flowers New Tom Rush (25)
27 Dear Future Me Stella Prince (25)
27 Ordinary Elephant Ordinary Elephant (25)
27 Colors and Covers Brittany Jean (25)
27 The Pie Chart of Love Rubyjoyful (25)
32 Jubilee Becky Buller (24)
33 Let the Light In Two of a Kind (23)
33 Circus for Sale Hungrytown (23)
35 Another Heart Ann Savoy (22)
35 Off and Running Ryan David Green (22)
37 Diamond Days Brooks Williams (21)
37 Listen to the World Spin Paper Wings (21)
37 Plastic Flowers Nichole Wagner (21)
37 The Big Album Alex Lacquement (21)
37 Gravity of Grace Johnsmith (21)
37 There’s Always a Song Kelsey Waldon (21)
43 Visitor John Moreland (19)
43 Holding the Threads Beth Desombre (19)
45 One Deep River Mark Knopfler (18)
45 Heroes and Friends Daniel Grindstaff (18)
47 Anniversary Adeem the Artist (17)
47 By Now Heather Little (17)
47 For the Life of Me Will Kimbrough (17)
50 Restless Soul Syndrome Jon Shain (16)
50 Of Light and Shadow Sarah Cade (16)

Top Songs of June 2024

Beppe Gambetta’s “Sit and Pick With You” was the most-played song on folk radio during June 2024.

Top Artists of June 2024

Laurie Lewis was the most-played artists and had the top album (Trees) on folk radio during June 2024.

The Magnolia Janes had the top album (The Light Years) on folk radio during July 2024, edging out Beppe Gambetta’s Terra Madre, while Gambetta’s “Sit and Pick With You” was the most-played song for a second time – edging out songs by The Magnolia Janes and Beth DeSombre. Happy Traum, who died on July 17, was the month’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 Light Years is the debut album by The Magnolia Janes, the singer-songwriter duo of Ashley Riley and Sarah Bonsignore. Riley (who grew up in Decatur, Illinois) and Bonsignore (who hails from Durban, South Africa) met at a songwriting retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Although both have written music for film and television, their musical backgrounds differ yet complement each other. Bonsignore trained in classical piano and opera and brings her South African musical heritage to the mix, while Riley’s music has been greatly influenced by Americana, folk and rock. Together, they write, perform and record what they call songs of hope and harmony — music that gives us a way to connect.

Here’s a link to The Magnolia Janes’ YouTube channel, where you can view videos for “Stones on The Road,” and “The Sun In My Backyard,” two of July’s top five most-played songs on folk radio: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMagnoliaJanes.

Beppe Gambetta, whose “Sit and Pick with You” topped the monthly song charts in both June and July, is an Italian acoustic guitarist, composer and singer. His musical stylings blend elements of European tradition with American roots music and contemporary flair. During his 50-year musical career to date, the Genoa, Italy native has performed extensively on both sides of the Atlantic.

The acclaimed guitarist is joined by such other notable acoustic artists as David Grisman, Tim O’Brien and Dan Crary on his 2024 release, Terra Madre (Mother Earth), “Sit and Pick with You” is the album’s first single. Here’s a link to a video of it that features a number of still photos of Gambetta performing in concert and at festivals with other artists of note:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbtIH2NJH2I

Happy Traum’s decades-long involvement in traditional and contemporary folk music brought him recognition as a performer, writer, editor, teacher, recording artist, and a top-notch fingerstyle guitarist.

Happy Traum, who died on July 17 and was the most-played artist on folk radio that month, released his last album –There’s a Bright Side Somewhere — in 2022.

Happy Traum played concerts, clubs and festivals throughout the world; released many CDs; and appeared and/or recorded with such folk luminaries as Eric Andersen, Rory Block, Larry Campbell, Dylan, Levon Helm, Maria Muldaur, John Sebastian, and Chris Smither. Sebastian and Campbell also accompany him on his last recording, There’s a Bright Side Somewhere, along with Darol Anger, Cindy Cashdollar, Amy Helm, Bruce Molsky, Geoff Muldaur, Eugene Ruffolo, Tony Trischka, and Jay Ungar, among others. Released in July 2022, the album – which topped the folk chart the following month –features a mix of 13 traditional and traditional-style American roots music songs.

