Radio Diaries

In 1921, a man named Harry Pace started the first major Black-owned record company in the United States. He called it Black Swan Records. In an era when few Black musicians were recorded, the company was revolutionary. It launched the careers of Ethel Waters, Fletcher Henderson, William Grant Still, and Alberta Hunter, artists who transformed American music. But Black Swan’s success would be short-lived. Just a couple years after Pace founded the company, larger, wealthier, white competitors started to take an interest in the artists whose careers Pace had propelled. Then, Pace’s own life took a mysterious turn. This episode was originally published in 2021. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This week, we’re featuring an episode of a podcast we’re big fans of: The Last Archive! The Last Archive tells little known histories and how they affect our modern lives. Today’s story, “Parakeet Panic,” explores when invasive parakeets began to spread in New York City in the 1970s — and the government decided that the solution was to kill them all. If you liked this episode, you can listen to more of The Last Archive at thelastarchive.com, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us @radiodiaries on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook for more of our recommendations and stories, or visit us at radiodiaries.org. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

At the age of 16, he played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He went on to make landmark recordings with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk. He’s considered one of the most important drummers in history — and he would’ve turned 100 years old this week. Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes is a new film about the musician by award-winning filmmakers Sam Pollard and (our very own!) Ben Shapiro. Today on the podcast, we sat down with them to discuss the life and music of Max Roach, and the decades of work that went into creating the film. You can watch Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes on PBS, Amazon Prime and iTunes: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/max-roach-the-drum-also-waltzes-film/26469/. If you’re enjoying Radio Diaries, tell a friend! Or share on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook @RadioDiaries. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Annette Vega, a daughter on a quest to find her biological father, shares her emotional journey to uncover her roots. David Sachs, husband of Noah Krzyzewski, reflects on the heartfelt decision regarding Noah's burial on Heart Island. The conversation dives into the significance of unmarked graves, highlighting the poignant stories of those forgotten. Themes of identity, loss, and the unexpected connections forged in grief resonate throughout, offering a deep exploration of love and legacy in the face of solitude.

Clint Hill, the man in the iconic photo of a Secret Service agent jumping onto the back of the presidential limousine during the shooting, reflects on the Kennedy assassination and feelings of failure. The podcast discusses the warm welcome President Kennedy received in Dallas, the futile attempt to protect him, and the struggle of delivering the devastating news. It also explores the agent's overwhelming guilt and self-blame despite being praised as a hero.

In 1995, LaMont Dottin vanished, leading his mother, Dr. Anita Fowler, on a heart-wrenching journey through the missing persons system. She faced systemic inefficiencies while desperately seeking answers about her son. The pain intensifies as families confront the reality of unmarked graves, where loved ones are buried namelessly. This story not only highlights personal loss but also sparks change in legislation, honoring LaMont's memory and shedding light on the emotional impact on families grappling with grief.

Delve into the life of Hisako Hasegawa, a long-time resident of a New York hotel, and uncover the hidden narratives behind her quiet existence. The impact of community bonds and cherished memories shines through, revealing the significance of shared spaces. Reflect on the feelings of loneliness and connection in a bustling city, especially after an unexpected loss. This poignant exploration intertwines personal histories with broader themes, connecting individual stories to the unmarked graves of the city.

Angel Irizarry, a former detective, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the truth about his estranged uncle, Cesar Irizarry. He discovers Cesar's tragic passing and reflects on their family’s complicated history of estrangement. The podcast dives into the impact of addiction through a former roommate’s memories, revealing both struggles and moments of connection. Themes of love, loss, and forgiveness resonate deeply as Angel visits Hart Island, honoring Cesar’s memory while grappling with familial reconciliation.

In this discussion, Dawn Powell, an acclaimed American novelist, reflects on her journey as an overlooked literary figure celebrated for her sharp satirical takes on early 20th-century New York City. She shares her experiences of being part of the vibrant Greenwich Village arts scene while emphasizing the societal struggles faced by women writers. The podcast explores the poignant irony of her unmarked grave on Hart Island, contrasting her lively contributions to literature with her tragic fate. The conversation highlights her rediscovered legacy and the challenges her works faced.

Melinda Hunt, a visual artist and founder of The Hart Island Project, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for the deceased in New York's largest public cemetery. In this discussion, she uncovers the emotional and historical significance of Hart Island, highlighting its role as a final resting place for unclaimed bodies. Melinda shares the importance of burial records in connecting families to their lost loved ones and reflects on the recent changes that allow greater access to this solemn site, transforming perceptions of Hart Island into one of dignity and remembrance.