VITAL FOLK with Ken Corder is a weekly show that airs Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. E.T. on Rose Island Radio. Each week on VITAL FOLK we explore the origin, meaning and history of a traditional folk song from the British Isles or early America. Along the way we encounter jolly ploughboys, fair maidens, false deceivers, unrepentant criminals, jilted lovers, clever squires and talented sippers of the old mountain dew. The show re-airs Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. E.T., and you can find previous shows on this page. They are uploaded here without complete songs in order to stay within copyright limitations.
VITAL FOLK – Episode 9 – April Fools’ Day Edition March 31, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 8 – Gallant and Bold Poachers of the English Countryside March 24, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 7 – Greenland Whaling and the Fate of the Bonny Ship the Diamond March 17, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 6 – Charles Guiteau: The Incel Assassin of President Garfield. March 10, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 5 – Clever Women in Traditional Folk Song: Broomfield Hill. March 3, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 4 – Boney Was a Warrior: Napoleon Bonaparte in English Folk Song February 25, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 3 – A Gallows Confession: Jack Hall February 18, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 2 – A Doubtul Lover, Cruel Mothers and the Clyde Water. February 11, 2024
VITAL FOLK – Episode 1 – Infatuation: Exploring One Woman’s Desire for Young Munro. February 4, 2024