“I have always sought to up my game and to convey the honesty and joy of acoustic music, and the guitar, in its many forms, ” Traum wrote in a September 12, 2022 post to the FOLK DJ Listserv. “By playing songs from There’s a Bright Side Somewhere, you have conveyed a huge honor on me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

[Here’s a link to view a video of Happy Traum performing “ “There’s a Bright Side Somewhere”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R43RoH4bAc. A traditional song, it was reportedly first recorded by Reverend Gary Davis in 1961.]

One of America’s best-known guitar instructors, Traum also is the author of more than a dozen guitar instruction books and wrote for a number of leading music publications. He even had a stint as editor of Sing Out! Magazine. As the co-owner of Homespun Tapes, he produced more than 600 music lessons on DVDs, books, CDs and downloads covering a wide array of musical instruments and styles with some of the world’s top artists.

The July 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 12,429 airplays reported on 422 playlists submitted by 106 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 July 2024

1. The Light Years by The Magnolia Janes (80)
2. Terra Madre by Beppe Gambetta (77)
3. Earl Jam by Tony Trischka (63)
4. Signposts and Marks by Erin Ash Sullivan (53)
5. There’s a Bright Side Somewhere by Happy Traum (47)
6. Soliloquy: Sixteen Solo Songs by Craig Bickhardt (41)
7. Texicali by Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore (38)
7. Broken Homes and Hearts of Gold by The Lucky Nows (38)
7. Trees by Laurie Lewis (38)
10. The Price of Happiness by Miranda Hardy (36)
10. Holding the Threads by Beth DeSombre (36)
10. Wild Birds Warble by Jubal Lee Young (36)
13. Change Is Now: A Tribute to the Byrds by Christian Parker (34)
13. The Two of Us by Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (34)
15. Colors and Covers by Brittany Jean (32)
15. The Earth Turns and So Do We by The Honey Badgers (32)
17. Proxy Music by Linda Thompson (30)
18. As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again by The Decemberists (29)
18. The Ghost of Tucumcari by Dana Cooper (29)
20. Positively Fourth Street: A Tribute to Bob Dylan by Rory Block (28)
20. Two Birds to Kill a Stone by Son Stone (28)
22. Sometimes You Gotta Wear Boots by Deb Seymour (27)
22. Banjo Jubilations by Benny Bleu (27)
24. All About the Bones by Chris Smither (26)
25. Look Up by Lynn Hollyfield (25)
25. Trail of Flowers by Sierra Ferrell (25)
27. Strange Medicine by Kaia Kater (24)
27. From China to Appalachia by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (24)
27. Wildfire by House of Hamill (24)
30. Ship to Shore by Richard Thompson (23)
30. Good Together by Lake Street Dive (23)
32. Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free by Bonny Light Horseman (20)
32. Petty Country (A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty) by Various Artists (20)
32. Songwriter by Johnny Cash (20)
35. Alone Again by Steve Earle (19)
35. Wanderer by Ruth Moody (19)
35. All My Friends by Aoife O’Donovan (19)
38. Let the Light In by Two of a Kind (18)
38. By Now by Heather Little (18)
38. Off and Running by Ryan David Green (18)
41. The Only Moment by Maya De Vitry (17)
41. Multitudes by Alisa Amador (17)
41. Plastic Flowers by Nichole Wagner (17)
41. The River She Knows by Rose Morrison (17)
45. Things Were Never Good if They’re Not Good Now by Donovan Woods (16)
45. As Above Now So Below by Crow and Gazelle (16)
45. Let’s Walk by Madeleine Peyroux (16)
48. Every New Beginning by Kim Richey (15)
48. Mantras by Katie Pruitt (15)
48. Listen to the World Spin by Paper Wings (15)
48. The Beauty of This Now by Marc Douglas Berardo (15)
48. Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz (15)
48. Just for the Love of It by Happy Traum (15)
48. City of Glass by Aj Lee and Blue Summit (15)
48. Hymn of Wild Things by Natalie Spears (15)

