Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast artwork

Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast

42 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 63 ratings

Field recorded interviews with the best in bluegrass. Hosted by Daniel Mullins.

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Episodes

S3 E6. Ken Irwin & Marian Leighton Levy: A Pair of Rounders (Part 2)

October 03, 2023 19:52 - 1 hour - 80.6 MB

  In Part Two of our conversation with Ken Irwin & Marian Leighton Levy, we continue diving in to the fifty-plus year history of Rounder Records, which they helped found alongside Bill Nowlin. They tell us why J.D. Crowe & The New South's 1975 release (Rounder 0044) was so pivotal for the aspiring label (and so unlikely as well). Ken also takes us to the exact moment he first heard the voice of Alison Krauss of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and we learn more about her rise as one of th...

S3 E5. Ken Irwin & Marian Leighton Levy: A Pair of Rounders (Part 1)

September 26, 2023 07:52 - 2 hours - 193 MB

  The story of Rounder Records is one of the most unlikely success stories in American roots music. Two of the historic record label's three founders, Ken Irwin & Marian Leighton Levy join us to tell the tale in this extensive, in-depth, two-part interview. We learn how this set of outlaw romantics journeyed from the counter-culture to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and learn many lessons along the way, like the importance of "knowing that you don't know" and how to travel across the en...

S3 E4. Jeremy & Corrina Stephens: Music In My Soul

September 15, 2023 21:54 - 1 hour - 92 MB

Jeremy & Corrina Stephens are truly old souls. They both seek a deeper understanding of their shared passions: traditional music and their faith. Both are uber-talented multi-instrumentalists with an immense knowledge of the music of early roots music pioneers such as Reno & Smiley, Jim & Jesse, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Charlie Monroe, Fred Rose, and more, which is evident in the style of bluegrass they create with their band, High Fidelity. It was a treat to sit down for a visit at the Coffee ...

S3 E3. Tammy Rogers: I Choose You

September 08, 2023 20:50 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MB

Tammy Rogers King is a founder of the Grammy award-winning band, The Steeldrivers. Known for her fiddling, singing, and songwriting, her musical journey includes touring with Patty Loveless, working as a Nashville songwriter, and making music with Dusty Miller in the late 80's/early 90's. In this interview, she sits down backstage on a Saturday night at SamJam Bluegrass Festival in Piketon, OH, and Tammy dives deep into the "why" of carving her own path, how the right song can make an impact...

S3 E2. Darin & Brooke Aldridge: The Sweethearts of Bluegrass

September 01, 2023 15:25 - 1 hour - 55.4 MB

Dubbed "The Sweethearts of Bluegrass", Darin & Brooke Aldridge are a strong couple -- both in music and in marriage. Growing up in the same region of North Carolina, they met through mutual friends and bonded over a mutual interest in bluegrass. Recorded in a hotel room in the fall of 2021 in Wilkesboro, NC, Darin and Brooke discuss how their love blossomed, Darin's early days with Charlie Waller & The Country Gentlemen, the allure of the Grand Ole Opry, and the importance of making music w...

S3 E1. Jamie Dailey: Poor Boy Working Blues

August 25, 2023 04:25 - 1 hour - 175 MB

  Jamie Dailey is a ball of energy, both on stage and off. After making some legendary music with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, he formed the award-winning Dailey & Vincent with Darrin Vincent. For over fifteen years, they have found immense success in bluegrass and beyond. Dailey & Vincent host their own television show and were made members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2017.   In August of 2020, Daniel joined Jamie at his kitchen table in Nashville, for an insightful conversation (filled wit...

BONUS. J.D. Crowe Remembers Tony Rice (Real Roots Radio)

August 27, 2022 16:06 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MB

We are posting this episode on what would have been J.D. Crowe's 85th birthday. He was a dear friend of the podcast, and was our special guest on our first two episodes. J.D. Crowe passed away on December 24th, 2021. His friend and former lead guitarist, Tony Rice passed away 364 days earlier on December 25th, 2020. In the days following Tony's passing, Daniel Mullins interviewed J.D. Crowe about his late friend, Tony Rice, for Daniel's daily radio program on Real Roots Radio. We are grate...

