Narration #1 - Merle Haggard

When Jimmie Rodgers first sang California Blues he’d never been to the

Golden state.

He wrote and recorded the song in October 1928

He always dreamed of touring California but tuberculosis kept him from

Making such a tour.

Most of Jimmie’s in person performances were in the

Area from Texas east and it was in this area that he knew the railroads and

The railroaders and the bums that road the rods

Jimmie had a special feeling for the hobo

And he was always good for a touch by one of the knights of the road

He knew their problems and he knew them well

For Jimmie had hoboed many of the main lines himself