"On August 4, 1927, at a makeshift studio in a former furniture store in Bristol, Tennessee, an unknown singer from Mississippi made his first recordings for Victor Records. Accompanying himself on this plain-looking, but elegantly designed, mahogany and spruce Martin 00-18 guitar, Jimmie Rodgers recorded "The Soldier's Sweetheart" and "Sleep Baby Sleep." Released two months later, they launched a recording career that would turn him into country musicÑ?s first superstar. The inscription "8-4-27 B. VA-TENN," written in India ink inside the guitarÑ?s sound hole, documents RodgersÑ? recording debut at the Bristol Sessions, which marked a turning point in the history of country music."
Gallery: Guitars of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Can''t make it to Nashville? We bring some of country''s classic instruments to you.
By Chris KiesOct 29, 2009
Chris Kies
Chris Kies has degrees in Journalism and History from the University of Iowa and has been with PG dating back to his days as an intern in 2007. He's now the multimedia manager maintaining the website and social media accounts, coordinating Rig Rundown shoots (also hosting and/or filming them) and occasionally writing an artist feature. Other than that, he enjoys non-guitar-related hobbies.