BITTERSWEET, Ky. — It’s no secret that I like classic country music and performers from the past. I have shared some of my favorites many times, but I have never made mention of perhaps the very first country music singer, Jimmie Rodgers.

 

Also known as the “Singing Brakeman” because of his many railroad jobs or the “Blue Yodeler” because of his yodeling ability, Rodgers still carries the title of “The Father of Country Music” 85 years after his death.

 

Unless you are a connoisseur in the history of country music, you likely have never heard a Rodgers recording, but you have heard his influence. He began recording in the late 1920s until his death due to complications of tuberculosis in 1933. His singing was smooth, his songs were relatable, and his writing ability was remarkable.

 

For being around for such a short period of time and during the Great Depression, Rodgers was a superstar among entertainers even performing with the legendary Louis Armstrong. His catalog of songs included many blues hits, something I think would lend to his appeal to a variety of musical performers generations later.

 

Bob Dylan listed Rodgers as a major influence in his music and would put together a compilation of various artists performing Rodgers’ music.

 

Merle Haggard, Hank Snow and Lefty Frizzell also recorded tribute albums to Rodgers. He would influence blues artists, rock and rollers as well as country performers which led to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

 

I think to be successful in whatever you do, you have to have a certain appreciation and knowledge of the history of your craft. Most performers today understand the importance of Rodgers and his music but more importantly, what his music spawned.

 

Today, the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation keeps his legacy alive. There are talent contests and festivals that bear his name. His music is still recorded and as alive as it was 85 years ago; proof that something of quality will never go away.

 

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.