A Heartbeat & A Guitar: Johnny Cash & the Making of Bitter Tears

Send us a Text Message.Hear 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, Removed, Vanished?11- The Wrap-UpListen to the entire docuseries: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertearsA Heartbeat & A Guitar Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-Guitar-Johnny-Making-Bitter/dp/156858637XWe’re Still Here Documentary: https://www.kinolorber.com/film/We're%20Still%20Here:%20%20Johnny%20Cash%20Bitter%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIEBefore the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/

Send us a Text Message.This 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 show and clicking the following links:The National Indian Education Association: https://www.niea.org/Native Women’s Wilderness: https://www.nativewomenswilderness.org/Apache Stronghold: http://apache-stronghold.com/Native Action Network: https://nativeactionnetwork.org/Seeding Sovereignty:  https://seedingsovereignty.org/who-we-are/Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women USA: https://www.facebook.com/mmiwusa/Honor the Earth: https://www.honorearth.org/aboutIndigenous Environmental Network: https://www.ienearth.org/National Indian Youth Council: https://niyc-alb.com/Native Movement: https://www.nativemovement.org/Native Youth Leadership Alliance: https://nativeyouthleadership.org/Lakota People’s Law Project: https://lakotalaw.org/ Additional 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears    

Send us a Text Message.Discussions 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.  Links:Lyrics of Vanishing Race: https://genius.com/Johnny-cash-the-vanishing-race-lyricsA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears

Send us a Text Message.This 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 Shenandoah talks along with Johnny Cash’s daughter-Rosanne. Storyteller Bob Reiser speaks regarding understanding the human mind. Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist ends the show with his thoughts on violence to women and girls.  Topics in this episode include-The meaning behind the song- White Girl, the lyrics from Peter LafargeNative women pay vs the white menInterracial relationshipsSex/Rape on Native LandMissing Native ChildrenLinks:White Girl Lyrics: https://lyrics.az/peter-lafarge/-/white-girl.htmlBob Reiser You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ammti3FLrMA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears

Send us a Text Message.The 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- Canadian folk singer, Oscar Brand and Producer Joe Henry. Links:Drums Lyrics: https://www.antiwarsongs.org/canzone.php?id=11083&lang=enCanadian Education Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/04/world/canada/canada-indigenous-children-settlement.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2021/10/05/1043156113/canada-indigenous-children-residential-school-burial-searchA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears 

Send us a Text Message.The 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 substance abuse. Singer and friend of Johnny Cash tells what happen to the Apache Tear that Cash received from Ira Hayes’ mother. Ira Hayes is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but would he really want to be there? Pima tribe did live on oasis, but the water rights turned their land into a dry crust!Listen to the words of the song to get a full picture of this. Links:The Ballad of Ira Hayes Lyrics: https://songofamerica.net/song/ballad-of-ira-hayes/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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears    

Send us a Text Message.Sequoyah, 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 becoming extinct but there is a movement to help preserve them. How schools at one time rewarded those who did not speak their own language.  Links:The Talking Leaves Lyrics: https://genius.com/Johnny-cash-the-talking-leaves-lyricsA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears

Send us a Text Message.Peter 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 Little Bighorn National Battlefield being 70 miles from where Peter LaFarge worked as a cowboy and rodeo rider. Death of General Cuter died on June 25, 1876Links:Johnny Cash & Buffy Saint Marie Perform “Custer”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5yW2vTLa2ECuster Lyrics: https://lyricsofsong.com/lyrics/peter-lafarge-custer/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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears  

Send us a Text Message.We 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-surrounded-zia-book_darcy-mcnickle/253543/item/4116154/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqbyNBhC2ARIsALDwAsA11GRrdCvjEGb6fLEeLRSuwUQo91atd1ZjCfclx4BLdlm_x2egs7caApjkEALw_wcB#idiq=4116154&edition=1423067Apache Tears Lyrics: https://genius.com/Johnny-cash-apache-tears-lyricsA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears 

Send us a Text Message.Discussion 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:As Long as the Grass Shall Grow Lyrics: https://genius.com/Johnny-cash-as-long-as-the-grass-shall-grow-american-recordings-lyricsA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears

Send us a Text Message.Antonino 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 Letter: https://leperwitch.tumblr.com/post/160262025365/embedA 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears

Send us a Text Message.Get 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%20TearsJohnny Cash-Bitter Tears LP: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Tears-Ballad-American-Indian/dp/B000002AU0Look Again to the Wind LP: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Again-Wind-Johnny-Revisited/dp/B00KLOCQIESing Out Article on Bitter Tears: https://singout.org/various-look-wind-johnny-cashs-bitter-tears-revisited/Bitter Tears Article by Antonino D’Ambrosio: https://www.salon.com/2009/11/09/johnny_cash_2/#Before the Lights Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/Before the Lights Bitter Tears Webpage: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/bittertears

Send us a Text Message.A 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