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The Oxford American’s 22nd Annual 
Southern Music Issue

Guest edited by
BRITTANY HOWARD

 

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This year we’ve compiled our “greatest hits,” including selections of the most beloved music writing from our archive—guest edited by Brittany Howard, the Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and frontwoman of the Alabama Shakes. This jam-packed issue also includes new essays on iconic Southern artists who have changed the trajectory of American music.

Rather than including a CD this year, we’ve asked guest contributors to curate a selection of playlists that limn the bounty of Southern music across genres. These are available to stream on Spotify. 

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Yusef Komunyakaa

Yusef Komunyakaa’s books of poetry include Taboo, Dien Cai Dau, Neon Vernacular (for which he received the Pulitzer Prize), Warhorses, The Chameleon Couch, Emperor of Water Clocks, and most recently Night Animals. His plays, performance art, and libretti have been performed internationally and include Saturnalia, Testimony, and Gilgamesh. Everyday Mojo Songs of Earth is forthcoming in 2021.
Photo of Howlin’ Wolf (Manchester, England, 1964) by Brian Smith. © Brian Smith, from the forthcoming book Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom – American Rhythm & Blues in England – 1962-1968 (Easy-On-The-Eye Books, Sheffield, UK)
Issue 111, Winter 2020

On the Edge of Diminished Light

November 10, 2020

Originally published in our 2011 Music Issue 

Now, I wonder, is the song about a smokestack, a place, a woman, or a state of mind? “Whoa oh tell me, baby / Where did ya stay last night?” The phrases seemed to collide, creating tension essential to the blues shaped around the timbre of Howlin’ Wolf’s voice, which perhaps echoed the familiar robust presence of a deacon I’d heard at church.

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