Send us a textHear excerpts from all 11 episodes from the docuseries: A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tears. Episode Index:1-Bitter Tears Overview2-The Letter3-Flood Their Land, Burn Down the Houses- As Long As the Grass Shall Grow4-Indian Removal Act-Apache Tears5- An Indian Victory-Custer6-The 10,000 year-old Language: The Talking Leaves7-Hero or Drunken Indian? The Ballad of Ira Hayes8-The White Man's Golden Rule- Drums9-Whites Only Democracy10-Terminated...

Send us a textThis docuseries is concluded with discussions on how producer, Don Law backed Johnny Cash, the poor indoor air quality, modifying/removing conditions that produce poverty, and a great conversation about a recent school lawsuit that leads to offensive sports mascots. Audio clips from folklorist Archie Green, Rosanne Cash, John Trudell, Nancy Blake, Bob Resier, Rickey Medlocke, and Joe Henry. Listeners are encouraged on how to get involved by rating/reviewing the s...

Send us a textDiscussions regarding the folk movement that was resistant to folk music on behalf of Native issues. Native population numbers that the US Census states are not accurate.The Termination Policy and problems that have been challenged for generations. Alcatraz protests with audio from Howard Zinn and about a Native Ironworker, Richrd Oakes. Basis of self-determinationAudio clips from Johnny Cash, Rhiannon Giddens, Rickey Medlocke, & Joanne Shenandoah. ...

Send us a textThis episode is loaded with audio clips from:Singer, songwriter, producer-Joe Henry, Musician Rhiannon Giddens, Milk Carton Kids (Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan) perform “White Girl” and offer their perspective of recording the song with singer/songwriter Steve Earle giving his opinion. Josh Dunson who is a social justice activist/artist lets u hear his take on Peter LaFarge. Native American singer, composer, and citizen of the Oneida Indian Nation-Wolf Clan: Joanne She...

Send us a textThe song is on education and the forced assimilation by teaching the Native Children from a white man’s view and went as far as giving them a “white” name. The 1893 court ruling that kept them in boarding schools & the passing of the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978!The hard to believe problems facing children in Canada to this day!Education statistics, respecting blood lines and reservations struggles with voting. We need voting sites on Native Land!Hear excerpts from- Cana...

Send us a textThe Battle of Ira Hayes some say is the most important track on the Bitter Tears LP. It has been referred to as an anthem. Who was Ira Hayes and what were the Pima Tribe from Arizona?Story behind the iconic photograph in Iwo Jima at Mt. Suribach. Linking Photographers Joe Rosenthal & Jim Marshall.Ira did not want to be a war hero and should have stayed with troops which led to PTSD. Hear the statistics for Indigenous people with mental illness, suicide, and substan...

Send us a textSequoyah, a severely disabled Cherokee who could not read or write created the first written Indian language. The responsibility of the United States towards Native People.Johnny Cash concept records, the struggles behind them that includes being threatened by Sam Phillips from Sun records. Marlon Brando stands up for Native People and how he helped Dennis Banks when he was arrested at the showdown at Wounded Knee which was on Indian land!The Indigenous Languages becom...

Send us a textPeter LaFarge the character as he thought he was both cowboy & Indian.The Battle of Little Bighorn history to a discussion regarding if Peter LaFarge’s heroic qualities have happened?Steve Earle on what it takes to sing-Custer, John Trudell on the spearheads, to a violent part in Native People history in 1864 from another LaFarge song called- Crimson Parson. Howard Zinn speaks about the Indian movement & emergence which Bill Miller adds to. Full circle with the...

Send us a textWe discuss the song and inspiration behind it. The great story about Johnny Cash meeting Ira Hayes’ mother who gave him a black stone called – Apache TearThe US Government forcing removal of Native People from their land that includes the “Trail of Tears”, Indian Removal Act, Death March, & Cherokee Removal. Hear excerpts from Emmylou Harris, Rickey Medlocke, Rhiannon Giddens, & Dennis Banks. Links:Book “The Surrounded”: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-s...

Send us a textDiscussion regarding the treaty broken by President Kennedy and the Seneca Nation that was signed by George Washington to build the Kinzua Dam and flood the land. Treaty LawFishing and hunting rights on Native LandLyrics from the remake of “As Long as the Grass Shall Grow” by Gillian Welch & David RawlingsLand-Land-Land from Rickey Medlocke (Lynyrd Skynyrd & Sioux), Joanne Shenandoah (Musician & Hiwatha), Nevada Lithium. Canada Government Links:A...

Send us a textAntonino reads “The Letter” written by Johnny Cash in 1964Columbia refusing to promote the albumCash being asked to resign from the Country Music AssociationNewport Folk FestivalThe controversy and rise of Bitter Tears Powerful message from John TrudellJohnny Cash’s visit to White House with President NixonHow do we transform? Call them Native People Links:The ...

Send us a textGet the history behind the Bitter Tears concept LPWho was Peter LaFarge?Johnny Cash’s outrage and sadness The power and force of the recordListening vs hearing and getting eyes open to the harsh and unfair treatment of Native PeopleWhy? Links:A Heartbeat & A Guitar Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-Guitar-Johnny-Making-Bitter/dp/156858637XWe’re Stii Here Documentary: https://www.kinolorber.com/film/We're%20Still%20Here:%20%20Johnny%20Cash%20Bitter%20TearsJohnn...

Send us a textA podcast docuseries coming your way in support of Native American Rights of the harsh, and unfair treatment of the Indigenous Community. Webpage: beforethelightspod.com/bittertears