Before the fame. Before the chaos. Before the name became legend. This is the story of a young musician whose genius outgrew the world around him — a rebel philosopher with a bass in his hands and lightning in his veins.

 From smoky bars and dirt roads to roaring crowds and endless highways, his journey was fueled by raw talent, deep conviction, and a sound that seemed to tear through the earth itself.

But behind every note was a warning — whispered by fate, drowned by volume.

Part One of “The Last Ride” pulls you into the birth of a movement… and the rise of a prodigy who refused to follow anyone’s rules but his own.


Written by Jonny Hartwell
Voiced by Jonny Hartwell
Music Credit: Reel World Audio.
A iHeart Radio Production

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains discussions of sensitive topics...Listener discretion is strongly advised. While the stories you’ll hear are rooted in real events, not every detail is strictly historical—some moments are dramatized with creative license to bring the narrative to life. Please keep this in mind as you listen.


Jonny’s Dead Air Podcast
Written, hosted, and produced by Jonny Hartwell.
A production of iHeartRadio Pittsburgh.

Thanks for listening—and for keeping the light on.