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The Walking Blues

Censorship has been a big issue in the U.S. since, well, before there was a U.S.

January 13, 2024
The Awakening of Scrooge

You’re listening to Bransby Williams with Charles Dickens’ redeemed cheapskate.

December 25, 2023
Begin The Beguine

As a musician, Art Tatum was a true original – if a recording sounds like Tatum’s…it almost certainly IS Tatum’s.

December 12, 2023
Flying Crow

Dave Alexander billed himself as Black Ivory King. You could say he was “better-known as”, but barely anything is known of the man at all.

December 8, 2023
The Blue Tail Fly

You’re listening to Burl Ives with “Blue Tail Fly” from 1944 and…

December 7, 2023
To The North Pole!

Finding the North Pole is hard enough. The harsh terrain, subzero temperatures…oh, and the fact that the pole isn’t even located on land.

December 4, 2023
The Devil and Niccolo Paganini

Paganini’s talents made him a celebrity, but also inspired “devilish” rumors.

November 30, 2023
To Mary

When Mary Godwin and Percy Bysshe Shelly met, in 1814, it was love at first sight. Which made his being married a bit awkward.

November 17, 2023
Crazy with the Blues

History’s full of musicians claiming to have made deals with the devil. But only one claimed to have married into one.

November 10, 2023
25 Minutes to Go

Johnny Cash got a little help from a beloved children’s book author on this one.

November 8, 2023