Search - Jimmie Rodgers :: Essential Jimmie Rodgers

Essential, indeed, for fans of Americana music...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 02/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this about a year ago. Although I was 56, and had been a country music fan for 50 years, I had never owned any Jimmie Rodgers' records, and neither had my parents. In fact, I don't think I had heard a full song by Jimmie in my life. Boy, was I missing something! The man would have been a country superstar in any era, he just happened to be first, in the 1920's. This is consistently interesting material, wonderfully recorded and preserved. "Waitin'for a Train" has not been done better by any of the scores of artists who have covered it in the 70+years since Jimmie sang it. If you like country, western, folk, singer-songwriter stuff, blues or historically important sessions, buy this CD."

The Singing Brakeman !

Mcgivern Owen L | NY, NY USA | 08/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Essential Jimmie Rodgers" is highly recommended for any serious country music fan. If anyone is the genuine article, it is Jimmie. Listeners will recognize some old favorites among the tracks including "Frankie and Johnny", "Mule Skinner Blues" and "T for Texas". There are also fine versions of "Waitin' for A Train" and "In the Jailhouse Now" though some may prefer Jerry Lee Lewis' version of the former and the Webb Pierce recording of the latter. The most interesting tracks are less well known. These include "My Old Pal", "My Old Sunny South by the Sea" and one devoted not to a mother but a father (!)-"Daddy and Home". For this reviewer, the album hit its high point on the final track, a mournful "TB Blues", a reference to the disease that took Jimmie's life at 35. While Jimmie's yodeling style may not be for everyone, this reviewer considers this album a safe bet. Keep in mind that JR was elected to both the Country and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Further, the "Essential" series of albums rarely disappoints. These almost always sponsor well- produced compilations of our past heroes best efforts. "The Essential Jimmie Rodgers" certainly falls into that category."

Not bad. We need a volume II, though!

Ronald G. Reagan | Steele, Mo. | 01/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nicely done CD. It's really hard to boil down what tracks are essential by Jimmie, but BMG didn't do a half bad job with this. I would have opted for some material like "Jimmie The Kid", "Travellin' Blues" or "The Wonderful City" in addition to the selections on here, but maybe we can get a volume II? Classic country at it's best."