© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

In Birmingham, John Paul White Shares Songs And Stories

John Paul White performs live at the Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Ala.
Beau Gustafson
/
WBHM
John Paul White performs live at the Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Ala.

If you caught Weekend Edition's live show from Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday, you might have heard John Paul White's guitar between stories. The Alabama singer-songwriter, known for his work as one-half of The Civil Wars, released his solo album Beulah in 2016.

White spoke with NPR's Scott Simon about how he got his 1957 Martin guitar and his father's love for the country yodeler Slim Whitman. He also performed two songs from Beulah -- including "Black Leaf," whose title hints at its dark overtones.

"'Black Leaf' is actually a reference to Black Leaf 40," White says, naming a chemical insecticide. "My dad used it on our poultry farm, on the chickens, and he always warned us, 'Don't ever put this in your mouth or the worst could happen.' "

Listen to "Black Leaf" and "The Once And Future Queen" in the player above, and hear more of the music White played for Saturday's live broadcast below.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Local journalism matters—and it’s at risk.


WKAR brings you trusted news, without barriers—no paywalls, no corporate spin. But now, federal funding that helps make it all possible is on the chopping block. Your support is more important than ever. Stand up for independent journalism in mid-Michigan—make your gift today.