In way only he can, Tumbleweeds All the Way Down host Jack Fowler created a fun year-end list of songs that he was surprised to learn were not performed by Jimmie Rodgers.
5. The Jackson 5 - "Blame it on the Boogie"
I heard the disco beats and tight harmonies in this uber-catchy and woefully underrated 1978 single and naturally assumed it was an early recording of the man considered by most historians to be the father of American country music. It wasn't, though. It was the Jackson 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkBS4zUjJZo
4. The Dixie Cups - "You Should've Seen the Way He Looked at Me"
Not only was I stunned to discover this 1964 bubblegum gem wasn't performed by the American folk icon who would inspire troubadours from Guthrie to Springsteen , I still can't believe it wasn't a bigger hit for the girl group mostly known for "Iko Iko" and "Goin' to the Chapel."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2QhTBy-0E0
3. Dwight Yoakam - "The Back of Your Hand"
One can hardly blame me for mistaking the perfect contrast of lush orchestration and spare lyrics in this virtually-unknown 2003 ballad for vintage Rodgers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPG0OVl5-JE
2. Aimee Mann - "Goose Snow Cone"
Even though I'd listened incessantly to this perfect song from Mann's new album, I was still shocked to learn it wasn't just another great train-riding tune from the man they called "The Singing Brakeman."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhThS-PJOFE
1. Toots and the Maytals - "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
I still think this might be Jimmie Rodgers. I don't entirely trust YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQFKMar4x-w
