S2:E5 // That Bad Man

American Songcatcher

Celebrating Black History Month!

Featured in this Episode:

Traditional - “Stagger Lee” (:42)

Memphis Minnie (15:45)

Lightnin’ Hopkins (29:21)

Taj Mahal (48:55)

Teaser:

This notorious murder story has been covered in more genres, by more artists and across more multi-media platforms than any other in history, while somehow remaining relatively obscure. She’s known as the queen of the country blues, and queen of the Chicago blues, though she got her start while homeless and playing on the streets full time in Memphis. One of the last links that remained of the original country blues past the folk and blues revival, this Texas bluesman’s personal life was shrouded in mystery during both pinnacles in his near 60-year career. Born of Caribbean descent, he would go on to be a liaison between cultures and sounds from all over the world, wrapping it all into a tight package that makes the blues feel like an altogether human experience.

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Collaboration | Basic Folk Podcast

"Shine A Light" | Blues Foundation

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Credits:

Nicholas Edward Williams - Production, research, writing, editing, recording and distribution

Jack Browning - Writer

Ryan Eastridge - Writer

Source Credits:

Stagger Lee: Missouri Life | StaggerLee.com | American Blues Scene | StLouis-mo.gov

Memphis Minnie: Black Past | Musicians Guide | 64 Parishes

Lightnin’ Hopkins: Black Past | | Texas Monthly | Udiscovermusic | THSA.org

Taj Mahal: Berklee Interview | Harlem World Magazine | Hawaii Public Radio | New York Times