Description
How the power of a single artist can influence succeeding generations.
Jimmie Rodgers was more than just country's first big star, he was also one of the first recording artists to have a distinct public persona. First known as 'the Singing Brakeman', he emerged at the 'Big Bang' Bristol Sessions in 1927. He refined his image in 1930 by moving to Texas and performing in cowboy clothes. His records sold massively (Blue Yodel No 1 is said to have sold over half a million) which inevitably led to his being imitated. This 100-track set chart that phenomenon. Included are sides by W. Lee O'Daniel (later Governor of Texas) and a full CD of Gene Autry - covering 25 of Rodgers' songs - who began his singing career as a Rodgers soundalike, before finally morphing into a singing cowboy. CD C is split between sides by Bill Cox and the intriguing, somewhat mysterious Goebel Reeves, who recorded as the Texas Drifter (other aliases included George Riley, Louis Acker, and the Yodeling Wrangler) and seems to have been every bit the hobo he claimed to be. Also included here are early- to mid-'30s recordings by future honky-tonkers Ernest Tubb and Hank Snow, both of whom began their careers as Rodgers imitators.
Dedicated Rodgers fans, archivists, and historians of the era will delight in this in-depth exploration of the Jimmie Rodgers milieu. Casual listeners will find much to enjoy, too.
Additional Details
Label: JSP Records
Genre: Country
Release Date: 08/02/05
UPC: 788065775124
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