March 10, 2026
Ross Burns Brings I Hear America Singing to a Close
After years of bringing folk music and its stories to KWBU listeners, host Ross Burns is bringing his longtime program I Hear America Singing to a close.
Ross actually began the program years earlier when he was living out west in Abilene. After moving to Waco, he reached out to KWBU. I Hear America Singing was added to the KWBU weekend schedule in August 2014. The series finale will be May 31, 2026.
Each week, Ross shared voices, stories, and traditions that make up the rich landscape of American folk music. His deep knowledge of the genre—and his genuine affection for the music and the people behind it—made the program a welcoming place for longtime folk fans and new listeners alike.
And longtime listeners know another running theme of the program: sooner or later, almost every musical road seemed to lead back to the Kingston Trio.
In these final weeks, we’ll revisit favorite moments from the I Hear America Singing archives, along with a few new programs Ross has prepared especially for this farewell stretch.
Ross would also love to hear from you, the listeners who have shared this musical journey with him. If you’d like to send a note of thanks or share a memory of the program, you can reach Ross by email (ihearamericasinging1033@gmail.com). You can also send mail to:
Ross Burns
c/o KWBU
2100 River Street
Waco, TX 76706
Although the weekly series will end May 31st, there may be an occassional special from time to time.
We’re also planning a proper send-off for Ross with a reception later this spring. We’ll share details as plans come together.
We’re grateful to Ross for the passion he’s brought to I Hear America Singing and for the many hours of music he’s shared with listeners throughout the Waco area and the Heart of Texas.
For years now, Ross has helped our community hear America singing—and we’re grateful for every song.
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As usual, March is blowing in like a lion so Ross has gathered a whirlwind of songs to match the weather. -
This week Ross has a cradleful of children’s songs, mainly lullabies, ranging from centuries-old ones to ones written by today’s singer-songwriters. -
This week on 'I Hear America Singing', Ross explores the rivers of America, from the mighty Mississippi to the Mussellshell and the Columbia. Before we had railroads and interstate highways, rivers were important means of transportation and became enmeshed in songs and stories. -
This week the show should be titled I Hear Scotland Singing, more specifically Scotland’s favorite poet, Robert Burns -
This week the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem introduce the topic of the show with The Work of the Weavers – the clothes that we wear. -
This week, Ross has been looking down – at his feet and what’s on them. From Carl Perkins’ Blue Suede Shoes to Janis Ian’s I Want Boots Like Emmylou’s, Ross has a store full of songs about footwear. -
From our archives at I Hear America Singing, Ross Burn's has selected a wide variety of songs for your Holiday listening pleasure. -
This week on I Hear America Singing, Ross Burns digs into the stories behind a number of songs that themselves, tell stories. -
This week on I Hear America Singing, we explore the many ways music says goodbye. -
This week on I Hear America Singing, we take to the skies—both literally and figuratively.
