In this throwback episode Sebastian takes a look back at a show that explores one of the greatest legends in 20th century popular music. Did the legendary blues musician, Robert Johnson, really trade his immortal soul for superhuman musical talent? In the newly recorded intro, Sebastian shares one of the wildest pieces of listener mail he ever received--- a ... Show More
Feb 3
Bonus Episode - Ponzi Empires, Thieving Saints, and Skin Grafts
In this Bonus Episode Sebastian takes questions from listeners about the series on the original Ponzi Scheme. The host investigates the history of the expression "robbing Peter to pay Paul", locates early usages of the phrase "getting Ponzied", and muses about whether all expansi ... Show More
35m 41s
Feb 2024
Did The Father of The Blues Really Sell His Soul to The Devil?
On this episode of Our American Stories, legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to learn how to play the guitar. According to Steve Johnson, Robert's grandson, that's the furthest thing from the truth. Here he is with the true story of the ... Show More
20m 18s
Feb 2024
Episode 2: THE PASSAGE OF ROBERT JOHNSON
August 6, 1938. The Mississippi Delta. The Badlands… In this hauntingly melodic episode of The Passage, the Ferryman, voiced by the enigmatic Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, The Walking Dead), finds himself aboard a steam engine train, its whistle echoing thr ... Show More
28m 9s
Jun 2022
Jimi Hendrix, le guitariste hors-norme qui n’avait pas de limites
Dans le cadre de notre mois consacré à la fête de la musique, découvrez un autre membre du club des 27. Un de ces musiciens à la renommée internationale, disparu à l’âge de 27 ans. Connu pour ses prestations électrisantes et incontrôlables, il a révolutionné le monde de la musiqu ... Show More
16m 17s
Jun 2022
Janis Joplin, la reine de la soul qui ne trouvait pas sa place
Dans le cadre de notre mois consacré à la Fête de la musique, je vais vous parler d’une femme, membre du tristement connu « club des 27 », ces icônes du rock disparues à l’âge de 27 ans. Avec sa voix rauque et grave, ses intonations qui reflétaient son authenticité et sa souffran ... Show More
13m 35s
Jun 2023
Great Stories For Southern Rock Lovers
This one is for the Southern Rock lovers out there. In this episode, we have Eddie Stone from Doc Holliday and Wet Willie, with stories of life on the road, playing for 350,000 people and sharing a stage with some of the biggest names in the business. Rob Walker from Stillwater ... Show More
34m 49s
Jan 2022
Episode #149- Who Was the Real Stagger Lee?
The character of Stagger Lee has been one of America’s most enduring folk heroes. There have been over 400 songs written about the swaggering, gun-toting, bad man. He has gone by many names: Stacks Lee, Stagolee, Staxs O’Lee. Sometimes he is presented as a malevolent villain, oth ... Show More
1h 5m
Jan 2024
Devil At The Crossroads - Robert Johnson
<p>Summary</p>
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<p>This week Sphar explores the life and music of blues musician Robert Johnson. We dive into his background, the origins of the blues, his musical transformation, the myth of the crossroads, and the hoodoo references in his music. This episode explores ... Show More
59m 29s
Feb 2021
'Off the Record: David Bowie' — Trailer
The series premiere of 'Off the Record' explores the life — or, rather, lives — of David Bowie by examining each of his iconic personas. Major Tom. Ziggy Stardust. Aladdin Sane. The Thin White Duke. Taken collectively, these faces form a portrait of a one-of-a-kind rock legend. F ... Show More
2m 26s