Jimmie Rodgers - Waiting for a Train

Rare footage of Jimmie Rogers singing Wating for a Train. Essential stuff

[@dreadnought45]

Jimmy Rogers is the "Father" of country music. Hank Snow's and Ernest Tubb's favourite singer. The country singers (so-called ) of to-day should get down on their knees and thank this man for their careers. Ken, Toronto

[@cfpianoman]

I just lost my mother recently. She and I would listen to Jimmie Rodgers, and the tribute album that Merle Haggard did on Jimmie Rodgers when I was a child. "Waiting For a Train" brought her back to me for a moment tonight. I thank you.

[@cindysherf8818]

This is the father of country music plain and simple

[@christopheranderson601]

Hello Cindy, How are you doing?

[@Tob1Kadach1]

Disputed by some but I do agree, he may not of founded country but he was it's 1st star

[@haplessasshole9615]

@@Tob1Kadach1 No, that'd be Vernon Dalhart, who recorded the first million-selling record in _any_ genre with his version of "The Wreck of the Old 97" in May of 1924. Rodgers was first recorded in 1927 in the same Bristol recording session which introduced The Carter Family to prominence.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

Jimmie Rodgers sure could sing. Country at its best. I love his music. George Vreeland Hill

[@Lance-Stroll]

0 voice lessons. 0 sound effects. 100% talent

[@chord_0121]

Indeed

[@carmenhardy2629]

He sure had perfect pitch.

[@patriciajrs46]

Such beautiful voice. I love his guitar, too. His yodeling didn't hurt either. Thanks for the upload.

[@32a34a]

@@patriciajrs46 Nor did the train whistle coming from his soul.

[@nozecone]

"O sound effects"? Didn't you hear that lonesome whistle blow?

[@ATSF1927]

I remember Jimmie, he past away when I was 6 years old in 1933. My parents and all my brothers and sisters and me loved listening to him.

[@overratedprogrammer]

How often would you listen to music back then? I'm young and just curious since I listen to music a lot but it is a lot easier nowadays

[@lassejohaneira9641]

@@overratedprogrammer hes probly dead, was born in `27

[@jennietidwell4981]

My dad sang this when I was a child, I just happened to remember it this morning.

[@jennietidwell4981]

@@lassejohaneira9641 my dad was stationed at the navy base Alameda in san fransisco.

[@jennietidwell4981]

My dad use to sing it, when I was a child. I just happen to remember some of the words and googled it, this morn, seems to me he use to call him little jimmy rodgers.

[@jerlan23]

I almost can't hear this without crying for my Dad. He was one of the millions of men who rode the freight trains looking for work during the Great Depression. Many a time he was far from home, starving, and broken hearted. He once ate magpie eggs to survive. This could be a biography of him during that time. Thank you, Jimmie Rodgers. And thank you, psteve, for posting.

[@tommyo8967]

Gandy dancers

[@andrewhanson5942]

Impressive credentials. Folks that came before us certainly had a harder life than we do.

[@Themaintrain]

I'm from Meridian, MS. I noticed none of the comments mention the Jimmie Rogders Memorial Festival they hold in the spring each year. I've seen almost everyone in country music playing there. I've seen Willie, Waylon, Hank Jr, Conway, and all the greats! They come to pay tribute to the Father of Country Music!

[@bzzzzap]

Every child should be taught about Jimmie Rodgers.

[@kidorce]

@Nishan B same

[@maxy2975]

Nah

[@ShadowCry1558]

@Nishan B Same Here!

[@BAGOTCORNER]

Why ?

[@loganmai1812]

I’m teaching myself, very happy I am

[@thebillyjohighband6672]

That's one of the first songs I ever learned, thanks to my grandpa.

[@MikeBlitzMag]

That a high quality video clip of the great Jimmie Rodgers has survived is nothing short of answered prayer. Absolutely phenomenal and indispensible.

