The Case:
Musician Gene Newberry grew up idolizing singing cowboys, which may be why he cherishes a plaque with the sheet music and 45 recording of the Sons of the Pioneers’ iconic song, Tumbling Tumbleweeds.
Original band member, Bob Nolan signed the sheet music “To Fred – This was the second song I wrote – 1932. It has been both good and bad to me. Bob Nolan.” Gene guesses the ‘good’ is that Tumbling Tumbleweeds may be the most famous cowboy song ever. What ‘bad’ did this song bring to Bob Nolan? And who is Fred?
History Detectives host Eduardo Pagán teams up with host Elyse Luray to solve this mystery.
Season 10, Episode 8
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Detective:
Eduardo Pagán
Location:Denver, Colorado and Newhall, California
Explore
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Pete Gray Cartoon
Do these unsigned drawings from the golden age of comics tell the tale of a real life superhero?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
WWII Diary
Does this diary hold the key to understanding the fate of a missing bomber pilot from World War II?
-
Related Investigation
Lost Musical Treasure
Are these fragments of a lost moment in American musical history?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Society Circus Program
Why are some of New York's wealthiest planning a circus at the depth of the Great Depression?
-
Also in Depression and WWII: 1929-1945
Empire State Building Plane Crash Piece
Does this piece of metal belong to the plane that crashed into the Empire State Building?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Szyk Picture
Could these be early drawings of America's most influential political cartoonist?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.