The Honky Tonk Papa Podcast

Welcome to the Honky Tonk Papa Podcast, a journey into the life and legacy of Atlanta legend Whit Connah. Whit was a powerhouse singer and musician, who loved nothing better than making art in his studio and music with his friends. He’s touched lives from Atlanta to Appalachia, New Orleans to New York - and beyond. If you love roots music – old-time country, Cajun, and blues – AND you love a good story… hop on board and join us for the ride. Head on over to honkytonkpapa.com to subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app.

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The Honky Tonk Papa Podcast

Whit the Songwriter, Part 1

April 24, 2021 • Amy Connah Hudson/Lee Connah • Season 2 • Episode 1

Welcome to Season 2 of the Honky Tonk Papa podcast!

It is my extreme pleasure to introduce your guest host for this series, Lee Connah. Lee and his brother Graham, my Baltimore cousins, both caught the music bug early in their lives. As a singer, musician and songwriter himself, Lee was curious about his Uncle Whit’s songwriting process and began interviewing people close to the music. Those conversations became the drive behind this project.

With each episode, we will explore 2 of Whit's most beloved original songs:

E1 - Holy Robes & Ponce de Leon Avenue

E2 - Hungry Ghosts & Dark Angels

E3 - Roving Rounder & Bon a Rein

– Show Host & Producer Amy Connah Hudson

Show Guests:

Doug Connah, Paul Connah, Barbara Panter-Connah, Albert Smith, John Ferguson and Michael Daves.

Music featured in this episode:

Roving Rounder. (Intro) Written by Whit Connah. Performed by Whit & Michael Daves. Sound design by Dave Spencer. Host introduction by Kenneth Johnson.

Back Step Ellie (Background to Amy’s intro). Written by Barbara Panter-Connah. Performed by Barbara and Hair of the Dog on the band’s album, Mongrel.

Cajun Intro. Performed by Hair of the Dog.

Roving Rounder (Background to Lee's Intro). Written by Whit Connah. Performed by Whit, Barbara and Stepson John Ferguson, Thanksgiving 2009.

Improv Harmonica Interlude. Performed by Whit Connah and Hurt Dog.

Medley (during Albert’s Interview). Performed by Albert, Whit and Hurt Dog.

Holy Robes (back porch jam version). Written by Whit Connah. Performed by family & friends.

Holy Robes (backstage at the Ryman version). Written by Whit Connah. Performed by Whit and Barbara.

Holy Robes (Old First Church version ). Written by Whit Connah. Performed by Michael Daves (vocals & guitar) and Jen Larson (vocals).

Ponce De Leon Avenue. Written by Whit Connah. Performed by Whit (vocals) and Hair of the Dog band members Barbara Panter-Connah (vocals & fiddle), John Ferguson (Telecaster), Bob Visentin (bass), Doug Landsberg (drums) and Bill Fleming (Pedal Steel). Recorded on the band’s album, Mongrel.

Ponce De Leon Avenue (live version). Written by Whit Connah. Performed by Michael Daves (vocals & guitar), Tony Trischka (banjo), Brittany Haas (fiddle), Jenni Lyn Gardner (mandolin) and Mike Bub (bass).

Cajun Outro. Performed by Whit and Hair of the Dog.