Top Songs of July 2024

1. “Sit and Pick With You” by Beppe Gambetta (19)
2. “Stones on the Road” by The Magnolia Janes (18)
3. “Listen to the Radio” by Beth DeSombre (17)
3. “The Sun in My Backyard” by The Magnolia Janes (17)
5. “Peace, My Heart” by Tom Prasada-Rao (15)
6. “There’s a Bright Side Somewhere” by Happy Traum (14)
6. “Raise Your Hand” by Crowes Pasture (14)
8. “Saint James Hospital” by Beppe Gambetta (12)
8. “Goat on a Stone Wall” by Erin Ash Sullivan (12)
8. “Three Rules of Discipline and Eight Points for Attention” by Cathy Fink
and Marcy Marxer (12)
8. “Season of Suspension” by Beppe Gambetta (12)
12. “Eat the Pie” by Erin Ash Sullivan (11)
12. “Broken Truth” by Tim Grimm (11)
12. “The Welcome Song” by Jan Aldridge Clark (11)
12. “Old Friend” by Amanda Penecale (11)
16. “Dark Yellow Thread” by Beppe Gambetta (10)
16. “Terra Madre” by Beppe Gambetta (10)
16. “Syracuse” by The Lucky Nows (10)
19. “Lucky Enough” by Winter Grain (9)
19. “Speed of Life” by The Magnolia Janes (9)
19. “The Witch” by Kaia Kater (9)
19. “Mis Amour” by Beppe Gambetta (9)
19. “Ice Cream” by Chris George (9)
19. “Looking for My Country” by Appaloosa (9)
19. “Five More Minutes” by The Magnolia Janes (9)

Top Artists of July 2024

1. Happy Traum (88)
2. Beppe Gambetta (81)
3. The Magnolia Janes (80)
4. Tony Trischka (66)
5. Erin Ash Sullivan (54)
6. Sweet Honey in the Rock (52)
7. Woody Guthrie (48)
8. Craig Bickhardt (47)
9. Tom Prasada-Rao (45)
10. Laurie Lewis (44)
11. Bob Dylan (43)
12. Christian Parker (39)
13. The Lucky Nows (38)
13. Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore (38)
15. Miranda Hardy (37)
15. Beth DeSombre (37)
17. Jubal Lee Young (36)
18. Johnny Cash (35)
19. Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (34)
19. Brittany Jean (34)
21. The Honey Badgers (33)
21. Nanci Griffith (33)
21. Benny Bleu (33)
24. Willie Nelson (32)
24. Chris Smither (32)
24. Linda Thompson (32)
27. Rory Block (31)
27. Dana Cooper (31)
29. Deb Seymour (30)
29. Pete Seeger (30)
29. Richard Thompson (30)
32. The Decemberists (29)
32. John Prine (29)
32. Steve Earle (29)
35. Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer (28)
35. Son Stone (28)
35. Sierra Ferrell (28)
38. Kinky Friedman (27)
39. Kaia Kater (26)
39. House of Hamill (26)
39. Joni Mitchell (26)

House of Hamill had the top album (Wildfire), top song (“The Highwayman”), and was the most-played artist on folk radio during August 2024. 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 self-described upcycled Celtic folk band, House of Hamill features Rose Baldino (fiddle and vocals), Brian Buchanan (fiddle, vocals and guitar), and Caroline Browning (bass, mandolin and piano). The Pennsylvania-based, nationally touring trio has performed at music festivals and established folk venues. Its version of Ed Pickford’s “Pound a Week Rise” previously topped the songs chart on folk radio, while an all-violin cover of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” garnered more than 17-million views on Facebook and was reportedly shared more than 400,000 times.

House of Hamill features (l.-r.): Caroline Browning, Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan. (Photo: Sarah Snyder)

House of Hamill’s tight vocal harmonies, sophisticated instrumental arrangements, and acoustic pop sensibilities are evident on Wildfire, its fourth full-length album. Like its live shows and previous releases, the album features a mix of original numbers, modern takes on centuries-old folk ballads, and choice covers. The trio’s rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “The Highwayman” was the month’s most-played song on folk radio.

[Here’s a link to view a live performance of House of Hamill performing “The Highwayman” in concert earlier this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqzdZVPbxJM.]

Wildfire — which was recorded in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina — also features House of Hamill’s original song “Banks of the Brandywine.” An ode to folklore that surrounds a notorious location on the Brandywine River in Chester County, PA, the song — which was #10 in August — was recently selected as the grand-prize winner in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest – 2024 Session 1. An international songwriting contest designed to help enable songwriters to express themselves, gain recognition, and get their music heard, the contest was made possible by Yoko Ono Lennon and proceeds from it help support the nonprofit John Lennon Educational Tour Bus mobile recording studio that provides young people with opportunities to create original music and digital media.

[Here’s a link to view House of Hamill’s official video for “Banks of the Brandywine”: https://youtu.be/KGK0E3ROGp8?feature=shared.For more information on the trio and to view more videos, visit houseofhamill.com.]

