The Cotton Club Murder
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"The Cotton Club Murder takes you into the cocaine-fuelled underbelly of 1980s Hollywood, where a back-room deal to finance a gangster film ended in murder. If you liked the glam-noir energy of Dirty John, this is essential listening."
About this podcast
The story of Roy Radin, a 33-year-old theatrical promoter lured into a limousine and murdered in May 1983 — the fatal consequence of a cocaine deal gone wrong in the highest circles of Hollywood. With Robert Evans's Cotton Club film at its centre, the case pulls back the curtain on drugs, organised crime, and the entertainment industry's most dangerous back rooms.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1 — essential setup for the world and the players
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Cotton Club Murder
What is The Cotton Club Murder about?
The story of Roy Radin, a 33-year-old theatrical promoter lured into a limousine and murdered in May 1983 — the fatal consequence of a cocaine deal gone wrong in the highest circles of Hollywood. With Robert Evans's Cotton Club film at its centre, the case pulls back the curtain on drugs, organised crime, and the entertainment industry's most dangerous back rooms.
Is The Cotton Club Murder worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Good if Hollywood crime and 1980s true crime interest you". It scores 6/10 on binge factor. A Hollywood cocaine deal gone wrong led to the 1983 murder of promoter Roy Radin — Wondery investigates the crime that exposed the entertainment industry's darkest side.
Who is The Cotton Club Murder for?
The Cotton Club Murder is recommended for true crime enthusiasts who enjoy Murder and Organised crime and Drug trafficking.
What is the best episode of The Cotton Club Murder to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1 — essential setup for the world and the players. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to The Cotton Club Murder?
The Cotton Club Murder is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to The Cotton Club Murder?
If you enjoy The Cotton Club Murder, you might also like: Dirty John, Over My Dead Body, To Live and Die in LA, Foul Play: A Historical True Crime Podcast. See our full "Podcasts Like The Cotton Club Murder" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialised
- Host style
- Solo host
- Style
- Atmospheric; darkly glamorous; propulsive; investigative
- Episode length
- 30-45 min
- Episodes
- 6-8 episodes
- Binge factor
- 6/10
- Country
- United States
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