The Tradition: A Podcast about Country Music and Race

Hosted by Tennessean columnist LeBron Hill and reporter Marcus K. Dowling, The Tradition: A Podcast about Country Music and Race is a necessary conversation happening at the very heart of Nashville. This isn't just a history lesson; it's a living, breathing analysis of the sounds, stories, and systems that have shaped America's most commercially powerful genre. Each episode pulls at the threads of what we think we know, examining how traditions are built, who gets to set them, and whose contributions have been overlooked or rewritten. You'll hear directly from the artists, songwriters, producers, and scholars who have lived this complex history, offering perspectives that are often missing from the mainstream narrative. The podcast moves beyond the hits to consider the business decisions, cultural moments, and social forces that dictate which voices rise to the top. It’s about understanding the full picture of country music, a story inextricably linked with race in America. By engaging with these essential and sometimes difficult conversations, the podcast aims to deepen appreciation for the genre's past while thoughtfully considering its future. Tune in for a series that is as challenging as it is enlightening, grounded in the expertise and reporting you’d expect from The Tennessean.