Dev WFC

What's in a Song

In our National Public Radio series What’s in a Song, we explore the tapestry of America's musical diversity one song and one story at a time. Each installment exposes the meaning of a particular song through passion and story. Songwriters, singers, and those whose lives have been changed by song are our guides, and their words are woven seamlessly with the music to illuminate the musical traditions in America. The series is funded by the generous support of the R. Harold Burton Foundation and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.

Barre Toelken: Climbing High Mountains

What's In a Song
01/07/12 NPRs Weekend Edition Saturday
Length: 2:46 ~ Listen

A story about an extraordinary human, Utah folklorist Barre Toelken, who, with the help of dear friends, has been working to regain the words to songs after suffering a stroke a decade ago.

Four Strong Winds

Ian and Sylvia were one of the top draws in the folk revival of the 1960s. Photo courtesy of Ian Tyson

What's In a Song
02/05/11 NPRs Weekend Edition Sunday
Length: 3:00 ~ Listen

In this segment of What's in a Song, Ian Tyson tells of writing his classic folk song "Four Strong Winds."

Audio & Video

Stay Connected to the Western Folklife Center
Sign up for the Western Folklife Center's E-News. Sign me up!