Jimmie Driftwood

Jimmie Driftwood, born James Corbett Morris, was a prominent American folk musician, songwriter, and educator best known for his contributions to preserving traditional folk music and for his hit song "The Battle of New Orleans". Here are some key facts about him:

1. Early Life and Education: Jimmie Driftwood was born on June 20, 1907, in Timbo, Arkansas. He grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of the Ozarks, where he learned to play various instruments and developed a deep appreciation for folk music. Driftwood's early exposure to traditional songs and stories would later influence his own music and songwriting.

2. Educational Career: Before pursuing a career in music, Jimmie Driftwood worked as a teacher and principal in rural Arkansas. He believed strongly in the importance of preserving traditional folk culture and used music as a tool for education. Driftwood often incorporated folk songs and stories into his teaching curriculum, helping to pass down the region's cultural heritage to future generations.

3. "The Battle of New Orleans": Jimmie Driftwood's most famous song, "The Battle of New Orleans", catapulted him to national fame. He wrote the song in 1936 to teach his students about the historical events surrounding the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. Driftwood's simple yet catchy melody and clever lyrics recounting the battle's key moments resonated with audiences, and the song became a massive hit when it was recorded by country music star Johnny Horton in 1959. Horton's version of "The Battle of New Orleans" topped the charts and won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1960, bringing widespread recognition to Driftwood's songwriting talent and helping to popularize folk music in mainstream culture.

4. Prolific Songwriting Career: In addition to "The Battle of New Orleans", Jimmie Driftwood wrote hundreds of other songs over the course of his career. His songs covered a wide range of topics, from historical events and figures to everyday life in the Ozarks. Driftwood's songwriting style was characterized by its simplicity, sincerity, and reverence for the folk tradition. Some of his other notable compositions include "Tennessee Stud", "The Wilderness Road", and "The Ducktown Flood".

5. Legacy and Recognition: Jimmie Driftwood's contributions to American folk music were widely recognized during his lifetime. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and received the Arkansas Traveler designation from Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in recognition of his efforts to promote Arkansas's cultural heritage. Driftwood's influence on the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s continues to be felt today, as his songs are performed and recorded by artists across various genres, ensuring that his legacy as a champion of traditional folk music lives on.

In summary, Jimmie Driftwood was a pioneering folk musician and educator whose songs, including the iconic "The Battle of New Orleans", helped preserve and celebrate America's rich cultural heritage. Through his music and teaching, Driftwood left an indelible mark on the folk music landscape, inspiring generations of musicians and ensuring that the songs and stories of the Ozarks would be passed down for years to co