Son Volt, Bottle Rockets guitarist John Horton talks about the beginnings of Alt Country

Welcome to Episode 19 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love.

On this episode, we have a true Alt Country legend with us. Guitarist John Horton joins us on the show to talk about his career and impact on the music world. He became a member of the legendary band The Bottle Rockets in 2003. As if that wasn’t impressive enough to cement him as an impactful contributor to the Alt Country sound, he joined friend Jay Farrar and his band Son Volt in 2021.

Son Volt, of course is one of the two offspring of the Uncle Tupelo split. That band is often credited with starting the Alt Country genre.

Horton takes us through his musical journey, the impact of both bands and their music, Son Volt’s latest album Day of the Doug (a tribute to Doug Sahm) and a lot more.

Frank and Falls also discuss the recent dust-up between Jason Isbell and the widow of Justin Townes Earle over Isbell’s song When We Were Close. The controversy was covered widely in the music business as Jenn Marie Earle posted a harsh criticism of the song which calls out their daughter.

Frank also discusses her recent trip through Belleville, Illinois, to New Orleans, to stalk historical sites related to both Farrar and former Uncle Tupelo and Wilco founder Jeff Tweedy. She and Falls also offer up their regular Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices for music you should listen to.

Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available.

Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler.

Notes and links:

Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations

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Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum

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