
In Tune
Charley Patton, Jimmie Rodgers, and the Roots of American Music
Ben Wynne(Author)
Louisiana State University Press
Published on 29. March 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
296 pages
978-0-8071-7995-6 (ISBN)
Description
Born into poverty in Mississippi at the close of the nineteenth century, Charley Patton and Jimmie Rodgers established themselves among the most influential musicians of their era. In Tune tells the story of the parallel careers of these two pioneering recording artists -- one white, one black -- who moved beyond their humble origins to change the face of American music.
At a time when segregation formed impassable lines of demarcation in most areas of southern life, music transcended racial boundaries. Jimmie Rodgers and Charley Patton drew inspiration from musical traditions on both sides of the racial divide, and their songs about hard lives, raising hell, and the hope of better days ahead spoke to white and black audiences alike. Their music reflected the era in which they lived but evoked a range of timeless human emotions. As the invention of the phonograph disseminated traditional forms of music to a wider audience, Jimmie Rodgers gained fame as the "Father of Country Music," while Patton's work eventually earned him the title "King of the Delta Blues."
Patton and Rodgers both died young, leaving behind a relatively small number of recordings. Though neither remains well known to mainstream audiences, the impact of their contributions echoes in the songs of today. The first book to compare the careers of these two musicians, In Tune is a vital addition to the history of American music.
At a time when segregation formed impassable lines of demarcation in most areas of southern life, music transcended racial boundaries. Jimmie Rodgers and Charley Patton drew inspiration from musical traditions on both sides of the racial divide, and their songs about hard lives, raising hell, and the hope of better days ahead spoke to white and black audiences alike. Their music reflected the era in which they lived but evoked a range of timeless human emotions. As the invention of the phonograph disseminated traditional forms of music to a wider audience, Jimmie Rodgers gained fame as the "Father of Country Music," while Patton's work eventually earned him the title "King of the Delta Blues."
Patton and Rodgers both died young, leaving behind a relatively small number of recordings. Though neither remains well known to mainstream audiences, the impact of their contributions echoes in the songs of today. The first book to compare the careers of these two musicians, In Tune is a vital addition to the history of American music.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Baton Rouge
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
17 halftones, 1 map
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
418 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8071-7995-6 (9780807179956)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2014
1st Edition
University of Pennsylvania Press, Inc.
from
€41.29
Available for download
Person
A native of Florence, Mississippi, Ben Wynne earned his doctorate degree in history from the University of Mississippi. He currently teaches at the University of North Georgia and has written several works related to southern history.