19 Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933) “Blue Yodel No. 9” 1930

Rodgers fused country with the blues. Tuberculosis forced him to leave the railroad business in 1925. He turned to music and became country music’s first star. He died from a lung hemorrhage eight years later after a recording session.  His 1927 recording of  “Blue Yodel (T for Texas)” is listed on the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress. 

Jimmie Rodgers "Blue Yodel No. 9"

Jimmie Rodgers "Blue Yodel (T for Texas)"