Summer Songs: Banjo Adds Bang To Old Standard

As our population is growing and getting more diverse, so is our taste in music. And music lovers want to hear fresh ideas that reflect new realities and experiences. Yet some songs remain quintessentially American — even as they inspire constant re-interpretation. Tell Me More is teaming up with New Orleans member station WWNO's Music Inside Out With Gwen Thompkins to showcase some fresh takes on popular American songs. Today we hear from Don Vappie of the Creole Jazz Serenaders, playing the banjo and singing, "Careless Love." Copyright 2018 NPR. To see more, visit MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: Finally today, if you caught any fireworks on the Fourth or saw them on your local news, you probably heard some favorite patriotic anthems. But did you ever wonder just what makes a song uniquely American? Just as our taste in food expands and changes, as our population grows and gets more diverse, so is our taste in music. And music lovers want to hear fresh ideas that reflect new realities and