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.

Carolina In My Mind

In this episode, Mike has moved on to North Carolina. You'll hear the story behind one of North Carolina's favorite songs: Carolina In My Mind by James Taylor. Mike recounts some of the early history of the state, taking us back to the very first British settlement at Roanoke and the story of how it became The Lost Colony. You'll hear about the origin of Pepsi Cola, one of North Carolina's most well known products, the first flight by the Wright Brothers from the Kill Devil Hills, and how Babe Ruth got his first professional home run in Fayetteville. This episode features music from the Last Minute Bluegrass Band recorded live at Priddy's General Store in Danbury.