Long, tall Mickey Raphael strode into WMOT’s East Nashville studio last week looking fit and hip (particularly so for 73 years old) and ready for his closeup. I don’t mean the interview we were getting ready to tape, but ready for the show he’s getting ready to play on Dec. 3. Raphael has played thousands of shows as the ever-present harmonica man for country icon Willie Nelson. But next week, at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl, for the first time ever, he’ll be the name on the marquee.

Residents of western North Carolina are still reeling and recovering two months after Hurricane Helene slammed the region in late September. Despite some normalcy (and the recent return of potable water), urgent questions remain about the prospects for the region’s famous and influential music scene. Craig Havighurst came back from the area a week ago after a trip to report, be of use, and catch up with colleagues in hard-hit areas. A network of aid has sprung up, some in repurposed music venues. Performances have gingerly returned to some stages. Artists are taking advantage of various relief grants while they prepare for the winter ahead. Please enjoy this special report and review the options for helping out at the end.

Joe Boyd is one of the most accomplished and eclectic record producers in the story of popular music. As an American living in London, he helped break psychedelic folk rock pioneers The Incredible String Band and worked with Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, and Fairport Convention. He founded Hannibal Records, giving a home to the solo career of Richard Thompson. He’s also worked with Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Toumani Diabate, Geoff and Maria Muldauer, and many more. He was also part of the small cadre of music marketers and labels that created the market category of World Music in the 1980s. Here, Boyd talks about his journey and his epic new book And The Roots of Rhythm Remain.