Sunpie Barnes
Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes is the ultimate jack of all trades – a revered musician, cultural historian, former NFL’er and National Park Ranger who has become a pillar of New Orleans’ vibrant music scene. Sunpie demonstrates a dazzling array of styles in Soul Country #7 on harmonica, accordion and piano, playing key songs from his wide-ranging repertoire. He learned blues from his father in Arkansas, a contemporary of Sonny Boy Williamson, and later from legendary New Orleans masters. His music thusly is a powerful blend of blues, zydeco, gospel, and Afro-Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
Exploring world music took Sunpie to Africa to get deeper into the roots and learn styles of South African accordion playing. That expertise caught the ear of Paul Simon and Sting with whom Sunpie has toured on multiple continents. Host Ric Stewart and Sunpie discuss the fusion of different musical traditions in the South and how these sounds have shaped the cultural identity of New Orleans and beyond. With live performances and in-depth conversations, this episode offers listeners a rare glimpse into Sunpie’s Afro-Louisiana sound which maps uncharted terrain in Soul Country. Production made possible in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.
Latest Episodes

Ben Sidran
Pianist Ben Sidran recounts writing “Space Cowboy” with Steve Miller, recording with the Rolling Stones in 1968 London and jazz on tv in Soul Country #8. Get ready for some insights into clasic rock’s headiest...
Soul Country #8
Airdate Aug 31, 2024
Podcast
55:06

Erin Coburn
Erin Coburn drops by for Soul Country #6 to share some old tunes, tales from the road and tech talk. This master of strings is gearing up a new band and sound to take to...
Soul Country #6
Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast
25:06

Boogie Long
Baton Rouge native Jonathon "Boogie" Long demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with "Chickin’ Pickin'" blues and country styles from this master craftsman in Soul Country #5. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established...
Soul Country #5
Airdate Aug 27, 2024
Podcast
33:25

Gary Talley
Gary Talley talks and plays through an amazing 6 decades in soul, rock and country in Soul Country #4. The Box Tops guitarist pulls out his electric sitar, recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with...
Soul Country #4
Airdate Apr 23, 2023
Podcast
70:38
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Blues Center Interviews

John Oates
Blues Center Interview #12
Airdate Aug 28, 2018

Joe Krown
Blues Center Interview #10
Airdate Jan 6, 2019

James Gadson
Blues Center Interview #14
Airdate Jan 23, 2019

Janiva Magness
Blues Center Interview #8
Airdate Apr 10, 2018

Stanton Moore
Blues Center Interview #4
Airdate Sep 18, 2017

BIlly Vera
Blues Center Interview #7
Airdate Jan 23, 2019

Benny Turner
Blues Center Interview #16
Airdate Aug 17, 2019

Mason Ruffner
Blues Center Interview #6
Airdate Jan 3, 2018

Will Bernard
Blues Center Interview #11
Airdate Aug 15, 2018

Gabrielle Cavassa
Blues Center Interview #19
Airdate Nov 3, 2020

Alvin Youngblood Hart
Blues Center Interview #18 REMASTERED
Airdate Oct 27, 2020

Papa Mali
Blues Center Interview #20
Airdate Oct 5, 2020

Bobby Rush
Blues Center Interview #15 Remastered
Airdate Dec 28, 2019

Joe Louis Walker
Blues Center Interview # 2 Remastered
Airdate Dec 28, 2017

Phil DeGruy
Blues Center Interview #21
Airdate Nov 20, 2020

Jontavious Willis
Blues Center Interview #1 Remastered
Airdate May 8, 2018

Peter Case
Blues Center Interview #9
Airdate Jan 6, 2019

Little Freddie King
Blues Center Interview #3
Airdate Aug 31, 2017

George Porter, Jr.
Blues Center Interview #17
Airdate Mar 12, 2021

Deacon John
Blues Center Interview #5
Airdate Oct 30, 2017

Barry Goldberg
Blues Center Interview #13
Airdate Dec 31, 2018