[@lmt7864]

I can see my Dad sitting at the table singing along with Jimmy Rodger particularly Waiting for a Train, it’s something that has stayed with me. I just love it. What an incredible talent Jimmy was. So many memories of my Dad who was so full of emotion and love he played all the old country artists music but Jimmy was his favourite.

[@holleefielder4100]

Oh what a precious memory of your Daddy. I miss mine so much, too. My Daddy would sing Hank Williams Sr. I thought he was singing about my Momma....and it made me sad for him and mad at Momma for treating him so mean.

[@adalbertotrevor6461]

@@holleefielder4100 hi there!

[@fr33k3r]

How can 15 ppl not like Jimmie Rodgers? I just wish I could be alive back then to see them perform...Amazing !!!

[@linnfairchild229]

I'm 40. Jimmie is a legend!! 🎸🎶🎶😁♥️

[@IhateGary]

Man, the woman next to him probably lived through the Civil War. Rodgers is an Icon - love this!

[@mikedinken8020]

The woman you identified was an English actress with beautiful diction and the carriage of a Shakespearean trouper

[@reno145]

Meridian, Mississippi. Two of the greatest things in America came from there: Jimmie and Peavey Electronics!

[@gareof]

american music owes a ton to j.r. so glad music history is found here on you tube - everything from folk / country to jazz / rock / r & b / and the big bands / thanks for posting this one

[@townnerd1]

i was left some Jimmy Rogers records (about 10 of them) when my Grandfather passed. I remember him telling me that they were coming my way when he died. I crank them once in a while, Great music!

[@robinbobbin75155]

What an amazing inheritance!

[@isaiah434ruby]

My father was an avid Jimmy Rodgers fan. We drove to Texas in 1957, I filmed dad holding Jimmy's guitar, when we met his wife Carrie. That smile was great. We met Jim Evans, president of the Jimmy Rodgers fan club, Lubbock, Tx. He showed us this fim on a 16 mm projector. Wow! Dad would put a record on the phonograph and see if I could name the song before words were begun. This brings back a lot of memories. Never dreamed of seeing it again.

[@adalbertotrevor6461]

Hi there!

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

Love his pick and strum style - he was an absolute legend

[@gb2115]

So pure. The lines about Texas make me tear up. It’s his gratitude in the simple things that sustain him despite his misfortune. Simple lyrics but the theme cuts so deep. Perhaps one can only understand it after living for a while.

[@adolpholiverbush2]

The original country badass. Grew up hearing my grandad sing these songs.

[@Remembering-rq6si]

We're all impressed with your middle-school profanity. Now, are you happy?

[@da324]

@@Remembering-rq6si Badass is profanity? Are you happy whining about insignificant shit?

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

Lol

[@w6p7a]

Remembering 1992, what is it that you are remembering about 1992?

[@kevinmac1989]

My grandfathers yodel sounded just the same.

[@melodyplayer]

my father sang this song and played the guitar just like Jimmie Rogers...great preservation!!!

[@banjodonnie]

At 82 I obviously had heard of Jimmie Rodgers, but could not recall hearing him. So, I decided to search for his music. Fantastic! What a great performer and what wonderful songs and records. His works should be kept before the public so that young people can hear real talent. GX Hillbilly

[@robinbobbin75155]

I love Jimmie Rodgers. My Dad & I were always amazed at how he did the train whistle.

[@trevoradalberto5588]

Hi there!

[@christopherbrian8638]

Hi 👋

[@jerrysharp4501]

My mothers family name is Barry

[@lewismacfadyen5657]

I’m 17 and love this, we’re not all bad

[@Avocado7765]

13

[@fishin9157]

6

[@armand-san9441]

18 from swisszerland 😍

[@tise2277]

15

[@Vanasse1]

That’s awesome, hun.

