"From John Brown to James Brown": A Conversation with Ed Maliskas

John Brown Today

In this episode, Lou shares a conversation with author Ed Maliskas, a musician, clergyman, and researcher, the author of John Brown to James Brown: The Little Farm Where Liberty Budded, Blossomed, and Boogied (2016). In this fascinating discussion, Ed talks about coming to learn about the old Kennedy Farm in Maryland where John Brown and his raiders lived prior to the Harper's Ferry raid in the summer and early fall of 1859. However, as Ed learned, the farm, often referred to as the "John Brown farm" (not to be confused with John Brown's own home and farm in Lake Placid, N.Y.) has unfolding importance to black history--a site considered precious to the influential black fraternal order of Elks in the 20th century, and later a popular R&B dance venue where many memorable black artists performed from the late 1950s until the mid-1960s, the last performer being the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Who would think that a humble little farm in Maryland would have such a historical pedigree--indeed, Ed Maliskas argues it was essentially the birthplace of the southern Civil Rights movement!
Musical wallpaper for this episode:
American Frontiers by Aaron Kenny (YouTube)
New World A'Comin and Harlem by Duke Ellington (performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)
And from some of the artists who performed at the Kennedy Farm:
Sadie Mae by Sammy Fitzhugh & His Moroccans
Feel Alright by Jimmy Dotson
Hurt Me to My Heart by Faye Adams
Money Honey by Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters
Party Lights by Claudine Clark
Mystery Train by Junior Parker
Show Me Your Monkey by Kenny Hamber
It's Just a Matter of Time by Brook Benton

Chapters

1. The Kennedy Farm in the John Brown Story (00:00:00)

2. Meet Ed Maliskas (00:08:51)

3. The Significant Role of the Elks (00:12:12)

4. Epic Music at the Farm (00:27:37)

5. Ed on John Brown (00:42:16)

6. Conclusion: It's Just a Matter of Time! (00:45:36)