Welcome to Episode 6 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, singer-songwriter Nathan Graham’s debut album Saint of Second Chances is out and a breath of fresh air mixing Chicago blues, rock, pop, soul and more. He joined Frank & Falls to talk about his background, family, influences and the new tunes, as well as what he learned from his brief stint on The Voice in 2017. The Chicago native spent several years as a session musician and playing clubs with several bands before friends and family encouraged him to start singing as well. He also found others singing the songs he wrote didn’t quite satisfy his need to give birth to the song.  Graham is also on a personal mission to break the stereotype of people of color seldom being labeled a “singer-songwriter” despite performing the same tasks in even the same genres. The three discuss the stereotypes, Graham’s parents and their impact on his music, and how Chicago impacted his art. The episode starts with Falls reacting to Jason Isbell’s recent criticism of Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” and offered some pointed criticism of his own.  And the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment features everything from Native American artists to Tears for Fears.  Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Whiskey Riff’s article on Jason Isbell’s reaction to Oliver Anthony Roots Music Rambler’s email Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Tears for Fears studio video of Everybody Wants to Rule the World Blackbelt Eagle Scout Cornbread Country Club playlist on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices