AR SR13

Jimmy Driftwood (born James Corbitt Morris, June 20, 1907 – July 12, 1998) was a prolific folk singer and songwriter who wrote over 6,000 folk songs, most famous for "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud."

He recorded his first album "Newly Discovered Early American Folk Songs" in 1957 and achieved peak popularity in 1959 when he had 6 songs on popular and country music charts; Johnny Horton's recording of "The Battle of New Orleans" won the 1960 Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

Driftwood won multiple Grammy Awards during his recording career for "Wilderness Road," "Songs of Billy Yank and Johnny Reb," and "Tennessee Stud," with his compositions recorded by artists including Johnny Cash, Eddy Arnold, and Doc Watson.

After returning to Arkansas around 1963, he became a folklorist and established the Rackensack Folklore Society and Arkansas Folk Festival, helped establish the Ozark Folk Center, and worked to preserve the Buffalo River and Blanchard Springs Caverns.

The Senate recognizes and honors Jimmy Driftwood's legacy and contributions to Arkansas and American folk culture, with the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to his family.