"Waiting For A Train" by Jimmie Rodgers

Jimmie Rodgers - born on this day in 1897 - was the first bonafide country music superstar, to the extent that he is often called the Father of Country Music; he was also called the Singing Brakeman and America's Blue Yodeler. He first released Waiting For A Train in October 1928, and is seen here performing it thanks to the miracle of celluloid.

Although a bout with tuberculosis ended his railroad career at the age of 27 - allowing him the chance to pursue a talent for music he discovered while riding the New Orleans and Northeastern - his weakened lungs would also prove his undoing. Jimmie Rodgers died in May 1933, aged only 35. Neverthless, Rodgers was among the first three inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame - along with Fred Rose and Hank Williams - when it was established in 1961.
*