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Peabody Award-Winner 'Whole Lotta Shakin'

From PRI's PRI Specials 06 April, 2008 10:10:00

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PRI's documentary series traces the roots of rockabilly and celebrates it stars -- Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and others.

"Whole Lotta Shakin,'" a ten-part documentary series exploring rockabilly -- the brash, fast-paced 1950s mix of blues, gospel, jazz, country and popular music that is a foundation of rock and roll -- was recently honored with a 2008 Peabody Award.

Hosted by Rosie Flores, the series visits the cradle of rockabilly, Memphis, and presents the music's female stars. It profiles the influential radio program, "The Louisiana Hayride" and explores the rockabilly sounds of California.

In an era when America was tuning into Patti Page and Mitch Miller, rockabilly was a bold, young upstart, like Marlon Brando in the movie "The Wild One." "Whole Lotta Shakin'" profiles the stars of the genre, including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly, and shares the stories of the period's best-loved songs, from "Rave On" to "I Walk the Line."

Comments (7 posted):

Dell Hood on 18 April, 2008 03:31:31

Outstanding! This is the music that roused me fifty years ago, when lyrics were understandable, melodies were singable, and it was all moved!! Thank you, Rosie, for a great show and for bringing back the best of the good old days.

Stan Cooper on 21 April, 2008 04:46:56

I love to learn and Rosie, you are a wonderful teacher. I just got put wise to this program. found you because of your program that included Big Al Downing. You aren't carried on my local stations so it's via the net. How can I hear all 10 sessions you offer?

I teach ethnic studies and the kids go wild when I give em some music.... Whole lotta shakin!!!!!! Oh my soul!

George Parnell on 17 May, 2008 07:04:39

Will a soundtrack be made available for this series? Every tune has been perfect and I'm dying for a collection of the music featured in this series. I have quite a bit of it on LPs, but I would happily pay for a cd collection of the pieces featured on this series.

Dustin Smith on 09 June, 2008 09:25:50

Just wanted to send you guys a note to let you know how much we've enjoyed this musical trip... a totally fun and interesting journey... thanks

Manny Guzman on 05 July, 2008 05:37:00

I listened to the entire program on KCRW on july 4th. I had to work a twelve hour shift. the program made every minute worth while. (also the double time and a half). It also made me feel so proud to be an american.

Terry Wilson on 08 July, 2008 08:52:39

Rosie Flores, if more politicians, radio progammers, and corporate types were as American as you, it would be a much better country and so would the radio airwaves.

Now more Americans know what the Europeans have known about us for decades: that there is first rate American music culture; appreciated abroad but stifled at home as usual.

Rockabilly is fun to listen to! The torch still burns here and abroad and,maybe someday, it can return to a respetable place on the commercial airwaves as well.

HARVEY PERLITSH on 15 February, 2009 12:37:59

Can't get enough. How about another 10, 20, 30, oh heck, just keep it coming. I went to CLU radio station to get the site so I can listen in the eveing by way of the computer.
I was a drummer playing this music with friends after we finished college. To this day, my feet shake to the beat ...

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Peabody Award-Winner 'Whole Lotta Shakin'

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