Episode 71: Is Your Name Alfredo?

 

Illustration by Antwan Williams, based on a still from a film by John Mulloy

Six massive murals span hundreds of feet across the walls of a San Quentin chow hall, depicting the history of California in epic scale and detail. Residents of San Quentin eat their meals surrounded by this artwork, and thousands of people see it every year. The murals have inspired countless myths and mysteries, but for a long time, little was known about the artist who painted them. In this episode, we go in search of Alfredo Santos.

Thanks to Lt. Robinson, Lori and Paul Sutton, Gloria Zola Mulloy and John Mulloy, Vernell Crittenden, Bruce Fowler, Vincent Turner, Rene Santos, Anthony Carvalho, Susan MacAuley, Shenti, Joe Garcia, Daniel Stanley Saito, Ronell Draper, Derek Barbosa, Daniel Chavez, Jr., Officer Carter, Officer Damien, and Officer Lopez.

This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, Davis Jassy, and Rhashiyd Zinnamon.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

You can download the episode here and find the transcript here.

Click on any of the photos below to see a larger version.

 
Season 9Guest User