Idaho musicians share songs inspired by the Gem State

Music has lifted the spirit of the Gem State's people since long before Idaho was named a territory. It has been a touchstone to our past while enriching our lives.

In "Idaho in Song, Volume 2" on Idaho Public TV's local history series Idaho Experience, program officials explore the history of our state through music. 

Beth Pederson starts the program out with a beautiful tune called “Idaho,” a song inspired by a misconception of the origin of the state’s name. Historian Keith Petersen sets that story straight with a tale of 19th-century lore invented out of cultural appropriation.

Nez Perce native Nakia Williamson-Cloud sings a song honoring chiefs of his tribe.

Folk legend Judy Collins speaks with life-long friend Belinda Bowler about Collins' song “Prairie Dream,” which was inspired by her father, Chuck Collins of Lapwai, Idaho. The song pays tribute to the lives of Native Americans while honoring the legacy of Nez Perce rodeo champion Jackson Sundown. Their conversation also reveals a deep connection between Judy’s father and her godfather, Holden Bowler, Belinda’s dad. Chuck and Holden, who were fraternity brothers at Phi Gamma Delta, played and sang together at the University of Idaho and went on to make meaningful musical connections throughout their lives.

And finally, Gary Eller and Friends resurrect an Idaho original put to song by “the musical poem recorder of Cascade, Idaho,” Ione Love Thielke.

Producer and director Andy Lawless calls this program “a multicultural collage of the human spirit woven together through music that celebrates the heart of our cultural heritage.”

"Idaho in Song, Volume 2" airs Thursday, July 2, at 8:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m. on Idaho Public Television. It will be available for streaming beginning July 2 on the PBS app and online at video.idahoptv.org.

The companion program "Idaho in Song, Volume 1" is available online and on the app for streaming anytime.