Michael Jonathon is a folksinger/songwriter; a concert performer; a storyteller and author; and a radio host whose WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour has a weekly, international audience of more than 500,000.

A native of upstate New York, Michael began his career in the industry by moving to Laredo, Texas to work as a disc jockey. He recalls spinning records at 3:00 one morning and playing the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” by the Byrds. Pete Seeger, who wrote the lyrics to the tune, was from his hometown, and by the end of the song, Michael says he had experienced “a religious conversion of sorts, only musical” and was determined to be a folksinger.

Two months later, he packed his bags and headed for the “hills and hollers” of Eastern Kentucky, settling in the small hamlet of Mousie. He began playing the banjo, knocking on doors, learning folk songs and bluegrass riffs, having numerous front-porch jam sessions, and absorbing the unique culture of Appalachia. Michael believes that folk is a tradition that can be learned only through the people who play it and have passed it down over the generations.

Program 519

A dip into the archives for a look at the Louisville Ballet of the 1970s, previews of a new KET production about Central Kentucky’s big band and swing clubs of the 1940s and ’50s and of Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2003, and music by Michael Johnathon. (#519)

Program 537

A dip into the archives for a look at the Louisville Ballet of the 1970s, Central Kentucky’s big band and swing clubs of the 1940s and ’50s, and Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2003, plus music by Michael Johnathon. (#537)

Program 822

Folksinger and radio host Michael Johnathon, hip-hop artist C-Rowdy, and musical performances from Kentucky Wild Horse and the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour. (#822)