Ozarkian Folk Chronicles

Emalee Flatness-Combs, performer with the Homestead Pickers at Silver Dollar City, and Lillyanne McCool, national old time banjo champion, bring the old songs to life with their beautiful voices and superb musicianship. From the wife so mean the devil threw her out of hell to the whimsical "Froggy Went A-Courtin'," Emalee and Lillyanne will waft you away to a simpler time. So, turn up the volume, open the windows, and enjoy this lighthearted episode of the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles.

Like so many beautiful regions in the Ozarks, the Little Red River and the towns along its banks face unprecedented challenges from reckless recreators, greedy corporations, and the failure to protect a fragile environment. Kasey and Ginny Kimmons describe the challenges from ATVs that tear up river roads to the pollution that destroys precious river ecosystems to landowners that strip the hills. They also recall the successful effort of the citizens of Shirley, Arkansas, to confront a corporate Goliath and save the jewel of their town,

In the early 70s, Tom and Brandy left Columbia, Missouri, where Tom was teaching at Mizzou, for the deep woods on the banks of the Little Red River, not far from Shirley, Arkansas. With nothing but a chainsaw, a hammer, and an auger, Tom built a cabin that still stands today. For ten years, Tom and Brandy lived in the cabin, and their first daughter, Ginny, was born there. Before their second daughter, Kasey, was born, they moved into Shirley, where the Tom worked diligently to improve his hometown. The fruits of his labor in Shirley are everywhere, extending to the water they drink. The Kimmons are an example of the love and respect our Ozarks hills deserve and the best way to "love them to life."

At 84, Andrew Kilgore is still photographing, still learning, and still excited about exploring the world through the lens of his camera. Andrew shares his story of moving to the Ozarks in the heyday of the 60s, and the joy he's had in photographing the portraits of over 30,000 Arkansans. We know you'll enjoy this inspiring episode of the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles.

The Chronicle's own true crime historians--Tammy Morton and Angel Wolf--are back to tell the macabre and tragic story of the murder of Charlie Cobb. The web of conspiracy spreads out to include wives, friends, and lovers, and Tammy and Angel reveal the previously sealed account of the case by prosecutor Doug Mahnkey, the legendary Ozarks lawyer. Fascinating and disturbing, this episode sheds new light on an old crime that shook southwest Missouri.  

Mark and Cindy are back to share their adventures in Ozarks folk music. They received a grant to research and arrange Ozarks folksongs collected by Sidney Robertson in the 20s and 30s and housed at the Library of Congress. Then Mark and Cindy returned with a treasure trove of beautiful folksongs that they have already begun to arrange and perform, and some of them are featured right here on the Chronicles! Don't miss it!

Wayne Glenn, the Old Record Collector, joins Curtis and Hayden for a survey of Christian County history. From Clarence and Roscoe to Buff Lamb, Wayne is an encyclopedia of history and lore. 

Curtis and Hayden are joined by Jeff Michel, David Arnold, Esther Exley, and Coy Stephan, members of the Mountain Grove School House Jam who play some old time mountain music tunes. Jeff explains the good work of the Ozarks Mountain Music Association and the ongoing efforts of "old timers" to teach a new generation of musicians in the traditions and techniques of music that goes back centuries.

Dan Bennett, ghost tour guide extraordinaire, joins Curtis and Hayden for a fascinating interview about the encounters of ghosts and guests in the historic Crescent Hotel. From little Breckie to Michael the Irish stone mason, these tales of the paranormal are challenging and entertaining. Are you brave enough to book Room 218?? You don't want to miss this episode of the Ozarkian Folk Chronicles!