The Arena Season 2017 Episode 3 - American Epic Part 2: Blood and Soil

Airdate: 2017-May-28

Episode summary:

This episode takes a look at the stories of those early music pioneers whose names have largely been forgotten.In the small South Carolina town of Cheraw, Elder Burch held lively church gatherings which inspired young musicians - including jazz giant Dizzy Gillespie. Gillespie's autobiography cites Burch and his sons as direct inspirations; it is no exaggeration to say that modern music would not look the same without Burch's early influence.The programme takes a look at the gritty songs and musicians that came from the coal mines of Logan County, West Virginia - The Williamson Brothers, Dick Justice and Frank Hutchinson. The hellish conditions of the coal mines inspired them to find a way out, through their music.

About The Arena series:

A new storytelling franchise created to provide a thought-provoking forum for content on topics occurring on and off the court of play.