For years, “Sideshow” by Blue Magic was just another slow jam in Cola Rum’s playlist, a smooth, soulful track woven into the backdrop of his life. But on the day his marriage ended and he was moving out of his home, that same song hit differently. What had once been charm and romance suddenly became something sharper, more revealing, and impossible to ignore.

In this episode of Backtrack, Cola revisits that day and the unexpected ways music, memory, and the kindness of ordinary people all converged in one of the hardest moments of his life. Then, during our conversation, he traces the roots of his storytelling back to a liquor store parking lot in Jacksonville, the “fringe” voices that shaped him, and why connection — not just performance — is at the heart of every story he tells.

Want to see the full performance and interview? You can watch Cola’s story and The Tabernacle Collective’s live rendition of “Sideshow” here. You can also find more stories and upcoming events at AtlantaStorytellers.org.

And, if you're interested in coming out for our next live show at Eddie's Attic on January 27th, TICKETS are on sale here!