MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Robinson (84th), Horne, Young, Bourdeaux

House Resolution 23

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JIMMIE RODGERS TO THE CULTURAL ENJOYMENT OF MISSISSIPPIANS AND THE ENTIRE WORLD. 

WHEREAS, James Charles "Jimmie" Rodgers, the "Singing Brakeman" was born near Lost Gap, Mississippi, on September 8, 1897; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers recorded his first songs for RCA Victor in Bristol, Tennessee, on August 4, 1927; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers went on to record a legacy of 110 songs including classics such as "Blue Yodel," "Muleskinner Blues" and "Away Out on the Mountain"; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers was the first person to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on November 3, 1961, and he was inducted later into the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, making him the only artist selected to all four halls; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers' life was cut short by tuberculosis, dying on May 26, 1933, at the age of 35; and

WHEREAS, Jimmie Rodgers had a more profound effect on country music than any other single singer in the history of country music, as his music is known worldwide and his influence crosses the boundaries of several musical styles; and

WHEREAS, the rich legacy of the music of Jimmie Rodgers will continue to inspire musicians and fans for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and celebrate truly outstanding contributions to the arts and to history by native sons such as Jimmie Rodgers:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend the contributions of Jimmie Rodgers to the cultural enjoyment of Mississippians and to the entire world.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum and to the Capitol Press Corps.