He's seldom mentioned these days, and even at his peak never experienced huge record sales. He also didn't have the passionate following of other, more politically-minded folk music artists, but Jimmy Driftwood still left his mark on American music.

Born James Corbett Morris in rural Arkansas, he was brought up in an family that included both a folk-singing father and grandfather, in an area of the country that was rich in musical tradition. Jimmie was deeply immersed in the music of his surroundings, but at the same time had his eye on trying to go to college and become a teacher — a difficult proposition during The Depression.

His college years were sort of hit and miss, and included some time on the road with his guitar (reminiscent of Woody Guthrie) but he finally managed to get his teaching degree. Unfortunately, jobs were scarce and he found himself again tuning up his guitar and trying to scratch out a living in music.

Although he had a little success in radio and the occasional talent show, he didn't progress far down that career road and eventually found a job in teaching, but he kept his interest in music. He was especially fascinated by folk music, and although he spent a number of years as a teacher, he also began to gain some minor fame as a composer and performer of the music of America.

It was during his elementary school classes in history that the idea for what would become his most famous song took root. He was intrigued by the story of the War of 1812 and wanted to help his students become interested. He wrote some lyrics and combined them with a melody that began life as an old fiddle tune, and "The Battle of New Orleans" was born.