Roy Buchanan/Danny Gatton - Anacostia Delta with Anthony Pirog

DC Rock History

In this special episode of the DC Rock History Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lives and legacies of two extraordinary guitarists, Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton, as well as the unique musical movement they spearheaded: the Anacostia Delta. Both Buchanan and Gatton were known for their unmatched technical skills, emotional depth, and their contributions to a distinctive blend of blues, jazz, rockabilly, and country that became the hallmark of the Anacostia Delta sound.

Hailing from the Washington, DC area, these guitar virtuosos influenced generations of musicians with their groundbreaking techniques and passionate playing. Despite their local roots, Buchanan and Gatton’s reputations as cult legends have resonated globally among guitarists and music enthusiasts. Yet, their careers were marked by struggles with fame, personal demons, and a refusal to conform to the commercial expectations of the music industry.

This episode also explores how the working-class neighborhoods of Southeast DC birthed a style that fused bluegrass banjo rolls, soulful blues riffs, and jazz chords into a fiery Americana gumbo. Gatton’s term "Anacostia Delta" encapsulated the area's rich musical spirit, and both he and Buchanan were its foremost ambassadors.

Joining us is Anthony Pirog, a modern guitar virtuoso whose innovative work carries the legacy of the Anacostia Delta forward. Anthony’s own releases this year reflect the same adventurous spirit that defined Buchanan and Gatton’s careers.

• The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis
• The Hunger Artist
• New Moon in the Evil Age

Join hosts Philip Basnight and Alex Vidales, along with Anthony Pirog, as they discuss Roy Buchanan’s haunting use of controlled harmonics, Danny Gatton’s electrifying genre fusion, and the enduring cultural impact of the Anacostia Delta. Together, we celebrate two of DC’s finest guitarists and the unique musical movement they helped create.

Go Further

• Anacostia Delta
  • Documentary
  • Washington Post
  • PBS
• Capitol Rock – Mark Opsasnick
• Premier Guitar – Danny Gatton’s Musical Gumbo
• Louder Sound – Buchanan's Blues Legacy

Follow Us

• Social Media: @dcrockpod
• Email us your thoughts or questions: [email protected]
• Philip Basnight – Broke Royals
• Alex Vidales – StageCraft
• Anthony Pirog – Bandcamp