Joe Henry & Mark Erelli Wanted to Hang Out, So We Let Them, ep. 338

Joe Henry & Mark Erelli Wanted to Hang Out, So We Let Them, ep. 338

Author: The Bluegrass Situation March 5, 2026 Duration: 1:25:22

Joe Henry has released 15 studio albums, apprenticed for legendary producer T Bone Burnett and, in turn, has produced many other musicians' albums on his own, including three GRAMMY Award-winning albums – for Solomon Burke, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. He's co-written a few songs as well, including a couple with his sister-in-law, who happens to be the one and only legendary pop icon, Madonna. His latest album is 'Life and Time,' a collaboration with songwriter Mike Reid, who has written many wonderful songs like "I Can't Make You Love Me," one of Bonnie Raitt's most successful and beloved recordings. In recent years, Joe has struck up a friendship with our bestie, Mark Erelli. Mark's been on Basic Folk 10,000 times and in honor of his new record, 'Spring Green,' we invited him to do whatever he wanted on this appearance on the pod. Mark chose to be in conversation with his friend Joe on location in Joe's beautiful studio located north of Portland on the coast of Maine.

In 2020, Mark was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (or RP) which is causing him to slowly go blind. Joe was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2018 and was told he only had months to live. Now, in 2026, his cancer is in remission and his health has improved. In this Basic Folk conversation, they tackle topics such as asking for help and finding hope while living with chronic illnesses. They also get into other parallels the two musicians have experienced, including how music has shaped their male friendships and being free of vanity. Mark and Joe have never worked together, but their respect and admiration for the other is clear from their time together. Here's hoping a collaboration is in the works for the near future!

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There's a certain magic that happens when musicians are given the space to talk not just about their craft, but about the life that feeds it. That's the heart of Basic Folk, a series of conversations that feel more like catching up with an old friend than a formal interview. Hosts Cindy Howes and Lizzie No bring a genuine curiosity and easy warmth to each episode, creating an environment where artists often share stories and insights they might not elsewhere. Since 2018, this podcast has carved out a vital niche, actively seeking to honor and platform the incredible, sometimes under-the-radar, voices within the roots music world. You'll find a beautifully diverse tapestry of sound and experience here, from technical wizards and Grammy-winners like Molly Tuttle to culturally pivotal figures like Leyla McCalla, all united by their connection to folk music's expansive tradition. Produced by The Bluegrass Situation, each episode digs into the personal journeys, creative struggles, and quiet triumphs that shape the music. It’s less about celebrity and more about substance, offering listeners a chance to intimately understand the people behind the songs. Tune in for thoughtful, humorous and deeply human dialogues that remind you why folk music, in all its forms, remains a powerful force for storytelling and connection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 367

Basic Folk
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