The History of Country Music

The Beginnings of Country Music In Jimmy Rodgers’ Eyes:
Jimmy Rodgers was well known as the “Father of Country Music”. He was born in Meridian which is located in Mississippi, by the name James Charles Rodgers on September 8th, 1897. James was always in ill health, but he began working for the railroad, that was until his ill health caught up with him and it forced him to seek an occupation that was less strenuous. For many years, James was an amateur entertainer and then in 1925, he became a serious performer when he performed in Johnson City which is located in Tennessee as well as many other places. During 1926, James as well as his wife Carrie of six years, made a move to Asheville, North Carolina, where they organized the Jimmie Rodgers Entertainers which was a hillbilly band that consisted of: (banjo/mandolin) Jack Grant, (guitar) Jack Pierce, (Banjo) Claude Grant, and then Rodgers himself playing the banjo.

Victor Records:
Once word surfaced that Ralph Peer, who was of Victor Records, was going to be setting up a portable recording studio in a town known as Bristol, located on the Virginia-Tennessee border, the entertainers then headed there. However, because of a dispute within all of their ranks, Jimmy eventually ended up recording as a solo artist. He selected a sentimental ballad known as “The Soldier’s Sweetheart” as well as a lullaby referred to as “Sleep Baby Sleep” as his very first offerings. James later died in 1933, and at that time, he had never made an appearance on any major radio show or even had the chance to play in the Grand Ole Opry. However, he as well as Hank Williams and Fred Rose were among the very first people to be elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961. This is an indicative of the importance he shared in the country music history.

The Carter Family:
The Carter Family was known as an influential group in country music. They recorded with Ralph Peer for Victor Records on the 1st day of August, 1927 which was the first day that Jimmie Rodgers cut his very first sides. A this time they completed six titles which includes “Single Girl, Married Girl” which was done at a makeshift studio that was located in Bristol Tennessee - the studio recordings were referred to as Bristol Barn Sessions.