The Flying Keys, The Singing Brakeman and America's First Black Senator

In Episode 24, Mike takes us to see the parts of Mississippi beyond the Delta. This episode begins with the story of Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music. Then comes the story of Pushmataha, the Choctaw Chief who always fought beside his American allies until he had to come to Washington to fight for his people. Next up is the story of Hiram Revels, the son of a Baptist preacher who grew up to be America’s first Black senator. After that you’ll hear the story of Columbus, Mississippi native Tennessee Williams who became one of the state’s most famous writers. Finally comes the story of the Flying Key Brothers who, in 1935, kept their airplane in flight for over 27 days. Music for this episode comes from Oxford, Mississippi based singer-songwriter Luke Fisher.

Eddie Robinson, The Star from Start and The King of the 12 String Guitar

In this episode, Mike takes us to the plantations, football fields and music clubs of North Louisiana. First comes the story of Tim McGraw, the country music legend who got his start in Start - Start, Louisiana that is. Then you’ll hear the tragic story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Louisiana. He later wrote the book Twelve Years a Slave based on this experience. Next comes the story of Huddy “Leadbelly” Ledbetter, one of America’s greatest folk musicians and the King of the 12 String Guitar. Then you’ll hear about Luther Divine “L.D.” Knox who legally changed his name to None of the Above to try and bring election reform to Louisiana and the rest of the country. Finally comes the triumphant story of the great Eddie Robinson, at one time the winningest coach in college football history. Music in this episode comes from Louisiana based Singer/Songwriter Joe Sims - find him at www.joesimsmusic.com.

The Plumage Wars, Dry Tortugas and Murder in Groveland

In this episode, Mike makes his way down the east coast of Florida, from Amelia Island all the way to the Dry Tortugas to bring you stories from The Sunshine State. The episode starts with the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd and their meteoric rise from Jacksonville backyard band to super stardom, and how it all came crashing down in 1977. Next you’ll hear the fascinating tale of Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, the fort at the end of the end of the world for those who lived there. During the Guilded Age, feathers were more valuable than gold, a fact which sparked off what we call the Plumage Wars between feather hunters and environmentalists. That story is up next. Then you’ll hear the fascinating biography of Miami-born Sydney Poitier, Hollywood’s first black leading man. Finally comes the tragic story of the Groveland 4, four young black men tried for a crime they didn’t commit back in 1949. Music for this episode comes from Florida based singer-songwriter Laney Jones.

Daniel Boone, Sweet Evening Breeze and the Coal Miner's Daughter

In this episode, Mike heads across Southern Kentucky to bring you more stories from the history of the Bluegrass State. First up is the story of Loretta Lynn, the Coal Miner’s Daughter. Then we’ll hear about the life and times of Kentucky’s first legend: Daniel Boone. The Day Law, passed in 1904 in Kentucky, forced segregation on Berea College, a school which had been integrated for over four decades - that story is up next. In 1925, cave explorer Floyd Collins was trapped in a cave in Central Kentucky and the whole country was watching - you’ll hear the whole harrowing tale. Finally comes the story of James “Sweet Evening Breeze” Herndon, a black drag queen beloved by early 20th Century Lexington. Music comes from Wess Mills and Smokehouse recorded live at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.