New Podcast Series Reimagines Appalachian Ballads as Radio Plays
A new audio drama podcast series titled "The Storied Song" reimagines traditional Appalachian ballads, including "The Wreck of the Old 97," into fully produced radio plays with original sound design and live ballad performances. Produced by the Appalachia Book Company,…
Nashville, TN, July 29, 2026 —
The Appalachia Book Company has launched a new podcast series, “The Storied Song,” which breathes new life into traditional Appalachian ballads by transforming them into fully produced radio plays.
The series features reimagined versions of historic story songs, including the well-known ballad “The Wreck of the Old 97.” Each episode combines original sound design with live ballad performances to create an immersive audio experience.
The stated goal of “The Storied Song” is to introduce these significant songs from Appalachian history to a contemporary audience. The production aims to highlight the narrative and emotional depth of the ballads through the medium of audio drama.
The podcast is a project of the Appalachia Book Company, an organization focused on preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. The series intends to serve as a bridge between the past and present, making the traditional folk music and storytelling traditions accessible to listeners today.
Story summarized from the original created by Tony Gonzalez on wpln.org, see more information here.
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