Asheville – With a number of historical markers found in Asheville, this one is located at Haywood Street at Battery Park Avenue in Asheville: JIMMIE RODGERS 1897-1933 – “Singing Brakeman” lived in Asheville, 1927. Began his country music career with radio broadcasts on WWNC, then 50 yds. W.
The impact of Jimmie Rodgers on country music was significant and some claim that he was the most influential artist of the genre. According to the sketch found with the marker information, “Modern-day performers from Bob Dylan to Dolly Parton count him as an influence. Rodgers, hailed as the “Father of Country Music,” was born James Charles Rodgers on September 8, 1897, in Meridian, Mississippi. His life’s journey and rise to fame had a few connections with Asheville and its local radio station, WWNC.
Rodgers’ early years were marked by his exposure to the music of the South, particularly the sounds of trains and the blues, owing to his hometown’s railroad culture. This clout played a crucial part in shaping his unique musical manner.
As Rodgers began his career in music, he ventured into various roles, from working on the railroad to performing in traveling shows across the South. His distinct blend of country, blues, and folk music, coupled with his signature yodeling, garnered attention and popularity among audiences.
In 1927, the trajectory of Rodgers’ career changed significantly. He traveled to Bristol, Tennessee, where music producer Ralph Peer organized historic recording sessions for Victor Records, known as the Bristol Sessions. It was during these sessions that Rodgers recorded his first hit, “The Soldier’s Sweetheart.”
Asheville, and more particularly, its local radio station WWNC, played a pivotal role in promoting Jimmie Rodgers’ music. The station, known for its regional influence, broadcasted Rodgers’ music, contributing to his rising popularity in the area. WWNC was a crucial platform for Rodgers’ music to reach a broader audience, expanding his fan base beyond his regional origins.
Rodgers’ fame grew rapidly through the late 1920s and early 1930s with hits like “Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)” and “In the Jailhouse Now.” His songs often depicted themes of love, hardship, and the experiences of everyday life, resonating deeply with audiences across the country.
Despite his increasing success, Rodgers battled health issues, particularly tuberculosis, throughout his life. He remained faithful to his music, continuing to perform and record until his untimely death on May 26, 1933, at the age of 35.
Rodgers’ legacy endures as a pioneering figure in country music. His innovative style, emotive performances, and groundbreaking recordings have left an indelible mark on the genre. Asheville, through the support of WWNC and its role in broadcasting his music, contributed to the dissemination of Rodgers’ music, helping solidify his place as a legendary figure in the history of country music.