Bubba O'Keefe has the spirit of the Mississippi Delta running through his veins.
What stories does he have to tell about the Crossroads?
Why is Clarksdale a great place to visit and/or start a business? And what are the kinds of people who succeed here?
Bubba has seen it all...and he shares his stories on today's episode.
You can learn more about Bubba and the Clarksdale, Mississippi at <a href="https://www.visitclarksdale.com">https://www.visitclarksdale.com/</a>
Clarksdale, Mississippi is home to the world-famous Crossroads...where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his guitar chops.
Why did Robert and Lucy decide to start a hostel in Clarksdale after succeeding with their property in New Orleans?
What interesting stories live within the four walls of the Auberge?
All of this and more in today's episode.
You can learn more about Robert and the Auberge Hostel at <a href="https://aubergehostels.com/">https://aubergehostels.com/</a>
And...this week we wrap up the amazing story of Alligator Records.
There's even more music in this episode, courtesy of Bruce and Alligator.
We also cover the most harrowing and dramatic story we have heard on the podcast to date, involving a train derailment, tragedy, and redemption.
So many firsts in this episode!
First time we have had music in the podcast.
First time the conversation was so good and so long that we had to break it up into two episodes.
How did Bruce get started as a record executive?
Why did he give Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys a guitar?
What does Bruce think about the future of the music business?
All of this in this week's episode.
Don't forget to tune in next week for Part 2 to hear about how Bruce helped save a band from dying in a derailed train.
You can learn more about Bruce and his label and buy all the music in this episode at https://www.alligator.com
Todd Sanders always knew he wanted to be an artist.
He get into making neon signs, and he developed a clientele of businesses who sought him for commercial signs.
But Todd wanted more...he wanted to make fine art with neon. He was committed. So committed that at one point he slept in a trailer in a field with no electricity.
He gritted his way forward, to where today he has an iconic shop in South Austin and his art is displayed the world over.
Todd shares his story in today's episode...including the story of the largest piece he has ever sold, a set of three luchador masks with the colors of the Mexican flag.
You can find Todd's work at https://www.roadhouserelics.com/