Von Shores: The Daredevil Pilot of the Cumberlands

Von Shores: The Daredevil Pilot of the Cumberlands

March 13, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

The episode tells the story of Ray Vaughn Shores, an Appalachian aviator and daredevil known for his aerial performances and rumored connections to Al Capone.

This week, Rod and Steve tell the story of Ray Vaughn Shores, better known as Von Shores, an Appalachian aviator and popular aerial daredevil in Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky during the 1920s and ’30s, who, it’s said, once crashed his airplane near Pound, Virginia He was a favorite at local airshows and fairs and it’s also said he ran whiskey for Al Capone during prohibition. Be sure to subscribe to the Stories podcast wherever you get you favorite podcasts. Consider becoming a supporter of the podcast, too, and help us tell our Stories of Appalachia! Thanks for listening!

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