Yodeling, Depression-era bluesman Jimmie Rodgers has long been regarded as the father of country music, but in Meeting Jimmie Rodgers: How America's Original Roots Music Hero Changed the Pop Sounds of a Century, journalist and music historian Barry Mazor argues that Rodgers "injected his own wit, rhythm, sexuality, ego, aggression and love of performing itself into the bloodstream of most every sort of popular American music that might be called 'rooted.'" The book traces Rodgers' career and his influence on a wide range of artists, from Sly Stone to Beck. Mazor's discussion of Meeting Jimmie Rodgers will be accompanied by the music of John Lilly, an award-winning songwriter and noted Rodgers devotee. The event is included with regular museum admission, and it will be followed by a book signing in the Museum Store.
Fri., May 1, noon, 2009
