09/17/2026
The best new album we've heard this year has got to be "Appalachia: Ballads, Bloodlines, and The Long Journey Home", a roots-music themed colloboration between Americana musicians Richie Owens and Bob Ocker.
The album comes with a book of mountain tales authored by Owens himself, describing the struggles, hard times, and pure joy making music in the hills and hollers of the great smoky mountains.
Owens is a renowned producer, engineering hit albums for the Georgia Satellites, Kentucky Headhunters, and his late cousin Dolly Parton. He is the family archivist, and runs the iconic Fireside Recording Studios in Nashville.
We're excited that Richie and his trio are stopping in Townsend this Friday, September 18th for an evening of storytelling and song at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center ampitheatre. Come out and hear some great acoustic music on the peaceful side, and under the stars.
In the meantime, tune in, or stream-in tonight at 8pm on Smoky Mountain Radio as we turn the spotlight on Owens' new album dedicated to the Dolly Parton and Owens family mountain music legacy. Listening links in the comments section below!