Martha Scanlan performs with Jon Neufeld in a meadow at the ranch where she works. Dawson Dunning/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
What's In A Song? The series weaves together a tapestry of American music. Each episode exposes the meaning of a particular song. Songwriters, singers, and those whose lives have been changed by song are the guides.
Special Series
What's In A Song?
Produced by Hal Cannon and Taki Telonidis of the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada.
Elizabeth LaPrelle sings "Black Is The Color." Hal Cannon hide caption
D.W. Groethe performs at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev. Jessica Brandi Lifland hide caption
Ian Tyson, pictured with wife Sylvia, wrote "Four Strong Winds" after hearing Bob Dylan perform a new song. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Musician Kristina Olsen says Tibetan prayer flags flying over porches near her home in Venice, Calif., became the inspiration for a song. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Barre Toelken (second from right) at one of his weekly singing sessions with his wife Miko (far right) and friends. Hal Cannon hide caption
Elmo Ray (left) and Rosemary Scott are members of the Stars of Harmony, an African-American quartet tradition based in Texas. Taki Telonidis hide caption
Baxter Black. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Connie Dover. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
African Children's Choir Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Yellowstone National Park. hide caption
Tom Russell. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Frank Newsome. Courtesy of the artist hide caption