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We’re breaking from our usual album-oriented format to do something we haven’t done before: different versions of the same oldie! This 1962 song is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, captivating a new generation of listeners around the world with its infectious, lilting melody and wholesome lyrics of a bygone era, thanks to it now being streamed in multiple languages. The song, which wasn’t a big hit for the then-23-year-old Francis, has become a viral sensation 63 years after it was first released, with millions of TikTokers lip synching to the timeless track while showing off stylish, often retro, outfits and using it to soundtrack videos of their babies, kids, pets, and more over the past few weeks

It’s the latest album from this Tahlequah, Oklahoma band, the 2nd of theirs produced by Shooter Jennings (and a bit of a stealth, surprise release!) After slowly building a loyal following around their home state’s towns, they broke up for a bit, but thankfully reformed and quickly began gaining a lot of fans beyond their Red Dirt turf. As Saving Country Music writes, “Just like every Turnpike Troubadours song, album, and era does, patient listening pays off as the depth of the lyricism slowly reveals itself, and the melodies nestle into the comfy recesses of your gray matter. The fact that a Troubadours song doesn’t always reel you in automatically is what also graces it with the gift of longevity. This is why no matter how old a Turnpike song is, in the right moment and frame of mind, it can still impart to you that first time feeling.” They’re part of Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Festival, which includes Charlotte on July 26th.

Music resource The Vinyl District describes the Seth we know: "...an accomplished guitarist and an even better singer, distilling the soul of Ray Charles, the Southern boy roots charm of Delbert McClinton, and an uptown blues turn of phrase (à la Percy Mayfield) into his own distinct voice."

It’s the first album together in 14 years, though they’ve certainly kept busy during that time with other projects and accolades. Alison has collaborated with Robert Plant among others, and Jerry Douglas has played with, well, just about everybody… Collectively, the members of AK& US have sold over 8 million records and received more than 70 GRAMMY Awards. Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals) and Barry Bales (bass, vocals) are still with the band, but they now welcome guitarist and vocalist Russell Moore, best known as the front man of IIIrd Tyme Out, following the departure of long-time member Dan Tyminski.

Mason Via has had quite a productive time these past four years. He toured the world as a member of Old Crow Medicine Show, earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the band's chart-topping album Jubilee, contributed songs to Grammy-winning and nominated records by Molly Tuttle and the Del McCoury Band, and released his solo debut, New Horizons. Now comes his follow-up, the self-titled bluegrass-oriented album with some impressive songwriting and top-notch talent from pickers like mandolinist Aaron Ramsey, banjoist Jason Davis, and fiddler Jim Van Cleve.

“For an artist to get in the studio and record an entire set in just a few days on a single acoustic guitar, one might assume the music is calling with some urgency. But for Jason Isbell’s latest solo outing, Foxes in the Snow, there’s a slow and steady focus across its spare 11 tracks.

It’s the Soul Queen of New Orleans herself! And one of the city’s coolest bands ever, with this new collaboration on Galactic’s own Tchuop-Zilla Records. The band’s core instrumentalists – Ben Ellman (saxophones, harmonica), Robert Mercurio (bass), Stanton Moore (drums), Jeff Raines (guitar) and Rich Vogel (keyboards) – usually feature a variety of guest vocalists, but this time it’s all Irma, 83 years young and leading them on all 8 new tunes written specifically for her, plus a new take on Nancy Wilson’s “How Glad I Am.”

Two of the three Carolina Chocolate Drops reunite on this exciting release with their fiddle and banjo in the spotlight. Many of these tunes were learned from their late mentor, the legendary North Carolina Piedmont musician Joe Thompson who was a key inspiration for the Chocolate Drops, and one of the last musicians of his era and his community to carry on the southern Black string band tradition. Robinson sings lead on the non-instrumentals here. This is but one of the highlights of Giddens’ particularly busy month: her Biscuits & Banjos Festival in Durham (the inaugural one kicked off this past weekend) highlights the deep roots and enduring legacy of Black music, art, and culture while fostering community and storytelling. Then there’s her Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue tour – featuring Robinson and four other string musicians, including multi-instrumentalist Dirk Powell; on June 18 they will headline the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, joined by Our Native Daughters (of which she is one of the four members), Steve Martin, and others. And, there’s My Music with Rhiannon Giddens returning to PBS in May with six new episodes. Produced by the Will & Deni McIntyre Foundation, this third season was filmed at various iconic venues around Ireland and features outstanding guest artists who, like Giddens herself, have made Ireland their home.

On this her 4th album, singer/songwriter Valerie June addresses the spirit animal that teaches her a lot about death, openness, and of course wisdom…. And the current omens she sees in politics, the climate, and other overwhelming crises: “I need to see a rainbow. Send me a four-leaf clover, some kind of omen,” she pleads. “That’s what songs do for me.” …And finally, the oracles serve as homage to lineage, legacy, connection, and change: particularly her own ancestry, and the oracles she can leave for future generations. Musically, this features Valerie’s vocal, guitar, and banjo work, along with Kaveh Rastegar on bass and Stephen Hodges on percussion, and horn and string sections.

Acclaimed jazz singer Deborah Silver breathes new life into classic rock hits, with her sultry, soulful voice, and with one of the most dynamic and longest lasting jazz ensembles in existence. Check out these different arrangements of songs from the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the Police, and others, led by Silver. Under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, the Count Basie Orchestra has garnered 20 Grammy Awards, beginning in 1958 and most recently in 2024 for Basie Swings the Blues. The band itself dates back some 90 years, and has shown itself to represent and change with the evolving times, just as its founder was known for doing.