BONUS. Bill Emerson: Fox on the Run

August 26, 2022 21:01 - 1 hour - 55.8 MB

Bill Emerson was a banjo giant, whose work with Jimmy Martin & The Sunny Mountain Boys, The Country Gentlemen, Emerson & Waldron, and more, resulted in his 2019 induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. His impeccable playing, innovative spirit, and pleasant demeanor, made this southern gentleman a beloved figure in bluegrass music. This interview was recorded the day after his Hall of Fame induction in Raleigh, NC. Due to some technical difficulties with Mr. Emerson's microphone, t...

S2 E15. Del McCoury: Loggin' Man

September 09, 2020 00:21 - 1 hour - 188 MB

A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, Del McCoury has one of the most distinctive voices in all of roots music. With The Del McCoury Band, he has led one of the most successful bluegrass bands of all time, bringing the high lonesome sound to new places and new heights. Del sits down with Daniel Mullins at the Dayton Art Institute to talk about his legendary career. From his humble beginnings growing up on a farm, to his many years working in the timber business, Del...

S2 E14. C.J. Lewandowski: Longing for The Ozarks

September 01, 2020 08:19 - 1 hour - 119 MB

From the Ozark hills to the Grand Ole Opry, CJ Lewandowski and his band The Po Ramblin Boys are a bluegrass success story who have taken their traditional sound to new audiences. Daniel Mullins sits down with  CJ in Nashville at the 2020 SPBGMA convention in Nashville to talk about CJ’s introduction to music, his fascination with the mandolin and first generation of bluegrass artists, and about his path to a successful career in the genre. Hear why bluegrass is more than just music to mando...

S2 E13. Russell Moore: Erase The Miles (Part 2)

August 25, 2020 08:27 - 45 minutes - 104 MB

Russell Moore is IBMA’s most-awarded Male Vocalist and leader of the award-winning band, IIIrd Tyme Out. Here in Part 2 of his interview with Daniel Mullins, Russell recounts his journey from sideman to band leader, and the journey in-between. He talks about his favorite moments in music, as well as the songs that made his career, and band, stand out among others in the genre. Listen to Russell talk about where his passion for music still comes from, even after thirty years as a bandleader ...

S2 E12. Russell Moore: Erase The Miles (Part 1)

August 18, 2020 17:07 - 1 hour - 100 MB

As the most awarded male vocalist in bluegrass, Russell Moore has earned a pedigree as a lead singer and guitarist from the biggest artists in the industry. Still at the top of his game, Russell continues to record and perform with his award-winning band, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out. Here in Part 1 of a two-part interview with host Daniel Mullins, recorded in Columbus, OH at Musicians Against Childhood Cancer, Russell recounts his journey from Texas to North Carolina, and all the miles...

S2 E11. Andrea Roberts: Petticoat Junction

August 11, 2020 17:09 - 1 hour - 107 MB

A renaissance woman of bluegrass, Andrea Roberts has led the life of a musician with the trailblazing, all-female group, Petticoat Junction, as well as one of manager, promoter, and talent agent for some of bluegrass music's most well-known artists. She is the wife of mandolin player, Danny Roberts of The Grascals, and mother to up-and-coming artist, Jaelee Roberts. She has been a mentor to countess young artists and tastemakers in the field including our own, Daniel Mullin,s who she sits d...

S2 E10. Michael Cleveland: Fiddler's Dream (Part 2)

August 04, 2020 08:38 - 40 minutes - 37 MB

  Fiddle master, Michael Cleavland is considered one of today's greatest bluegrass artists. Here in Part 2 of Daniel Mullins' interview with Michael, they talk about his journey in bluegrass, from his first professional performances to fronting his own Grammy award-winning band, Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Recorded backstage during rehearsal for the 2019 IBMA Awards Show in Raleigh, NC, hear the conclusion of this two-part episode with fiddling legend, Michael Cleveland. This episode...

S2 E9. Michael Cleveland: Fiddler's Dream (Part 1)

July 28, 2020 08:24 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

  As one of the most awarded fiddle players in bluegrass music today, Michael Cleveland’s career is still unfolding. Born visually impaired, Michael has had a unique journey as an artist. In this two-part episode, Daniel sits down with Michael in Raleigh, NC, backstage during rehearsal for the 2019 IBMA Awards Show, as Michael shares his story of becoming an accomplished master of bluegrass fiddling. Michael talks about his influences, his philosophy of music, and his intense study of the ...

S2 E8. Larry Stephenson: The Sound That Set My Soul On Fire

July 21, 2020 18:30 - 1 hour - 83.4 MB

For over three decades, Larry Stephenson has been a band leader, recording artist and leader in bluegrass music. Prior to launching his solo career, Larry worked with some important figures in the genre, including Bill Harrell and the trailblazing band, The Bluegrass Cardinals. Over the last thirty years, a who's who of world class musicians have been members of The Larry Stephenson Band. Daniel sits down with Larry in Nashville, TN to talk about his journey in pursuit of originality and au...

S2 E7. Skip Cherryholmes: How Far Will You Go (Part 2)

July 14, 2020 14:29 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MB

  Skip Cherryholmes now plays in the powerhouse North Carolina-based outfit, Sideline which also has a family connection for him. In Part 2 of Skip’s conversation with Daniel Mullins, hear the continuation of Skip’s journey with his family band, Cherryholmes, the conclusion of that band, the struggle to survive outside of music, and his inevitable return to playing music full-time alongside his father-in-law, the celebrated banjo player, Steve Dilling. Enjoy Part 2 of this interview with a...

S2 E6. Skip Cherryholmes: How Far Will You Go (Part 1)

July 07, 2020 09:14 - 1 hour - 161 MB

  As the guitar player and a vocalist in the seminal family band, Cherryholmes and now, Sideline, Skip Cherryholmes’ story is one of bootstrap beginnings and a fast rise to the top. Although now disbanded, Cherryholmes blazed a trail for young bluegrass artists, and their legacy remains an important one. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation with Daniel Mullins, Skip talks about the emergence of his family’s band and talks about the spiritual path that led them to make music together. Hear ...

S2 E5. Kitsy Kuykendall: The Rolling Stone of Bluegrass

June 30, 2020 08:30 - 1 hour - 84.5 MB

  Kitsy Kuykendall is one of bluegrass music's most beloved personalities. Her late husband, Pete Kuykendall founded Bluegrass Unlimited magazine, fondly referred to as "The Rolling Stone of Bluegrass." Kitsy and Pete dedicated their lives to promoting, supporting, and spreading the music of bluegrass throughout the world. For over 50 years, Bluegrass Unlimited has been the premier print resource for this music community, and Kitsy’s energy, personality, and knowledge have been factors in ...

S2 E4. Johnny Warren: Back to Foggy Mountain

June 23, 2020 09:36 - 54 minutes - 74.8 MB

Prolific fiddle player, golf professional and son of a Hall of Fame fiddler, Johnny Warren is a member of the bluegrass supergroup, the Earls of Leicester, whose mission is to promote the timeless sound of Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs and The Foggy Mountain Boys. With the Earls, Johnny helps preserve his father, Paul Warren’s, classic fiddle style. In this episode of Season 2 of Walls of Time, Daniel talks with Johnny backstage at Memorial Hall in Cincinnati, a mere blocks away from where Fl...

S2 E3. Dudley Connell: Let The Whole World Talk

June 16, 2020 08:57 - 57 minutes - 131 MB

  From The Johnson Mountain Boys, to Longview, and The Seldom Scene, Dudley Connell is one of the most identifiable and beloved voices in Bluegrass. Today, on the third episode of Walls of Time Season 2, Daniel Mullins sits down with this charismatic performer in an old camper parked backstage at the SamJam Bluegrass Festival in Piketon, OH. They talk about Dudley’s journey from first getting hooked on the traditional bluegrass sound, to how he helped develop and change the music through t...

S2 E2. Doyle Lawson: Tennessee Dream (Part 2)

June 09, 2020 08:54 - 55 minutes - 75.6 MB

Today, on the second episode of season two of the Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast, Daniel Mullins continues his conversation with Doyle Lawson, a legendary figure in bluegrass and a Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member. They talk extensively about the formation of his legendary band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, a band whose former members have included some of the biggest names in today's bluegrass scene. There are also some special moments that you may not expect, as Doyle speaks about his...

S2 E1. Doyle Lawson: Tennessee Dream (Part 1)

June 01, 2020 22:20 - 1 hour - 70.6 MB

  Doyle Lawson. A legendary figure in Bluegrass and a Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member. Today, on the first episode of Season 2 of the Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast, Daniel Mullins sits down on Doyle Lawson's bus before a Quicksilver reunion performance in Lexington, Kentucky, to hear an illustrated timeline of Doyle's rich career, including stories of his earnest beginnings in East Tennessee, through his time with Jimmy Martin, The Country Gentlemen, JD Crowe and his own band Quicks...

S2 E0. Season 2 Preview

May 22, 2020 17:24 - 7 minutes - 6.7 MB

Season 2 is almost here! Catch this exclusive sneak peek of the sophomore season of the Walls of Time: Bluegrass Podcast, returning June 2nd, 2020.

BONUS. Allen Mills: Love of the Mountains [Recorded Live at IBMA's World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC]

January 31, 2020 19:00 - 1 hour - 63.2 MB

Allen Mills is the founder of the seminal bluegrass band, The Lost and Found. As a bandleader, songwriter and bass player for this important group, Allen has had a powerful and positive impact on friends and fans both through his music and his fun-loving personality.  In this interview, recorded in front of a live audience at the International Bluegrass Music Association's annual conference in Raleigh, NC in 2019, host Daniel Mullins sits down with this living legend to talk about his musi...

S1 E16. Sonny Osborne: Risks Worth Taking (Part 2)

November 22, 2019 23:27 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MB

Few banjo players have impacted American music like Sonny Osborne has. The Osborne Brothers’ success includes multiple country radio hits, working with Merle Haggard, international tours, being members of the Grand Ole Opry, winning a CMA award, and induction into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Sonny’s banjo playing is some of the most influential in bluegrass music. In part two of this interview on Walls of Time, Sonny shares his thoughts on bluegrass and banjo playing, behind-the-scene...

S1 E15. Sonny Osborne: Risks Worth Taking (Part 1)

November 19, 2019 10:37 - 1 hour - 61.9 MB

There is no bigger living legend in bluegrass than banjo great Sonny Osborne. Along with his brother Bobby, they formed the Osborne Brothers in the 1950’s and went on to become one of the most influential artists in the field. Huge hits like "Rocky Top" helped make them a household name. Sonny retired from music in 2003, but his legacy lives on as both a member of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Orpy. Daniel Mullins sat down with Sonny on his back porch for a two-part int...

S1 E14. Kristin Scott Benson: "It's A God Thing"

November 01, 2019 20:35 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MB

  Best known as the banjoist for the award-winning bluegrass group The Grascals, Kristin Scott Benson comes from a long line of musicians. A South Carolina native, she has been playing the banjo since the age thirteen. Her career has resulted in multiple International Bluegrass Music Association Banjo Player of the Year awards, critically acclaimed solo recordings and the 2018 Steve Martin Award for Excellence in Bluegrass and Banjo. Humble, grateful and super talented, Kristin credits poi...

