Jonny’s Dead Air dives deep into the seldom told, the eerie, and the forgotten corners of music history. Hosted by radio veteran Jonny Hartwell, each episode blends storytelling, mystery, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll grit to resurrect stories that deserve another listen. From bands that should’ve been legends to the backstage scandals, strange coincidences, and tragic twists the industry tried to bury, Jonny peels back the layers to reveal the raw, human truths behind the music. It’s part history lesson, part cautionary tale, and all killer—no filler.
All content for Jonny's Dead Air Podcast is the property of Jonny Hartwell and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Jonny’s Dead Air dives deep into the seldom told, the eerie, and the forgotten corners of music history. Hosted by radio veteran Jonny Hartwell, each episode blends storytelling, mystery, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll grit to resurrect stories that deserve another listen. From bands that should’ve been legends to the backstage scandals, strange coincidences, and tragic twists the industry tried to bury, Jonny peels back the layers to reveal the raw, human truths behind the music. It’s part history lesson, part cautionary tale, and all killer—no filler.
This podcast contains discussions of sensitive topics...Listener discretion is strongly advised. While the stories you’ll hear are rooted in real events, not every detail is strictly historical—some moments are dramatized with creative license to bring the narrative to life. Please keep this in mind as you listen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I the smoky clubs and backrooms of the early 1950s, a voice began to rise.
It wasn’t loud or flashy — it was warm, patient, and impossible to forget.
In just two years, he became the name whispered in record shops, sung about on street corners, and headlined on marquees across the South. Then, on Christmas night, in a room thick with laughter and music, a single moment stopped everything.
Theories spread. Rumors grew. The truth… slipped away into the shadows. This is the story of a star the world thought it would have forever — and the haunting echo he left behind.
Written by Jonny Hartwell Voiced by Jonny Hartwell Music Credit: Reel World Audio. A iHeart Radio Production
Jonny’s Dead Air Podcast Written, hosted, and produced by Jonny Hartwell. A production of iHeartRadio Pittsburgh.
Thanks for listening—and for keeping the light on.
Jonny's Dead Air Podcast
Jonny’s Dead Air dives deep into the seldom told, the eerie, and the forgotten corners of music history. Hosted by radio veteran Jonny Hartwell, each episode blends storytelling, mystery, and a touch of rock ’n’ roll grit to resurrect stories that deserve another listen. From bands that should’ve been legends to the backstage scandals, strange coincidences, and tragic twists the industry tried to bury, Jonny peels back the layers to reveal the raw, human truths behind the music. It’s part history lesson, part cautionary tale, and all killer—no filler.