Talkin' Blues // David Holt

American Songcatcher

When I first set out with this podcast there were a few people in particular that I wanted to talk to, and today's guest is at the top of that list.

David Holt is a four-time Grammy winner, multi-instrumentalist, and for 14 years performed as a duo on banjo with the legendary Doc Watson. He’s spent his life learning, performing and telling stories of traditional American music as the host of numerous radio and television shows including: Riverwalk Jazz, Folkways, Great Scenic Railway Journeys, Fire on the Mountain, and today, David Holt’s State of Music. The PBS TV series features modern masters of American roots music who share their stories, talk music history, and collaborate with David on a few tunes. He’s hosted the likes of Taj Mahal, Jerry Douglas, Keb Mo, Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers, Dom Flemons, and Blind Boy Paxton.

We talked about his long history, how he got into storytelling and hosting, his mentors, the time he spent with Doc Watson and a few stories, how traditional music fits in today’s culture, and what he’s doing today with State of Music. There are some moments when David is showing me photographs while he talks, so if you’d like to see the video, it’s available through Patreon.com/AmericanSongcatcher.

Links:

Legacy Album with Doc Watson

Official Website

PBS: David Holt’s State of Music

Follow State of Music on Instagram

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