S1 E13. Hunter Berry: A New Fiddling Legacy

October 22, 2019 22:03 - 1 hour - 60 MB

Hunter Berry is an East Tennessee native who grew up in a hotbed of traditional music, surrounded by some of the best bluegrass artists in the country. A prodigy performer, he was offered a job by Hall of Famer Doyle Lawson when Berry was just 14 years old. He has spent most of his professional years as the fiddler for Rhonda Vincent & the Rage and has one of the most identifiable fiddle styles on the current bluegrass scene. In this episode of Walls of Time, Daniel and Hunter talk about Hu...

S1 E12. Carl Jackson: Music Renaissance Man (Part Two)

October 11, 2019 08:34 - 1 hour - 64.3 MB

In part two of host Daniel Mullins’ interview with Carl Jackson, Carl talks about his work as a writer and producer. From working with Jim Rushing to producing Grammy award-winning albums like the all-star Louvin Brothers tribute, Carl relates his experiences of producing albums for some of the top artists in country and bluegrass. He gives insight into his journey and what it takes to be true to your art and yourself in the evolving music industry. Let’s re-join Daniel and Carl in Nashvill...

S1 E11. Carl Jackson: Music Renaissance Man (Part 1)

October 08, 2019 19:33 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

Musician, producer, songwriter, performer, Carl Jackson is an artist on many fronts. From his time as a teenager playing on the Grand Ole Opry with Jim & Jesse McReynolds to his career with Glen Campbell, and his time as an award-winning Nashville producer and songwriter, Carl Jackson is gracious about his storied career. Here is part one of a two-part interview with Walls of Time host Daniel Mullins. After a BBQ lunch in Nashville, TN, Carl tells stories about some of the biggest names in ...

S1 E10. Little Roy Lewis: A Fun-Loving Legacy

October 04, 2019 20:18 - 1 hour - 61.5 MB

From the time he was a boy, Little Roy Lewis has loved bluegrass music and the banjo. From picking cotton to picking the 5-string, Little Roy journeyed from the rural south to the biggest stages in the world with both the first family of bluegrass bospel, The Lewis Family and with The Little Roy and Lizzy Show. Along this path, Little Roy has become known as a larger than life entertainer. His humor, pranks, on-stage antics and phenomenal musicianship have all made him one of bluegrass musi...

S1 E9. Cindy Baucom: Professional Passion

October 02, 2019 06:53 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

Highly respected broadcaster, Cindy Baucom sits down with Daniel Mullins this week to talk about how she got her start in radio, her work as a sought after festival MC, and her love of bluegrass music that started in her early years growing up in North Carolina. Recorded backstage at the legendary North Carolina roots music festival, MerleFest, Cindy relates her journey from music fan to hosting one of the most successful syndicated bluegrass radio shows in the world. She shares stories of ...

S1 E8. Mike Bub: Sideman Extraordinaire (Part 2)

September 27, 2019 08:04 - 1 hour - 91.2 MB

Here in Part 2 of Mike Bub’s conversation with host, Daniel Mullins, we hear again from this sideman extraordinaire as he talks about his time with the Del McCoury Band, his journey with the band as they broadened the bluegrass fan base and his ventures into new musical projects. Mike is known as one of the most sought after bass players in Nashville, and you will hear why Mike has become an important artist in the bluegrass, country and roots music genres based on both his skill and his ea...

S1 E7. Mike Bub: Sideman Extraordinaire (Part 1)

September 24, 2019 08:20 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MB

  From his time of growing up as a competition banjo player in the southwest, Arizona native Mike Bub has been a bluegrass staple -- from his time with the Weary Hearts to the Del McCoury Band, and even today as he is one of the most sought after bass players in Nashville. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation with Mike and host Daniel Mullins, we hear about Mike's upbringing, the culture of bluegrass competitions, playing bluegrass internationally, and much more. Let’s join Mike and Dan...

