Teddy Bears, Muppets and Blues Legends of the Mississippi Delta

In Episode 23, Mike takes us deep into the heart of the Mississippi Delta. This episode starts with the story of Leland native Jim Henson and his fight to bring his Muppets to the world. Then you’ll hear the fascinating story of the ship Star of the West which began its incredible 11 year run as a passenger ship, saw the first shots of the Civil War and ended up scuttled just outside of Vicksburg. Next up comes the story of Holt Collier, one of America’s best hunters, who once guided Teddy Roosevelt on the most infamous bear hunt in our country’s history. Then you’ll hear the story of Blues legend Son House and his incredible return to the stage after decades hidden away from the world. Lastly you’ll hear the tragic story of the Supreme Court case Lum v Rice which challenged school segregation in Mississippi long before Brown v The Board of Education. Music in this episode comes from Mark “Muleman” Massey.

Episode 23: Teddy Bears, Muppets and Blues Legends of the Mississippi Delta

Michael W. Harding

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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.

Episode 19: Eddie Robinson, The Star from Start and The King of the 12 String Guitar

Michael W. Harding

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A River of Grass, The Lizard King and Happy Little Trees

In this episode, Mike takes us back to Florida for more stories from The Sunshine State. First, the story of Bob Ross who spent 20 years in the Air Force before showing the world The Joy of Painting. Next comes the tale of Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish Galleon lost in a hurricane in 1622 and discovered by treasure hunters three and a half centuries later. Then comes the story of the election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tildon, one of the most contentious in U.S. history. Marjorie Stoneman Douglas was a fearless crusader who helped bring worldwide attention to Florida’s Everglades. Hear her story next. Finally comes the tragic saga of the short life of Jim Morrison, lead singer of the band The Doors. Music for this episode comes from Florida based jump-blues band Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones.

Episode 17: A River of Grass, The Lizard King and Happy Little Trees

Michael W. Harding

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Little Richard, The Weeping Time and The Midnight Train to Georgia

In this episode, Mike makes his way from Macon out to the Georgia coast to bring you more stories from the Peach State. The episode starts with the story of the song Midnight Train to Georgia and how it started as something else entirely. Then you’ll hear the tragic story of The Weeping Time, the largest slave auction in American history. Next up is the story of Oliver Hardy and how he went from a tragic childhood to a become a comedy legend. The fourth story in this episode tells the story of Little Richard, one of Rock and Roll’s earliest superstars. Finally is the story of Jim Brown who was one of football’s most celebrated players. Music for this episode comes from Savannah based band Liquid Ginger.

Episode 15: Little Richard, The Weeping Time and The Midnight Train to Georgia

Michael W. Harding

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Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State

In this episode, Mike takes us on a wild romp through Southern Ohio. The episode begins with the story of Hang on Sloopy and how it became the official rock song of Ohio. Annie Oakley was a born sharpshooter, but growing up in western Ohio wasn't easy. Hear the story of her formative years in this episode. In 1884, corruption in Cincinnati led to one of the worst riots in American history. Find out how it started and what future U.S. President was involved in the clean up. You'll also hear about the Portsmouth Spartans, the NFL team who hosted the first night game and played the first playoff game in a hockey rink full of elephant manure. Finally, hear about the early life of Dave Thomas who went on to found the third largest fast food chain in the world which started right here in Ohio. Music for this episode comes from Megan Bee. 

Episode 10: Annie Oakley, Sloopy and Football in the Buckeye State

Michael W. Harding

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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.

Episode 9: Sun Records, Casey Jones and the Fastest Woman on Earth

Michael Harding

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