Discover Arkansas Podcast
This podcast is a companion piece to our digital publication, Discover Arkansas. Each month, take a deeper dive into the digital edition as we interview locals and industry professionals.
Discover Arkansas Podcast Blog Post #1
In episode two of the Discover Arkansas Podcast, Melissa and I traveled around the state to discover what makes Arkansas music tick and the places you can go to learn about Arkansas' rich musical history. We talked to Mayor Charles Snapp in Walnut Ridge and how their Beatles Park and Guitar Walk became a big draw for the small town. Over at the Old Statehouse Museum in downtown Little Rock, museum curator, Jo Ellen Mack, showed off the new exhibit “Play it Loud: Concerts at Barton Coliseum” and told us about some of her personal experiences attending concerts at the Coliseum. Finally, we end the episode with the boisterous walking encyclopedia of blues himself, Jimmy Cunningham with Explore Pine Bluff, home of the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame.
Of course we were not able to fit everything music-related in this episode so we wanted to give a list of other musical destinations in The Natural State to visit:
- Johnny Cash Boyhood Home: Located in the historic colony of Dyess, this is the home that legendary country musician Johnny Cash grew up in. It is furnished as it appeared when the Cash family lived there, based on the memories of Johnny's two youngest siblings who assisted in the restoration.
- Dreamland Ballroom: Located on the top floor of Taborian Hall, now Arkansas Flag and Banner; listed on the National Register of Historic Places; has played host to such musicians as Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra, B. B. King, The Blues Boy, Lloyd Armon and Swingsters, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Witherspoon, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzie Gillespie, Nat “King” Cole and His Trio, and Arkansas natives Al Hibbler and Louis Jordan. Currently undergoing restoration. Also be sure to check out Arkansas PBS’ documentary on the venue, “Dream Land: Little Rock’s West 9th Street.”
- George’s Majestic Lounge: George’s Majestic Lounge is the oldest and longest-running club and live music venue in Arkansas. Although live shows, on a regular basis, began in the early 70's, many loyal locals recall social events, dances, and music out on the old patio as far back as the 1930's. The history of George’s continues to be written every day with every act that sets up on our stages. The Fayetteville venue was included in a list of 100 greatest American music venues by ConsequenceOfSound.net on April 29, 2016.
- King Biscuit Time: Live on the air every afternoon Monday through Friday at 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., “King Biscuit Time” is the longest-running daily American radio broadcast in history. While the Delta Cultural Center is not open to the public on Mondays you can catch the show live Tuesday through Friday.
If you haven’t listened to episode on yet you can do so here! Also tune in next month as we talk about one of Arkansas’ lesser-known museums.