S1 E6. Sierra Hull: From Fan to Icon

September 20, 2019 08:29 - 58 minutes - 80.4 MB

From fan to icon, the grateful and brilliant Sierra Hull tells her story of how she got her start by meeting her personal musical heroes. From a bright family upbringing to becoming friends with her idols, Sierra is a breath of fresh air and a powerful modern acoustic artist rooted in bluegrass. Listen to her stories of how her dreams came true in pursuit of musical excellence, by kicking back with her and Daniel Mullins in her living room in Nashville, TN.  This episode is brought to you ...

S1 E5. Danny Paisley: A Pedigree on Positivity

September 17, 2019 08:29 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

  The positivity of Danny Paisley. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Danny is what one would call “pedigreed Bluegrass.” He grew up playing this music alongside his legendary father, Bob Paisley, in The Southern Grass as they put the Baltimore area on the Bluegrass map, playing with a hard-driving and intense style, fondly referred to as “Baltimore Barroom Bluegrass!”  Hear all about Danny’s formative years with his father Bob, his early influences, his world travels playing music, and what he lea...

S1 E4. Peter Rowan: The Keening Tones

September 13, 2019 09:28 - 1 hour - 90.9 MB

Peter Rowan, a former Bluegrass Boy, has a storied career that includes working alongside Jerry Garcia with the West Coast band, Old & In The Way, and a reputation as an innovative and multi-faceted solo artist. He and our host, Daniel Mullins, get deep on this episode of Walls of Time. Listen to this music history lesson from one of roots music’s most eclectic creators. He talks poetry, the soulful origins of bluegrass, and even some Eastern Mysticism. Hear about how the classic bluegrass ...

S1 E3. Blake Williams: The Sparta Flash

September 10, 2019 12:27 - 1 hour - 97 MB

The Sparta Flash! Blake Williams is best known as a Bluegrass Boy, but one that witnessed some of the final years of his band leader, The Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe. Road stories from the last days of the first generation of bluegrass creators and Blake’s early years growing up in Sparta, TN, the home of legendary Lester Flatt, make for a must-hear history of this music. Blake Williams is a veteran of the road and stage. We will hear great stories of the life of an excellent banjo pla...

S1 E2. J.D. Crowe (Part 2): Going for Broke

September 06, 2019 12:26 - 44 minutes - 61.5 MB

We continue our conversation with Bluegrass Hall of Famer, J.D. Crowe today. J.D. shares advice for new bluegrass bands and musicians, his thoughts on doing things a little differently, and speaks fondly about the late Keith Whitley. He even talks about meeting Elvis Presley! If you haven’t listened to part one of this two part conversation, be sure to check it out. Let’s continue our look at J.D.’s career and philosophy of music, with the man himself, by re-taking our place at JD Crowe’s k...

S1 E1. J.D. Crowe (Part 1): Grit and Innovation

September 03, 2019 12:25 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

The unmistakable music of banjo master, J.D. Crowe has shaped a generation of bluegrass musicians. His seminal band, the New South was known for taking mainstream songs and making them bluegrass favorites, as well as updating many classics of the genre. Throughout his career, his line-ups have carried a who’s who of bluegrass heavyweights. Here in part one of a two-part interview, Daniel Mullins sits down with this Bluegrass Hall of Famer to talk frankly about his journey and where he think...

S1 E0. Season 1 Preview

August 29, 2019 02:06 - 7 minutes - 9.84 MB

On this inaugural season of Walls of Time, hear field interviews with the best in bluegrass. In this preview episode of Season 1, host Daniel Mullins and co-producer, Ty Gilpin, introduce themselves, and give a run down on what to expect from this exciting new podcast. Stay tuned until the end, to catch a sneak peek of some of the special moments you will experience during Season 1 of Walls of Time.