YouTube - Jimmy Driftwood_The Legend
Being a teacher and lover of music I wanted to share this.
Jimmy Driftwood taught history in Snowball Arkansas. His kids had little interest in a subject so far behind them when their entire lives were ahead. Like any teacher worth his salt, Driftwood became more creative. Jimmy put his teaching to music in the classroom. He wrote "The Battle of New Orleans" as one example. He was invited to visit other schools striking a note for learning. Johnny Horton heard his song (maybe on the local radio station, not sure)
Horton covered the song that hit the top 10 in both Country and Pop.
Driftwood's everlasting song is "Tennessee Stud". It was recorded by Doc and Merle Watson on the Dirt Band's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" double album somewhere in the 70's, but my guess is that it was recorded many times before I found this version. Even in his 90's, the old man shows amazing talent. We remember singers but songwriters float into obscurity like old tree branches.
(Driftwood 1907-1998)
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2 comments:
It is interesting that you mention Doc and Merle Watson. They are legends in the High Country. "Merlefest" is an annual event held in Wilkesboro,NC. You can check out the lineup at: www.merlefest.org
Doc named his son after the great singer Merle Travis who sang coal mining tunes like "Nine Pound Hammer" Doc had never met Merle. When I bought the Dirt Band album in he 70's, Doc met Merle for the first time. Of course Doc's son was a grown man.The album recorded their first meeting as well as a short interviews with Mother Maybelle Carter and others before they passed on. If you can find the double CD, it's expensive but worth it.
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