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Jimmy Driftwood was a prolific songwriter and folk singer who wrote over 6000 songs during his lifetime. This week, we will learn about this native Arkansan who loved the beauty of the Natural State. Jimmy Driftwood’s name at birth was James Corbitt Morris. He was born near Mountain View, Arkansas on June 20, 1907.
If he was given the name James Corbitt Morris at birth, why do people call him Jimmy Driftwood? Well, the nickname “Driftwood” came about as the result of a joke his grandfather played on his grandmother. When the two went to visit their new grandson, Driftwood’s grandfather arrived first and wrapped a bundle of old sticks in a blanket. When Driftwood’s grandmother arrived, she was handed the bundle and remarked, “Why, it ain’t nothing but driftwood.” |
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After graduating in 1928, he attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) in Conway, before eventually attending John Brown College (now John Brown University) in Siloam Springs. In addition to teaching, Driftwood played the fiddle at local dances and other venues to earn money for college. After years of taking summer and night classes, Driftwood finally received his BSE degree from Arkansas State Teachers College on May 29, 1949, and, with it, became principal of the school in Snowball, AR.
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They say Jimmy wrote his first poem when he was eight and his first song when he was 12. There were no libraries in the hill schools, so Jimmy wrote poems, tales, songs and plays for his own students.
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Music played a large role in Driftwood’s life from his earliest years. His father, a farmer by trade, was also an accomplished folk singer, and it was through him and other local musicians that Driftwood was first exposed to the songs of the Ozarks.
While still a small child, Driftwood learned to play the guitar his grandfather had made. Its neck was from a piece of fence rail, its sides from an old ox yoke, and its somewhat rectangular head and bottom from the headboard of his grandmother's bed. He would continue to play this unusual-looking instrument throughout his career; it became his trademark and is currently on display in the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in Pine Bluff. |
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In the 1950’s, Jimmy left Arkansas to become a famous singer in Nashville. In Nashville, Jimmy wrote and recorded songs that won major music awards. This led to Jimmy becoming part of the Grand Ole Opry. He made regular appearances there which brought him the most fame.
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Every artist needs inspiration. Jimmy’s inspiration was his students. Most of the 6,000 songs he wrote were about things that had happened in American history. Those songs helped his students to learn about history in a fun way!
In February of 1963, Jimmy Driftwood was voted Vice President of a new club, which he named the Rackensack Folklore Society. Pictured here is Jimmy playing the fiddle at one of the Rackensack meetings. |
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The acoustic music in Rackensack is comprised of a group of musicians, storytellers and friends who are dedicated to the preservation of the performance of old time traditional folk music of the Ozarks. The acoustic music is performed with fiddles, guitars, banjos, dulcimers, harmonicas, bass tubs and other instruments of our forefathers.
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The Rackensack society often performs at the Jimmy Driftwood Music Barn in Mountain View. Jimmy built this barn so that folk musicians would have a place to play the music they loved. The barn is still standing today and performances can be enjoyed on Friday and Sunday nights for $5!
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Why is Jimmy Driftwood important for us to learn about? Because, he is from Arkansas. He didn’t grow up in a big fancy home with everything he ever wanted. His parents didn’t have lots of money. He worked hard so he could do something he loved, and he became successful. He’s just like all of you. If you work hard, you can be successful, too.
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Jimmy was passionate about Arkansas, and preserving the beauty of the land. He fought against the US Army Corps of Engineers plans to dam the Buffalo River. This led to the development of the Buffalo National River, which is now a National Park.
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