Some Dark Holler: A Murder Ballad Podcast

Some Dark Holler: A Murder Ballad Podcast

Author: Some Dark Holler Language: English Episodes: 19
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Step into the shadowy crossroads where folk music meets true crime with Some Dark Holler: A Murder Ballad Podcast. Hosted by folk singers and performers Amelia Cormack and Allison Guinn, this podcast resurrects the ancient tradition of the murder ballad-those haunting narrative songs that served as the original, chilling form of tabloid news long before modern media. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific song, where the hosts first perform the traditional ballad in its raw, melodic form, letting the old tunes and grim tales set the atmosphere. Then, they pull back the curtain to investigate the real history and true crime stories that likely inspired the lyrics, weaving together musical analysis and historical research. The result is a uniquely atmospheric listen that feels part concert, part detective story, exploring why these dark tales of love, betrayal, and violence have captivated listeners for centuries. It’s for anyone fascinated by the roots of storytelling, the eerie persistence of folklore, and the unsettling truths behind the melody. Find Some Dark Holler wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
Episode 9: Tom Dula (part one) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Episode 9: Tom Dula (part one) Dula? Dooley? Potato? Potahto? Amelia and Allison dive deep into the real story behind one of the most popular songs responsible for the big folk boom of the 50s and 60s. This one is SCANDA…
Episode 7: Delia’s Gone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
It’s SOME DARK HOLLER DAY!! On this week’s episode we finally leave North Carolina and take you to the state of Georgia. We cover the tragic murder of young Delia Green at the hands of her also young boyfriend, Moses ‘Co…
Episode 6: Poor Ellen Smith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:24
Episode 6: Poor Ellen Smith *AUDIO NOTE: there is a mildly annoying rattle of our mics throughout that Allison only noticed after recording and could not be edited out. My apologies. Lesson learned. Thank you for your pa…
Episode 5: The Lawson Family Tragedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:54
CONTENT WARNING: This episode may be upsetting for some audiences! Listening Discretion Advised. In Episode 5, Amelia dives into the dark story that’s behind the ballad of the Lawson Family. This one is grim! BUT Allison…
Episode 4: Poor Omie Wise (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:08
In Episode 4, we have the second part of The Ballad of Poor Omie Wise! In the last episode we told Braxton Craven’s flowery, fairytale-like version of the story, and in part 2, we get to the truth behind the life of a si…
Episode 3: Poor Omie Wise (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:59
In our third episode, we explore yet another reason why you SHOULD NOT GO DOWN BY THE RIVER! We head back to North Carolina to sing and discuss the ballad of POOR OMIE WISE. Naomi Wise was just like any single mom wantin…
Episode 2: The Wild Colonial Boy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:30
We head to the land of Amelia’s birth- Australia! The Wild Colonial Boy is one of the most famous folk songs in Australia, but who exactly was he? What’s a bushranger? And have you ever wondered what a real Tasmanian Dev…
Episode 1: Frankie and Johnny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:48
Episode 1: Frankie and Johnny In our first ever episode, Amelia and Allison tackle one of the biggies: the ballad of Frankie and Johnny! Alan “Albert” Britt and Frances “Frankie” Baker were a young couple in St. Louis 18…

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