[@breastlady]

Absolutely priceless! My Grandpa used to hold me on his lap and sing these songs to me. I just became a Grandma 7 days ago for the first time. I thought I should brush up on Grandma school and get these songs down. Such dear memories they hold for me. I had to go find a Kleenex box. My Grandpa was a wonderful bunch of fun.

[@Claycat4]

My father used to sing this to me when I was a little girl. He sang it in a much sadder tone, and I would cry and cry! My Dad lived through the depression, and he knew what it was to be hungry!

[@bobertkallahan4392]

This man changed everything for country music like ol Woodie changed it all for folk. Hard cut men from this time simply are no longer. Any Footage of them is incredibly important to the history of the genres.

[@andrewhanson5942]

True. Doc Watson picked up on a lot of Jimmie's work and kept it going for a few decades there.

[@beardedyodeler]

Jimmie Rodgers was one cool customer. His songs are timeless and his yodeling is hard to beat. The stories he tells in his songs are absolutely amazing. I need my name in my guitar like he has.

[@adelechicken6356]

I love this, sitting on the porch after supper, Jimmie playing and singing, someone in the kitchen finishing chores and granny darning socks. I can tell what she is doing by her hand movements and the yarn being pulled through the stitches she is anchoring the mend with. I grew up listening to Jimmie's music and my mom taught me how to darn socks. ❤

[@hilmarwensorra1215]

In very loving memory of Mr. James Charles Rodgers (1897 - 1933 R.I.P. // Gone but NOT forgotten).

[@joehuddleston8671]

This man almost is responsible for what getting Country Music so popular is his best ever feat. Yodeling like no other combined with down to earth country singing. Thank you Jimmy for ever in our hearts and mine gathering more country music and bring to popularity. Joehuddleston10

[@skellywager]

im 19 and i love jimmie rodgers, got his record off my neighbours recently cant stop listening to it, try and tell my friends about him but no one gives him a second which is a shame really.would have loved to have lived through his time music now is over produced and its only about image now and musical originality is non existnt at the moment.

[@overratedprogrammer]

I was about to say I'm 19 too but then I saw that this was posted 13 years ago. Hard to believe a 19 year old that commented on this video is 32 now. It's hard to imagine that much time going by

[@skellywager]

@@overratedprogrammer Jimmie Rodgers made me lose it. Stay away, listened to him all the time and after a binge I went out on the street and crushed a dogs head in with my hands. I knew I was ready then to try a man. Been in prison since.

[@overratedprogrammer]

@@skellywager lmao what

[@BeadStallcup]

The father of the old train songs. Great singer!

[@rodgermac]

As a boy growing up in the fifties, I heard this stuff all the time. LOVE IT!!!!! I just wish I wasn't such a slug on this computer, so I could put it on a disc so my Dad could see it. I can atleast put it on my favorite list. Thanks.

[@overratedprogrammer]

I could've helped you but unfortunately I'm seeing this 12 years later. Hope your dad saw it

[@paul-young]

Well.............Jimmie Rodgers.. in his grave..... still singing.. ... tuberculosis...and ..says omg...... 1.5 million views... he knew someday he'd be known as a legend.. .. You'll never die. Love ya.. Jimmie...Wish you survived till 1952.....or more... ya know??? .. blessings to younger generations...

[@drunkredneck6837]

I'm 15 now and I love jimmy

[@wwevideo12345]

Why did you write it like that

[@wwevideo12345]

Can u please tell me I really want to know.

[@treystewart9812]

I'm 33 and he's one of my faves!

[@treystewart9812]

+Billy Murray fan I'll check em out!

[@lauramickey9789]

My daddy used to sing this to us kids when we were young. When I played it just now, my dad's voice and jimmies merged in my mind.

[@trevoradalberto5588]

Hi there!

[@jordankruger5351]

I perform Jimmies music live for audiences now. I played his songs to my grandmother on her last day. His music is very special and we are lucky to have this video still. Thanks Jimmie And Ill continue to play your music every day until I too pass.

[@emtube9298]

How great to have this momento of this seminal singer and of a byegone age. Thanks for sharing!