The August 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 11,755 airplays reported on 405 playlists submitted by 107 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 August 2024

1. Wildfire by House of Hamill (91)
2. From China to Appalachia by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian (75)
3. Boarding Windows in Paradise by Rebecca Frazier (69)
4. Bloom Where You Fall by Hana Zara (58)
5. The Light Years by The Magnolia Janes (52)
6. The Legend of Sugarbelly by Guy Davis (43)
6. Hanging at the Luna Star by Lou Dominguez (43)
8. The First Day of December by Ivan Strunin (41)
9. Earl Jam by Tony Trischka (40)
9. Points of Light by Noah Zacharin (40)
11. Signposts and Marks by Erin Ash Sullivan (39)
12. The Two of Us by Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (38)
13. Goldenrod by Teni Rane (35)
14. Wasted Luck by Tiffany Williams and Dalton Mills (33)
15. Holding the Threads by Beth DeSombre (32)
16. A Prosperous Gale by Open the Door for Three (30)
17. City of Glass by AJ Lee and Blue Summit (28)
18. Terra Madre by Beppe Gambetta (26)
19. Alone Again….live by Steve Earle (25)
19. Trees by Laurie Lewis (25)
21. Starting Over by Dan Bern (23)
22. Trail of Flowers by Sierra Ferrell (22)
23. Wanderers Like Me by The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (21)
23. Broken Homes and Hearts of Gold by The Lucky Nows (21)
23. Borned in Ya by Melissa Carper (21)
23. Woodland by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (21)
23. Driven to Drive by Joe Ely (21)
23. Soliloquy: Sixteen Solo Songs by Craig Bickhardt (21)
29. The Earth Turns and So Do We by The Honey Badgers (19)
30. Resurrection by Los Lonely Boys (18)
30. The Ghost of Tucumcari by Dana Cooper (18)
30. Cowgirl’s Delight by Phoebe White (18)
33. There’s a Bright Side Somewhere by Happy Traum (17)
33. Texicali by Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore (17)
33. Look Up by Lynn Hollyfield (17)
33. Banjo Jubilations by Benny Bleu (17)
33. Proxy Music by Linda Thompson (17)
33. One of These Days by Cris Jacobs (17)
39. The Only Moment by Maya De Vitry (16)
39. Wanderer by Ruth Moody (16)
39. Blame It on Eve by Shemekia Copeland (16)
42. The Avett Brothers by The Avett Brothers (15)
42. Weary Ramblers by Weary Ramblers (15)
42. Transmissions by Amos Lee (15)
45. On Banjo by Alison Brown (14)
45. South of Here by Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats (14)
45. Listen to the World Spin by Paper Wings (14)
45. The Price of Happiness by Miranda Hardy (14)
45. Phthalo Blue by Andrew Marlin (14)
45. Ordinary Elephant by Ordinary Elephant (14)
45. Lace by Billy Eli (14)
45. The Beauty of This Now by Marc Douglas Berardo (14)
45. Wild Birds Warbel by Jubal Lee Young (14)
45. Hymn of Wild Things by Natalie Spears (14)

Top Songs of August 2024

1. “The Highwayman” by House of Hamill (21)
2. “Gentle Arms of Eden” by Erik Balkey and Jessica Smucker (18)
2. “Put No Walls Around Your Garden” by New Dangerfield (18)
2. “High on a Mountain” by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian (18)
2. “Who Will Take My Place” by Tania Elizabeth (18)
6. “Our Work Here Is Not Yet Done” by Hana Zara (17)
7. “Empty Trainload of Sky” by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (14)
7. “Worst of Both Worlds” by Tiffany Williams and Dalton Mills (14)
7. “People Against an Empire” by Hana Zara (14)
10. “Banks of the Brandywine” by House of Hamill (13)
10. “Think I’ll Have Another One” by Lisa Jeanette (13)
12. “Gold Watch and Chain” by Tiffany Williams and Dalton Mills (12)
12. “Listen to the Radio” by Beth DeSombre (12)
12. “Borderline” by Rebecca Frazier (12)
15. “Firefly” by Teni Rane (11)
15. “Zydeco Minor Swing” by Ivan Strunin (11)
15. “Ten Tons of Road” by Noah Zacharin (11)
15. “Leadfoot” by Billy Strings (11)
15. “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution” by Lou Dominguez (11)
20. “Smokejumper” by House of Hamill (10)
20. “Speed of Life” by The Magnolia Janes (10)
20. “August Flower” by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian (10)
20. “Stones on the Road” by The Magnolia Janes (10)
24. “Dooley” by Tony Trischka (9)
24. “Saro Jane” by Rebecca Frazier (9)
24. “High Country Road Trip” by Rebecca Frazier (9)
24. “Ausable” by House of Hamill (9)
24. “Goat on a Stone Wall” by Erin Ash Sullivan (9)
24. “Sit and Pick With You” by Beppe Gambetta (9)
24. “Into the Wild” by Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway (9)
24. “Chilly Winds” by Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (9)
24. “The Sun in My Backyard” by The Magnolia Janes (9)
24. “Wildfire” by House of Hamill (9)
24. “Into the Golden” by House of Hamill (9)

