A folk music legend who wrote and performed iconic songs like "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud", preserving American history through music.
Jimmy Driftwood, the legendary American folk music songwriter and musician, is best known for penning two of the most iconic songs in American music history: "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud". With a career spanning over six decades, Driftwood wrote more than 6,000 folk songs, with over 300 recorded by various musicians.
Born James Corbitt Morris on June 20, 1907, in Timbo, Arkansas, Driftwood was surrounded by music from a young age. His father, Neal Morris, was a folk singer, and Driftwood learned to play the guitar on his grandfather's homemade instrument. This unique guitar, crafted from a fence rail, an old ox yoke, and his grandmother's headboard, produced a distinctive, resonant sound that would become a hallmark of Driftwood's music.
Driftwood attended John Brown College in northwest Arkansas and later received a degree in education from Arkansas State Teachers College. He started writing songs during his teaching career to teach his students history in an entertaining manner. This approach not only made learning fun for his students but also sparked a creative passion that would drive Driftwood's career.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Driftwood left Arkansas, hitchhiking through the southwestern United States. During this time, he entered and won a local song contest in Arizona, a testament to his growing talent. In 1936, Driftwood married Cleda Johnson, one of his former students, and returned to Arkansas to raise a family and resume his teaching career.
In the 1950s, Driftwood changed his name to Jimmy Driftwood, both publicly and legally. In 1957, a Nashville, Tennessee song publisher discovered Driftwood, auditioned him, and signed him to his first record deal. This marked the beginning of Driftwood's professional music career, with "The Battle of New Orleans" becoming a huge hit in 1959.
Jimmy Driftwood's contributions to American folk music are immeasurable. His songs have been recorded by legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, Eddy Arnold, and Johnny Horton. Driftwood's music not only preserved American history but also made it accessible and entertaining for generations to come. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1962 and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 1996.
Jimmy Driftwood's life was a testament to the power of music and education. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, songwriters, and history enthusiasts alike.
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