[@horarwgt]

This footage is from the 1929 Columbia short "The Singing Brakeman," in which Jimmie sang "Waiting for a Train", "Daddy and Home" and "T for Texas", all his own compositions. This film was his ONLY motion picture appearance. Rodgers died of TB in 1935 at the age of 33.

[@holleefielder4100]

Wow! What an influential musician, and prolific. 100 Songs written by him within a very short time frame. Roots music is the foundation of all other genres. Americans in general do not appreciate our Roots music. Mr. Rodgers left us quite an impressive catalog and seeing him here in person as it were is very cool. He died so young. Thank you for posting this amazing singer/song writer.

[@Starrfortythree]

I finally found this song!!! I used to ask my Grandpa to sing it all the time but we always just called it the railway bum song. He must have treated us to this song thousands of times before heading to Heaven.

[@bookworm1962]

my grandpa used to play this stuff on his fiddle, and sing and yodel too - I just love it!

[@adalbertotrevor6461]

Hi there!

[@tdotgirl85]

jimmie rogers reminds me of my father, he used to play all his songs and sing them for me. Brings back great memories, thanks for sharing.

[@aboutyabalmuanabi3103]

James Charles "Jimmie" Rodgers (September 8, 1897 - May 26, 1933) was an American country singer in the early 20th century, known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling. Among the first country music superstars and pioneers, Rodgers was also known as "The Singing Brakeman", "The Blue Yodeler", and "The Father of Country Music"

[@workingguy6666]

Thank you for adding this. I had no idea he was inducted to both the country music and rock & roll hall of fames. Incredible.

[@deewesthill1213]

@@workingguy6666 Why would Jimmie Rodgers be in the rock and roll hall of fame, since that style of music didn't appear until 20 years after his death?!

[@miss-liberty9998]

Someone told me he's African American is that true?

[@PhillipCreeper]

I first heard him in the 70s and brought all his albums. He was fantastic in his day and still is great. Sing Jimmie! And man could he yodel!

[@nana13831]

Depression time, This was one of my Father's favorite songs. Reflected the status of the unemployed. 1929.

[@alanarmstrong6347]

Sang this song since I was 12 years old. Jim Reeves did a good version on his LP Countryside of Jim Reeves. Real talent was what these Old Timers had not like the rubbish that some pedal today as country music!

[@allinsondixon8224]

Bozz scags did it on a album

[@jerlan23]

A wonderful piece of music history, and of the history of what happened to a lot of men during the Great Depression. My Dad was one of those men, who rode the freight trains around the country, looking for work.

[@glennjohnson8170]

Glenn Johnson Probably one of my favourite country songs of all time and how wonderful that Jimmie made the short film that included this performance.Love the old country and WESTERN songs.Thanks for uploading this!!

[@zerbinettabelling5135]

Amazing and talented. So glad it's not lost for future generations. Thanks to everyone trying to preserve all these golden oldies

[@TheFobster]

I love this song. It's great how he makes the train whistle at the beginning too. :)

[@twinPaula12]

This is the first time I knew Jimmie blew the train whistle himself here. I have always loved all of his music and his guitar playing is quite unique. The guitar sounds beautiful. It's wonderful that Jimmie got to live his life the way he wanted. Entertaining and also working on the railroad with his father sounds like an interesting life though a short one. He was one of the greatest talents - true blues sung like no one else. Thank you for posting this. - Paula

[@playitstrange129]

It was his brother he worked with. Not his father.

[@altonyaughn]

people nowadays have forgotten what real music is, its not a bought how well you can sing or even what you look like its a bought the feeling the music gives you

[@richardsouthern4248]

I'm big Jimmie Rodgers fan all the way back to when I was a kid. In the original recorded (wax) version of this tune, the trumpet intro is played by Louis Armstrong--who just happened to be in the studio and was invited to participate.

[@TimothyBIinks]

Damn. This is one of the best things I've ever seen on youtube. We are so lucky to actually have hi-quality footage of Jimmie Rodgers playing music... for so many of his contemporaries (Woody Guthrie, Carter Family, all the early acoustic bluesmen) there's basically nothing.

[@gabrielkeown38]

One of all time great Absolute genius My hero of country music

[@jayheartsusa]

In a 21st Century treasure chest that is available on KZbin, this shines high above so many great works of American culture.

[@Photograph1974]

The Father of Country Music. The best of the very best (along with Hank Williams).

[@markmarkofkane8167]

Great stuff! My Grandparents probably listened to this. My father may have too. He was born in 1930. Passed on.

[@colindominy]

Thank the lord, and thank you psteve, that we can get to see this legendary master of country-folk music in action, on modern-day technology like KZbin. And thank god to those who were originally responsible for the movie-footage of JR. It's one thing to be able to listen to an artist's magnificent work on record ; but it's an immensely added-value privilege to be able to see that same artist in action, on film. This clip is just wonderful !!

[@semoteo3117]

country's king

[@ginarampy604]

My granddaddy used to sing his songs. 💕

[@SoutheasternOutdoors]

Pure country classic. A talent never to be seen again.

[@shaan1suleman]

They don’t make music like this no more. The first concert I ever went to. At 107 years old I still love to yodel.

[@overratedprogrammer]

Troll?

[@MattAttack54]

The Father of Country Music !!!

[@kimblers]

Years ago I was introduced to Jimmie Rodgers via Merle Haggard and about a decade ago I finally found Jimmie himself on CD. Great stuff.

[@carleavesceo709]

My father used to play his records . As a young boy I didn't like the sound of the singing. My father is dead and I remain. I now appreciate this music. Mr. Rodgers had given out these beautiful songs. I know what this music meant to Daddy. It now means a lot to me.

[@certainlyanodd1]

Heard about this song a couple of years ago.... not everyone has forgotten! :D

[@driftingsinger]

Jimmie truely was the father of country, this song is amazing...i love his yodel and the twang in his voice

[@jimcarter1551]

I love this song and the rest that he did. I sung this song to my grandson when he was a baby and he asked me to sing it to him just before he went to bed tonight,he's 6. I showed him the video he said wow. My favorite singer and has been since I was a teenager,I'm 63. I've got a 5CD set of all his recordings.

[@matthewmarriott8401]

The man just loved playing music and he was one of those men with a very unique voice and his own style.i really miss him and his ways If only he had lived a little longer can you imagine the songs he would have sang

[@bdylan147]

I... am ... sooo happy that I can die happy now because of this video!!!!!!! This is one of my favorite Jimmie songs ever! Jimmie is a hero to me and my music! I'm a cover this song and put it on the youtube tomorrow!! Thanks for uploading this!!

[@ctmale1956]

A classic.......wonderful. This film is from the stone ages and it is a classic!

[@lapdawg60]

I love that old song, too. Simplicity in all its perfectness.

[@wesstewart3087]

A class act for sure! I'd love to have that old Martin !

[@timotto8342]

One of, if not the father of Country Music. Stripped down as it should be. Yes Jimmie Rodgers. The carter Family loved you. Died at 35. Not dead to me!

[@johnnyhuis]

The true "FATHER OF COUNTRY MUSIC"!

[@Tonetwisters]

Even back then, collecting the first class Martins ... And wow. What a great song and performance.

[@SteelyDanimal]

Thinking of my late Grandpa right now. This was his childhood music.

[@katherinetoon9616]

this music has meaning to it

[@matthewmarriott8401]

Guys like him come around once in awhile.dont you wish they would come all the time.man there music I miss.

[@arthurhelmwood9058]

The roots of country and folk. Good times at the beginning of mainstream music.

[@rescue270]

He wrote this song while waiting for a train at the depot in Kerrville, TX. It was the end of the line so the only way the train could go was back down toward San Antonio. Part of the depot remains as a restaurant now. The railroad and the trains are long gone from Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country, never to return.

[@lobo5786]

I listened to this song and many more with my Dad in the day

[@xMakeAJoyfulSound16x]

bah, i love this song. My daddy showed it to me the other day, and i'm learning it by ear on the guitar♥ Apparently, my grandpa played this ALL the time. So, tribute to my grandpa♥ Gotta love oldies.

[@bobhostetler8548]

Oh my my my .my first music hero. I didn't think I'd ever see a video of him

[@ronaldlewis6062]

Bob Hostetler mine too . My dad sang all Jimmy Rogers tunes and played a Martin gituar he bought in 53 we went to other folks houses ever Saturday night for country music. Ole martins still in the family. Country lives on!!

[@bshuler2185]

Bob Hostetler ~ yes, so glad my dad was able to see this before he passed, awesome video!

[@king_fresh27]

Your last name sounds incredibly familiar

[@mr.warmth1511]

the real father of country music and the first video 1928

[@holleefielder4100]

Hey we need to credit Jimmie with not only inventing country music but also inventing the Music Video. Wonder if his estate could get a little kick-back from MTV

[@kevinpage7816]

Confirmed

[@nathanperry6368]

Eck Robertson is the godfather of country music. Country music would be nothing without the fiddle.

[@gregoryjclark81]

mr. warmth Not to seem overly scrutinizing here, but to ever refer to any artist as a ‘father’ of anything connotes one individual alone creating and establishing a new school to dig. One of the reasons ‘grandfather’ or even ‘godfather’, terms indicating generational time and clearly movements not only taking time to go through a metamorphosis, but that the players involved in an Argos of movement and much more numerous than meets the eye. I more than concur with your sentiment, but a cat like JR deserves as specific language as possible.

[@nathanperry6368]

I agree that musical genre's are developed over time and most certainly by more than one man alone. But eck really is the godfather, 'Sallie gooden' is revered as the first country music recording ever, if the man to make the first country music recording in history can't be called the godfather of the genre then you are right, there is no godfather. For the record I love Jimmie and meant no disrespect to his music.

[@donndwyer4585]

A man and a guitar. No electronic trash. True music.

[@careyrowland]

This is American history! Thanks, psteve, for putting it out here for us.

[@jb92034]

My Dad used to sing this song to me when I was a wee lad ... and I still remeber the words -- damn awesone -- thanks..miss ya Dad

[@rebsrule]

I have great memories of going to the Jimmie Rodgers talent show, back when my uncle, Ken Rainey, helped organize it. Great memories.

[@tunesmith7437]

One of the hallmarks of American Folk Music.

[@wisaint]

Without Jimmie, We wouldn't have Merle Haggard's inspirations... Without Merle Haggard, Country Music would be missing a vital piece. This footage pays a great homage to one of the men who got country moving!

[@fredhogaboom9147]

This is what country music was meant to be, not the glitz and glam being shown today!

[@ryankelly4108]

This is real country.

[@honestbutugly]

Ryan Kelly got to know that he experimented with tuba's in the band , and did songs with Louie Armstrongng, but not bad for a person who created county music

[@Pentagonshark666]

how can you call it country?

[@bevgutknecht7016]

How can you not?

[@Erzahler]

+Lembit Punapart: Easy. Jimmie Rodgers was the Father of country music. He came before Hank Williams, Sr., before Ernest Tubb, before everyone.

[@Pentagonshark666]

But his music dosn't sound like Country.

[@becausereasons9777]

This is beautiful.

[@jonathanwilkinson1461]

Today I went home...and listened to jimmie rodgers in my lunch break..

[@gtnhawd]

This is the good stuff, so much talent gone too soon. I encourage all to listen to the Greg brown tune the train carrying Jimmie Rodgers home. It tells the story of a train bringing him home to his resting place after passing. Long love mr Rodgers