Hootie Babylon! Darius Rucker Tells All

Justin Townes Earle may have traveled the world as an Americana troubadour, but the story of the singer-songwriter’s life can be told in just a few square miles in his native Nashville. In this special episode of Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now, Jonathan Bernstein, author of the new authorized biography of Earle, What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome, gives us an intimate walking tour of Earle’s Nashville, from the park where he found solace to the dive bar where he honed his craft. We also talk about the legacy of Earle, who died in 2020, and why his songs will continue to play on.   Country is Here…Nashville is Now.   Check out our Hear Now playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We go deep into the making of the big show's superstar performances, chaotic moments, and more, with Grammys executive producer Ben Winston joining Rolling Stone Music Now host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look at Bruce Springsteen's rapid response to deaths at the hands of federal agents in Minnesota — and the long history of other fast-turnaround protest songs, from Woody Guthrie to Nina Simone to Buffalo Springfield to Lil Baby. Andy Greene joins host Brian Hiatt for the discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Laura Veltz, the songwriter behind hits for Dan + Shay, Jessie Murph, and more, shares the secrets of the Nashville writing room in this week's episode of Nashville Now. Veltz  opens up about how she collaborates intimately with someone who may not share her own beliefs. We also preview Nashville's upcoming 615 Indie Live festival, where we'll host a live-audience podcast, and assess the health of Nashville's independent music venues with local champion Jamie Kent.   Country is Here…Nashville is Now.   Check out our Hear Now playlist on Spotify, updated weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We look back at the late Bob Weir's journey, from the formation of the Grateful Dead to his years with Dead and Company. Gov't Mule's Warren Haynes joins host Brian Hiatt to talk about what it was like to play with Weir, and Angie Martoccio, who conducted Weir's final Rolling Stone interview, takes us through his career. We also play some clips from her interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices