OHR Presents: Jimmy Driftwood

This week, legendary songwriter, performer, folklorist, historian and Ozark original Jimmy Driftwood recorded live at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Dave Smith gives an historical portrait of the life of this remarkable Ozarker. Also, Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover discuss the fine points of what makes “folk music.” Mark Jones offers an archival recording of another Ozark original, Jean Simmons, performing the song “Unclouded Day” in her pioneering mountain dulcimer style. There was never a more popular, outspoken or controversial musician or personality to come out of Stone County, Arkansas than James Corbitt Morris (better known as Jimmy Driftwood).  Driftwood was a driving force behind the creation of the Ozark Folk Center State Park and a successful singer songwriter who penned “The Battle of New Orleans” and “Tennessee Stud” among other notable songs. Jimmy helped put Stone County on the musical map and left a legacy that is still talked about to this day. Our program this week features special and seldom heard songs from some of Jimmy’s archival Ozark Folk Center performances. Ozark Highlands Radio host Dave Smith and producer Jeff Glover discuss the fine points of what makes “folk music,” drawing from interviews & perspectives of various folk musicians. Mark Jones' “From the Vault” segment offers an archival recording of Ozark original Jean Simmons, performing in her pioneering mountain dulcimer style the song “Unclouded Day,” from the Ozark Folk Center State Park archives.