Tom Roznowski Oral History

Tom Roznowski is a gifted songwriter, storyteller, and multimedia creator whose work captures the texture of time, place, and memory. In this oral history interview, Tom shares insights from a lifelong career spanning original music, radio, writing, and documentary film. Best known for his poetic and place-rooted songwriting, Tom’s albums—including A Well-Traveled Porch, Voice Beyond the Hill, and This Place In Time—have earned critical acclaim and international recognition. His music has resonated across the United States and Europe, with tracks like “Hank’s There” charting abroad and This Place In Time earning a rare five-star review from Maverick magazine.

Tom also discusses his broader body of work beyond songwriting—his Emmy-nominated radio and television series Hometown, the photograph-inspired documentary project Memory Chain, and PorchLight, his current radio series on WFIU that offers listeners a weekly mix of stories, songs, and reflection. Throughout the conversation, Tom reflects on themes of community, the passage of time, and the enduring value of creative work rooted in everyday experience. His deep connection to Indiana, particularly Bloomington, shapes much of his storytelling and artistic identity, offering a thoughtful and richly observed perspective on Midwestern life.

With support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, this project presents in-depth video interviews with musicians, producers, and other influential figures who have shaped Indiana’s musical landscape. In this oral history, Tom Roznowski shares personal stories, creative milestones, and cultural insights that offer a deeper understanding of Indiana’s vibrant music scenes—from hometown venues and beyond. This page includes the Complete Interview, and the Interview Highlight, and a selection of images that help illustrate this Amazing Indiana Music Story.

In this highlight video, Tom Roznowski recalls the special moment when legendary musician John Hartford played banjo on “Stewed Cucumbers” from Well-Traveled Porch—what would become Hartford’s final recording before his passing. This story offers a poignant glimpse into Tom’s connections with fellow artists and the lasting impact of collaboration in Indiana’s music community.

In this full oral history, Tom Roznowski reflects on his career as a songwriter, storyteller, and performer whose work has become closely tied to Indiana’s cultural identity. He shares the inspirations behind albums like Well-Traveled Porch, his collaborations with artists including John Hartford, and his dedication to documenting everyday life through song and story. Tom also discusses his work in radio, writing, and community projects, offering a wide-ranging portrait of an artist who has spent decades connecting people to place through words and music.