The K-Rob Collection Ken Robinson

This podcast is about Huddie William Ledbetter. Better known by his stage name Lead Belly, was one of the most celebrated folk and blues singers of his time. His most popular songs "Goodnight, Irene", "Midnight Special", "Cotton Fields", became American classics. Lead Belly was celebrated for his songwriting skills, strong vocals, and virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar. He's a Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Lead Belly was born in 1888, and faced many hardships as a young African-American growing up in the Jim Crow South, serving several prison sentences for murder, attempted homicide, and assault.  But Lead Belly spent his time behind bars, performing concerts for his fellow inmates and perfecting his craft. Once he got out for good, Lead Belly was given a radio show, and signed a contract with RCA Victor, one of the biggest record companies at the time. You will hear 3 episodes of the Leadbelly Show on New York Radio Station WNYC in 1940, one with special guest, legendary folk singer Woodie Guthrie. You'll also hear Lead Belly perform on the show, This Is Jazz in 1947, just 2 years before his death. 

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At the age of 25 in 1927, Charles Lindbergh became an international hero when he made the first non-stop solo flight from New York to Paris. Even though British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown made the first ever non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919. Never-the-less, the solo flight by the former airmail pilot was viewed as a tremendous breakthrough for aviation. A huge celebration was held in Washington DC when Lindbergh arrived to meet with government and military leaders. In the coming years, few would celebrate Lindbergh as he evolved into a Nazi sympathizer and serial adulterer.

Ken interviews a man who travels coast-to-coast preaching the Gospel of Kindness. Also a look at the dangers of fireworks, and the threat of bed bugs. 

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A look at marginalized people in our society. Ken interviews Don Bryant of the Immigrant Support Network, immigrant and author Dulcelina Moore, and LGBT activist Phyllis Harris. 

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In this podcast, we pay tribute to the Mutual Broadcasting System. It was the fourth nationwide radio network to be established in the United States, after CBS, NBC, and the NBC Blue Network which later became ABC. Mutual was established in 1934 as a cooperative between WOR New York, WGN Chicago, WLW Cincinnati, and WXYZ in Detroit. The network was retired in 1999 after numerous ownership changes. During radio's golden age Mutual was was best known as the home of The Lone Ranger, Superman, and The Shadow, as well as Major League Baseball, the NFL, and college football. Because it didn't have a big budget like it's rivals, Mutual usually avoided airing expensive variety shows, and concentrated on crime, drama, game, music, news and talk programs. For example, you're going to hear, Nick Carter Master Detective from 1945. From 1946 the popular situation comedy Vic & Sade, plus Sherlock Homes starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. From 1947, the game show What Am I Offered, and the Barbara Welles Show with guest James Stewart. Finally, The Saint starring Vincent Price from 1949.

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During the great depression of the 1930's, CBS Radio cooperated with the federal government to create the series Americans All, Immigrants All, to combat the rising tide of racism, and anti-antisemitism sweeping the nation at the time. Americans All highlighted the many hardships minorities suffered, and the numerous contributions they had made to society. It provided a counter balance to the views of popular radio preacher Father Charles Coughlin, a white nationalist, who promoted anti-minority conspiracy theories, and is considered to be the Rush Limbaugh of broadcasting's golden age. Coughlin also supported some of the fascist policies of Nazi Germany. So in 1938, the Americans All, Immigrants all series took to the airwaves for 26 weeks, promoting equality and inclusion. You will hear three episodes, the first highlighting African-Americans, the second featuring Hispanics, and the third focusing on Asian-Americans. 

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