The Brown Bomber, The Ghost Capital and The Day The Stars Fell on Alabama

In Episode 21, Mike takes us back to Alabama with more stories from the Heart of Dixie. First you’ll hear the story of the day the stars fell on Alabama - the day the Hodges Meteorite smashed into a house in Sylacauga. Then comes the story of Old Cahaba, Alabama’s first State Capital, now little more than a ghost town. From there, travel to the Free State of Winston, a Unionist region in the hill country. Next you’ll hear the story of boxer Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis, one of the greatest to ever step into the ring. Finally comes the story of Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old high school student in 1955, when she defied Montgomery’s segregation laws and inspired Rosa Parks to do the same 9 months later. Music for this episode comes from Mobile native Hannah McFarland and special guest Tommy Ike Hailey.

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.