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With more than 40 top ten hits during the late '50s and '60s, smooth, folksy, honey-voiced singer Jimmie Rodgers was among the early Rock & Roll superstars. His biggest #1 hits include "Honeycomb," "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine," "It's Over," "Child of Clay," "Oh Oh I'm Falling In Love Again," and "The Long Hot Summer," which earned Jimmie an Oscar nomination. Many recognize his music from commercials—"Honeycomb" was featured in ads for the cereal of the same name, and "Oh Oh Spaghetti-O's" was inspired by "Oh Oh I'm Falling in Love Again." His career was forever altered after a December 1, 1967 incident left him partially disabled. Though remembered primarily for his late '50s and early '60s hits, Jimmie persevered, but at a slower pace.
Born on September 18, 1933, in Camas, Washington, he arrived a few months after the death of the beloved Country Music Hall of Fame singer Jimmie Rodgers ("The Singing Brakeman"). Though not related, Jimmie's mother, a piano teacher who frequently played for silent films, likely named her son after the country legend, sharing the exact spelling of the first name. She taught her musically gifted son piano and guitar. Jimmie formed bands and served in the U.S. Air Force. Discovered on Arthur Godfrey's talent show, he was signed by Roulette Records, an RCA subsidiary. In the late '50s, Jimmie's easy folk-pop style and melodic delivery quickly gained popularity. Offering a charming alternative to rock-and-roll, he scored a #1 hit with "Honeycomb" in 1957, followed by several top 10 singles including "Oh-Oh, I'm Falling in Love Again," "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine," "Secretly," "Waltzing Matilda," and "Are You Really Mine."
After signing with Roulette Records, he left the label in 1960 due to a financial dispute and joined Dot Records the following year. During this period, Jimmie toured alongside Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Frankie Avalon. He appeared on TV shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "American Bandstand," delighting fans, and ventured into film with lead roles in the 1961 remake of The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, co-starring Disney's Luana Patten, and the 1964 war drama Back Door to Hell. Both films received mild reviews. His career seemed promising with the summer TV series "The Jimmie Rodgers Show." Though not a dynamic performer, the good-looking singer with a trademark cleft chin possessed a natural, easygoing charm that resonated widely. However, in 1967, shortly after signing with A&M Records, Jimmie's life and career took a dramatic turn.
In December 1967, after leaving a party, he was stopped on the freeway by an off-duty police officer. The circumstances remain unclear, but Jimmie suffered a severe skull fracture during the encounter and claimed he was brutally attacked by the police. The official police report stated that Rodgers was intoxicated and injured himself by stumbling and falling. Jimmie later sued the City of Los Angeles and reached an out-of-court settlement. His life, however, was irrevocably changed. Attempting a comeback, he appeared regularly on "The Joey Bishop Show" in 1969, but after undergoing three brain surgeries, he continued to experience convulsions, balance issues, and partial facial sagging, which made him reluctant to appear on camera.
Ultimately forced into retirement, he devoted himself to religion and performed occasionally in concert settings. Some of his popular songs remain featured in commercials. He authored a biography titled "Dancing On The Moon" and worked on children's animation projects including "Seven Horsemen." He often spoke at events, sharing an inspiring story of his recovery.
Jimmie was married three times and had five children. He passed away in January 2021.
