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.

Sun Records, Casey Jones and the Fastest Woman on Earth

Over the last few weeks, Mike has been traveling in West Tennessee to find the stories for this episode. The episode begins with the story of 3 time gold medal winning Olympic sprinter Wilma Rudolph. Then Mike will tell you the true story behind legendary train engineer Casey Jones and his infamous last ride. Next comes the story of Richard Halliburton, one of the most famous American adventurers and travel writers of the early 20th century. Then you’ll hear the tragic and horrible story of the 1917 lynching of Ell Persons who was murdered in front of 5000 cheering spectators for a crime he almost certainly didn’t commit. Sam Phillips’ Sun Records was unstoppable in the 1950s recording everyone from B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf to Elvis and Jerry Lee. You’ll hear the whole story of its rise to infamy. Finally you’ll hear how Tina Turner went from a small town Tennessee farm girl to a worldwide superstar against all odds. Music for this episode comes from Linzie Butler and the Blue Gentlemen.