Top Artists of August 2024

1. House of Hamill (93)
2. Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer with Chao Tian (75)
3. Rebecca Frazier (70)
4. Hana Zara (58)
5. The Magnolia Janes (52)
6. Guy Davis (50)
7. Lou Dominguez (47)
8. Sweet Honey in the Rock (45)
9. Tony Trischka (42)
10. Erin Ash Sullivan (41)
10. Ivan Strunin (41)
12. Noah Zacharin (40)
13. Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (38)
14. Happy Traum (37)
14. Laurie Lewis (37)
16. Pete Seeger (35)
16. Teni Rane (35)
18. Tiffany Williams and Dalton Mills (33)
18. Steve Earle (33)
20. Beth DeSombre (32)
21. Open the Door for Three (31)
21. Nanci Griffith (31)
21. Dan Bern (31)
24. AJ Lee and Blue Summit (30)
24. Johnny Cash (30)
26. Alison Brown (29)
27. Beppe Gambetta (28)
28. Billy Strings (27)
28. The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (27)
30. Tom Rush (26)
31. Craig Bickhardt (25)
31. John Prine (25)
33. Ellis Paul (24)
33. Bob Dylan (24)
33. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (24)
33. Benny Bleu (24)
33. Carrie Newcomer (24)
38. John McCutcheon (23)
38. Joe Ely (23)
40. Stan Rogers (22)
40. Richard Thompson (22)
40. Sierra Ferrell (22)

Bluegrass Sings Paxton (Various Artists) was the top album, while Tom Paxton’s classic “I Can’t Help But Wonder (Where I’m Bound)” — featuring the folk icon and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award-winner himself and the noted female bluegrass ensemble Della Mae — was the month’s most-played song on folk radio during September 2024. House of Hamill and Kate McDonnell were the month’s most-played artists. 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.

Bluegrass Sings Paxton is a multi-artist collection of a dozen select songs penned by Paxton and performed by a wide array of bluegrass singers and pickers assembled by producers Cathy Fink and Jon Weisberger. “I Can’t Help But Wonder (Where I’m Bound)” is the album’s lead-off track. Other Paxton songs on the Mountain Home Music recording – seven of which were among September’s most-played songs on folk radio — include current IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Greg Blake’s rendition of “Leaving London,” previous three-time IBMA Male Vocalist Award recipient Danny Paisley’s take on the classic “Ramblin’ Boy,“ and past IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Claire Lynch’s rendition of “I Give You the Morning.” Sister Sadie’s interpretation of “The Last Thing On My Mind” closes out the album, which also features selections, old an new, recorded by Laurie Lewis (Central Square”), Bluegrass Hall of Famer Alice Gerrard (“The Things I Notice Now”), Grammy Award-winner Tim O’Brien (“You Took Me In,” a new gospel-tinged song co-written by Paxton, O’Brien and bandmate Jan Fabricius), Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer (“All I Want”), Aaron Burdett of The Steep Canyon Rangers (“The Same River Twice”), Chris Jones (“The Last Hobo”), and Sav Sankaran (“Looking for the Moon”).

[Here’s a link to enjoy a five-minute video featuring Tom Paxton discussing Bluegrass Sings Paxton and its songs, along with a few musical excerpts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUU8haC-nmU.]

