RODGERS, JIMMIE
(1897–1933)
RODGERS, JIMMIE (b. James Charles R., Meridian, Miss., September 8, 1897–May 26, 1933) Perhaps the most influential country singer of all time, Jimmie Rodgers in his short career wed black blues and jazz to the traditional country repertoire to form a truly unique type of music that has influenced generations of country performers. Like many country stars Rodgers had a gimmick: he yodeled. While undoubtedly his YODELING was a crowd pleaser, Rodgers managed to make it an integral part of his…