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Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show’s ‘Grateful For Friends’ Playlist

Old Crow Medicine

With everyone sequestered and self-quarantining due to the coronavirus, we’ve asked our favorite artists to come up with playlists that keep you entertained. Here is Old Crow Medicine Show singer Ketch Secor:

Hey Y’all, Ketch here holding on to hope and positivity that we’re all going to come through this crisis stronger, better, and more compassionate than ever before. I’m so glad for all my friends who’ve helped me through the global pandemic simply by being themselves and continuing to make such meaningful music. Some of them we’ve lost along the way and my heart is heavy with their memory.

To them, I’m grateful for the companionship we shared along our stretch of life’s trail. And to you, wherever you are on your way through these troubling times, I hope your road leads homeward like mine has; it’s sent me back to the stage that matters most to me and so many of my fellow Nashville brothers and sisters in song: The Mother Church. The Ryman Auditorium.

WIllie Watson — “Gallis Pole”
After nine years away from Old Crow Medicine Show, Willie has become a star in his own right. This is one of my favorites he does; so good it would have made Ledbelly proud.

Dave Rawlings Machine — “Lindsey Button”
Dave is the kind of person you want on your quarantine call list. He’s one of the most capable human beings I’ve ever known. And is probably the best living record producer in Nashville.

Molly Tuttle — “Olympia WA”
Recording a whole album in self-isolation during a global pandemic is no small feat but Molly Tuttle is no shrinking violet. Go by a copy of her stellar new record “But I’d Rather Be With You…”

Amythyst Kiah — “Wild Turkey”
I’m so excited for new music from Amethyst, one of my favorite new voices out of East Tennessee, the landscape where so many of our music traditions are centered.

Jim Lauderdale and Ralph Stanley — “Lost In the Lonesome Pines”
Mr. Americana himself, along with Dr. Ralph. There’s no two pickers I’d rather be stranded on Corona Island with.

Dom Flemons — “Charmin’ Betsy”
Dom is the American Songster extraordinaire and I’ve loved the many times we’ve shared the stage at the Ryman Auditorium together.

John Prine — “Lake Marie”
I stood with John Prine less than a year ago on stage at The Ryman auditorium for his album of the year award at the Americana Award Show. His is a gift that keeps on giving. This one was always my favorite from a list of many favorites.

Birds of Chicago — “Never Go Back”
I first met Allie Russel when she was singing for Po Girl years ago. She’s my favorite Canadian singer since Sylvia Tyson.

Gillian Welch — “Wayside/Back In Time”
If I could go back in time it would be to Woodland Studio back in 2002 when I was honored to be asked to contribute to Gillian’s incredible crossover album Soul Journey.

Levon Helm — “Wide River To Cross”
Buddy and Julie Miller wrote this. It’s the last song I ever heard Levon sing alive, though I still hear his voice, sometimes twice a day! I’ll always treasure playing with him at Ramble At The Ryman.

Justin Townes Earle — “Ain’t Waitin’”
I sat in with JTE on this recording may years ago at House Of David studio, Skylar Wilson at the console. Those were good times. I’m going to miss you, Justin.

Rayland Baxter — “Willy’s Song”
Rayland’s dad Bucky Baxter left this world too soon this past spring. Bucky was a great musician, a pillar among Nashville pickers, and a generous spirit who first welcomed me and many other young players to Nashville. Thanks for the tunes, Bucky.

Old Crow Medicine Show (Featuring Charlie Worsham and Molly Tuttle) — “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”
No matter the age, the era, the times (be they high times or the lowest), no matter who the officials are, if there’s peace & justice or violence & discord, the circle is and shall forever remain unbroken.