In this episode, you get a familiar voice to not only this podcast but to all of roots music: Ketch Secor, of Old Crow Medicine Show, with a conversation from MerleFest in late April 2026. Just days after this episode is published, get set for another alumnus of this podcast, Jon Stickley of the Jon Stickley Trio, who will tell us about what he is doing these days, including a new project with Larry Keel in a conversation right ahead of the Trio’s performance at the Albino Skunk Music Festival.

Here, Secor reflects on the festival's pivotal role as the band's career launchpad, sparked by a chance encounter with Doc Watson in 1999, and details recent projects, including the documentary Louder Than Guns—which addresses school shooting advocacy—a new Old Crow album titled Union Made, and his role hosting Tennessee Crossroads. Secor also shares insights on the punk-adjacent, anti-hero mentality that shaped Old Crow's journey, drawing a distinct line between old-time music and bluegrass.

Photo gallery: Old Crow Medicine Show performs at MerleFest in Wilkesboro, NC, with percussive dancers including Arthur Grimes, April 2026.

Songs heard in this episode:

“Doc’s Day” by Old Crow Medicine Show, from Remedy

“Next Go ‘Round” by Old Crow Medicine Show, from Tennessee Pusher

This is Southern Songs and Stories, where our quest is to explore and celebrate the unfolding history and culture of music rooted in the American South, and going beyond to the styles and artists that it inspired and informed.

- Joe Kendrick