House of Hamill, a self-described upcycled Celtic folk band, was the most played artist on folk radio for a second consecutive month – this time tying with singer-songwriter Kate McDonnell. Featuring Rose Baldino (fiddle and vocals), Brian Buchanan (fiddle, vocals and guitar), and Caroline Browning (bass, mandolin and piano), House of Hamill is a Pennsylvania-based, nationally touring trio that has performed at music festivals and established folk venues. Its fourth full-length release, Wildfire, topped the folk album charts in August, while its rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “The Highwayman” was that month’s top song. House of Hamill’s tight vocal harmonies, sophisticated instrumental arrangements, and acoustic pop sensibilities are evident on Wildfire. Like its live shows and previous releases, the album features a mix of original numbers, modern takes on centuries-old folk ballads, and choice covers. Recorded in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, Wildfire also features House of Hamill’s original song “Banks of the Brandywine.” An ode to folklore that surrounds a notorious location on the Brandywine River in Chester County, PA, the song was recently selected as the grand-prize winner in the folk category of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest – 2024 Session 1.

[Here’s a link to listen to the title track of House of Hamill’s new album, Wildfire:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grwhwUutYiA.]

Kate McDonnell is an award-winning singer-songwriter, as well as a gifted guitarist with a propensity to play the instrument differently than most. According to her official bio, she taught herself how to play the guitar, strung for a right-handed player, left-handed “upside down and backwards,” using her stronger right hand for chording and ignoring the customary positioning of the guitar strings. Part of a musically-inclined family, McDonnell began writing her own songs in 1989 and gained recognition in the early 1990s as both a Kerrville New Folk finalist and a finalist in the Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, as well as being voted the #1 singer-songwriter in a New Haven (Connecticut) Advocate readers’ poll following the release of her-self-produced debut album, Broken Bones. Since then, she has earned much critical acclaim and praise from such noted songwriters as Jonathan Edwards and the late Bill Staines, recorded five more albums, and toured internationally. Although she took a hiatus from performing for a decade to focus on working as a child therapist in day treatment programs, residential programs, and inner city schools, McDonnell never gave up songwriting. She returned to the studio in 2020 to record her fifth album, Ballad of a Bad Girl. Her sixth album, Trapeze, was released in September. It features 14 songs that she wrote over the past three years.

[Here’s a link to enjoy a recent video of Kate McDonnell performing her song “Pretty Good Day”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nUfNS26c6k.]

The September 2024 top albums, songs and artists charts are based on 10,787 airplays reported on 362 playlists submitted by 101 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 September 2024

1.Bluegrass Sings Paxton by Various Artists (124)
2. Labor Day: A Tribute to Hardworking People Everywhere by Si Kahn and
George Mann (103)
3. Trapeze by Kate McDonnell (58)
4. Wildfire by House of Hamill (56)
5. From China to Appalachia by Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Chao Tian (53)
6. The Legend of Sugarbelly by Guy Davis (52)
7. Ten Good Sermons by Eugene Ruffolo (51)
8. Manos Pan Americanos by Larry and Joe (45)
8. Boarding Windows in Paradise by Rebecca Frazier (45)
10. Everything Must Go by Donal Hinely (44)
11. Back to the Light by Heather Pierson (43)
12. Woodland by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (33)
12. The Set by Jerry Douglas (33)
14. The American Dream by Amy Speace (31)
14. Bloom Where You Fall by Hana Zara (31)
16. Dan Tyminski: Live From the Ryman by Dan Tyminski (30)
17. Carved in the Bark by Nick Carter (29)
17. A Prosperous Gale by Open the Door for Three (29)
19. Blessed by the West by Sarah Pierce (28)
19. Heart on a Wire by Carolyn Shulman (28)
19. Now, O Now by Rakish (28)
22. Terra Madre by Beppe Gambetta (27)
23. Earl Jam by Tony Trischka (26)
24. Willie Watson by Willie Watson (25)
25. Live at Steelstacks by River Drivers (24)
26. City of Glass by Aj Lee and Blue Summit (23)
27. “The Great Northwest by Steve Lundquist (22)
28. The First Day of December by Ivan Strunin (21)
29. Harbortowne by Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus (20)
29. Lessen the Blue by Larry Folk (20)
31. The Light Years by The Magnolia Janes (19)
32. Blame It on Eve by Shemekia Copeland (18)
33. The Unspeakable Milo Binder by Milo Binder (17)
33. The Two of Us by Janie Rothfield and Allan Carr (17)
33. Thus Spoke the Fool by Pony Bradshaw (17)
33. Bluegrass Tracks by Andy Statman (17)
33. Weird Wild Wonderful by Emily Hicks (17)
33. Quiet Town by Mindy Smith (17)
33. Hanging at the Luna Star by Lou Dominguez (17)
40. Wasted Luck by Tiffany Williams and Dalton Mills (16)
40. Goldenrod by Teni Rane (16)
40. One of These Days by Cris Jacobs (16)
40. Trail of Flowers by Sierra Ferrell (16)
44. Soliloquy by Craig Bickhardt (15)
44. Long Way Home by Ray Lamontagne (15)
46. Driven to Drive by Joe Ely (14)
47. Phthalo Blue by Andrew Marlin (13)
47. Polaroid Lovers by Sarah Jarosz (13)
47. More Than a Whisper: Celebrating the Music of Nanci Griffith by
Various Artists (13)
50. Western Chill by Robert Earl Keen (12)
50. Diamond Days by Brooks Williams (12)
50. Daylight Savings Time by Steve Forbert (12)
50. The Price of Happiness by Miranda Hardy (12)
50. “weet Critters by Caleb Caudle (12)
50. Trees by Laurie Lewis (12)
50. Atlantic Sounds by Miscellany of Folk (12)
50. 20 by The Grascals (12)

