Norbert Putnam helped create Southern soul as the bassist on Arthur Alexander's 1961 “You Better Move On," and the Alabama native went on to play on innumerable sessions and produce some of the monuments of Nashville's early pop-country phase. Putnam had a typical upbringing: Hooked on blues and soul, he became an integral part of one of Music City's great rhythm sections. His acoustic bass powers The Vogues' 1965 tune “Five O'Clock World," and he played on hits by Dave Loggins, Tony Joe White and Elvis Presley. As part of the all-star instrumental group Area Code 615, Putnam helped anticipate world music, disco and much else. As producer, Putnam embraced the advancements in technology that played a large part in cementing Nashville's reputation as a recording center. Today's program will feature an interview session along with photos, audio and a film clip of Area Code 615 in their prime.
Sat., Nov. 14, 11:30 a.m., 2009
