Robert Jones and Matt Watroba - Music That Matters

2007 recipient of the national “Blues Educator of the Year” award, Robert Jones is a performer and teacher of both traditional and original blues, spiritual, and folk music. His performances, for audiences of all ages, have been praised for both their entertaining and educational content. Robert’s Gospel Music program, “Deep River,” can be heard Saturdays on WDET—Detroit Public Radio.  An ordained minister, Jones believes that roots music and traditional song express the true soul of culture.

Many know Matt Watroba as the voice of folk music in Michigan for his work with WDET. As producer and host of the Folks Like Us program, and the nationally syndicated, Sing Out Radio Magazine, Watroba has come in contact with every aspect of folk music and culture. This has helped shape a repertoire and presentation that is unique on stages across the state and country.

These two artists combine their talent and experience into a musical presentation that has turned thousands on to the magic of roots music and traditional song. It’s rare that two performers have both the knowledge of American roots music and the ability to communicate it to a wide variety of audiences. They work their magic in schools, libraries, and in community concerts. Preaching racial harmony is one thing—Jones and Watroba bring it alive through blues and folk music with every performance.

Watch and listen as the duo takes you back to the roots of American music and song. You will be amazed and amused by the connections made between the songs and music you are familiar with, and the songs and music that dates back hundreds of years. You will experience how cooperation, sharing and listening among diverse ethnic cultures led directly to what we know of as American music. This is the history of music AND the music of history.