Top Songs of September 2024

1. “I Can’t Help but Wonder (Where I’m Bound)” by Tom Paxton and Della Mae (27)
2. “I Give You the Morning” by Claire Lynch (17)
3. “Canaan” by Danny Schmidt (16)
4. “The Old Labor Hall” by Joe Jencks (13)
5. “Banks of the Brandywine” by House of Hamill (12)
5. “The Same River Twice” by Aaron Burdett (12)
5. “The American Dream” by Amy Speace (12)
5. “Central Square” by Laurie Lewis (12)
5. “Something You Got” by Jerry Douglas (12)
10. “You Took Me In” by Tim O’Brien (11)
10. “Ramblin’ Boy” by Danny Paisley (11)
10. “It Takes All Kinds” by Mark Stepakoff (11)
10. “Everything Must Go” by Donal Hinely (11)
10. “Up Here in the Mountains” by Heather Pierson (11)
10. “The Last Thing on My Mind” by Sister Sadie (11)
16. “Back to the Light” by Heather Pierson (10)
16. “A World Minus One” by Eugene Ruffolo (10)
16. “Wildfire” by House of Hamill (10)
19. “Long Way to Harlan” by Si Kahn and Laurie Lewis (9)
19. “The Things I Notice Now” by Alice Gerrard (9)
19. “High on a Mountain” by Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Chao Tian (9)
19. “Gone Gonna Rise Again” by Michael Johnathon and Odetta (9)
19. “Late Bloomer” by Eugene Ruffolo (9)
19. “Back When Times Were Hard” by Si Kahn (9)
19. “No Child Should Ever Go Hungry” by Tret Fure (9)
19. “Pretty Good Day” by Kate McDonnell (9)
19. “Beautiful You” by Tom Prasada-Rao (9)
19. “Ain’t That Me and You” by Nick Carter (9)
19. “What’s Gonna Become of Me” by Jerron Paxton (9)
19. “Lawrence Jones” by Kathy Mattea (9)

Top Artists of September 2024

1. Kate McDonnell (60)
1. House of Hamill (60)
3. Highwaymen (55)
4. Guy Davis (54)
5. Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Chao Tian (53)
6. Eugene Ruffolo (51)
7. Heather Pierson (48)
8. Donal Hinely (47)
9. Larry and Joe (45)
9. Rebecca Frazier (45)
11. Bob Dylan (39)
11. Amy Speace (39)
13. Jerry Douglas (38)
14. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings (36)
15. Laurie Lewis (34)
16. Hana Zara (31)
16. Open the Door for Three (31)
16. Rakish (31)
19. Dan Tyminski (30)
19. Tony Trischka (30)
21. John McCutcheon (29)
21. Leonard Cohen (29)
21. Nick Carter (29)
21. Beppe Gambetta (29)
25. Willie Watson (28)
25. Carolyn Shulman (28)
25. Sarah Pierce (28)
28. Tom Paxton and Della Mae (27)
28. Willie Nelson (27)
28. Tim O’Brien (27)
31. River Drivers (26)
31. Si Kahn (26)
31. Danny Schmidt (26)
34. John Gorka (24)
34. Dar Williams (24)
34. Joe Jencks (24)
37. Aj Lee and Blue Summit (23)
37. Nanci Griffith (23)
37. Joni Mitchell (23)
37. Tim Grimm (23)