What's in a Song?
Martha Scanlan performs with Jon Neufeld in a meadow at the ranch where she works.
Singer Martha Scanlan discusses the scenic inspiration behind her first song, and the homesteading roots she's formed in Montana.
More on 'What's in a Song?'
Produced in collaboration with the Western Folklife Center
Recent What's in a Song?
October 10, 2010 Elizabeth LaPrelle came across one of her favorite songs years ago in a book of old mountain tunes.
February 26, 2012 A Montana songwriter recounts the tale of his dentist's journey to becoming a cowboy.
February 6, 2011 Inspired by Bob Dylan, Ian Tyson sat down with a guitar, writing the folk classic in half an hour.
December 29, 2012 Inspired by Tibetan prayer flags flying near her home, Kristina Olsen spun a theological riddle.
September 30, 2012 Inspired by maps and towns that rhymed, Geoff Mack wrote a song that was a hit four times over.
January 7, 2012 With the help of friends, Barre Toelken is re-learning the 800 memorized songs he lost to a stroke.
September 25, 2010 Quartets are still singing in rural east Texas, only now they've gone electric.
September 12, 2009 Public radio's favorite cowboy poet and philosopher explains the song his father used to sing.
March 22, 2009 Connie Dover describes the American West with spiritual longing in "I Am Going To The West."
January 4, 2009 The African Children's Choir aims to rescue poverty-stricken kids by harnessing the power of song.
