Country History X

Latest Episodes:

#20 - The Great Johnny Cash Christmas Robbery & Kidnapping Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

The time when Johnny Cash and his friends and family were all kidnapped and robbed on Christmas at gunpoint, and how it affected Cash's perspective on life in the future.

#19 - Hero: The Many Deaths of Billy Joe Shaver Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

From suffering a heart attack mid performance on stage, to playing Russian roulette with an automatic pistol, these are the many times Outlaw country legend Billy Joe Shaver cheated death, and lived to become a hero.

#18 - The REAL Story Behind Waylon Jennings and the Cocaine Bear Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

This topic was also explored in Country History X Episode #6, originally published in May of 2021. Around the release of the "Cocaine Bear" feature film, new revelations came to light. This episode clears up continued previous misconceptions with new reporting.

#17 - How The Tragic Death of Johnny Cash's Brother Jack Shaped His Career May 14, 2024

Show notes

When Johnny Cash was just 12, the gruesome death of his older brother and hero Jack significantly affected his life, turning the young boy into The Man in Black, shaping his approach to music, and fueling his addictions through guilt.

#16 - The Rise and Fall of the Conway Twitty Empire Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Conway Twitty had forty #1 songs in country music, more than anyone but George Strait. He was one of the most successful country artists in history. In his era, he was like the Elvis of country. So why don't you hear as much about him as you do other big stars? One major reason is a bitter estate dispute that saw his assets and his iconic "Twitty City" sold off.

#15 - The Tragic Death of Country Icon Gary Stewart Dec 16, 2023

Show notes

Gary Stewart is one of the most underrated performers, singers, and songwriters in country music history. When his wife and songwriting partner Mary Lou passed away, Gary Stewart couldn't carry on, making for one of the most heartbreaking love stories in country music history.

#14 - Did Merle Haggard Really Escape From Jail 17 Times? Feb 19, 2022

Show notes

Merle Haggard was one of country music's most famous former convicts, though most of his crimes were petty. The reason he landed in the notorious San Quentin Prison was due to how many times he escaped from smaller facilities and local jails. But did he really escape 17 times as is claimed?

#13 - Garth Brooks vs. The Super Bowl Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

In 1993, Garth Brooks and the Super Bowl would clash. It was like King Kong vs. Godzilla, with these two titans of American culture squaring off for all time. And ultimately, one side had to win.

#12 - Did Vern Gosdin Really Try to Murder His Producer? Sep 26, 2021

Show notes

There is only one artist in this history of country music whose singing is so revered, he's referred to simply as "The Voice." But the career of Vern Gosdin also may contain one of the most sinister secrets in the history of country music. Did Vern Gosdin really contract two men to murder his producer Gary S. Paxton?

#11 - The Lost Bloodline of Hank Williams & The Search For Hank IV Sep 12, 2021

Show notes

Could it be that the most important and influential bloodline in country music actually has a lost branch? Meanwhile, a 4th generation of performers has emerged to keep the bloodline going.

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