Jimmie Rodgers
ListenSleep Baby Sleep · 1927
Jimmie Rodgers — “Sleep Baby Sleep,” recorded at Bristol in 1927.
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1927 · Victor
Sleep Baby Sleep / The Soldier’s Sweetheart
Jimmie Rodgers came to Bristol with a band and made his first record alone. A dispute over billing broke up the group before the session; Rodgers persuaded Ralph Peer to record just his voice and guitar. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0122 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Jimmie Rodgers |
| Release | 1927 · United States |
| Label | Victor · 20864 |
| Format | 10-inch shellac disc · 78 rpm |
| Issue | U.S. commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG |
Release history and significance
A former railroad worker, Rodgers had pursued music through tent shows, street performances and local bands. In Asheville he found an unpaid radio slot and recruited the Tenneva Ramblers. After the programme ended, the musicians were playing at a mountain resort when they heard about Victor’s recording sessions in Bristol. [1]
Rodgers reached Bristol and secured an audition, but the band’s disagreement changed the plan. On 4 August 1927 he recorded “The Soldier’s Sweetheart” and “Sleep Baby Sleep.” The latter includes the yodelling that would become central to his public identity. Victor paired the performances on 20864. [1] [2] [3]
The response to the debut encouraged Peer to arrange another session in November, this time in Camden, New Jersey. That visit produced “Blue Yodel (T for Texas),” the record that carried Rodgers to a much wider audience. [1]
Market context
Discogs records sales for the referenced early Victor 20864 edition from US$7.19 to US$75, with a median of US$39.98, as listed on 13 September 2026. The latest recorded sale was 30 August 2025. [3]
Physical Description
A ten-inch shellac Victor 20864 disc with “Sleep Baby Sleep” on one side and “The Soldier’s Sweetheart” on the other. [3]
Condition
Graded VG. The seller used the VJM grade VV+ and noted faint label wear.
Provenance
Acquired on 8 June 2026 through eBay from Carolina Soul Records.
Sources
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Jimmie Rodgers. Railroad and performing work, the band’s breakup, debut single and subsequent Camden session.
- Birthplace of Country Music Museum, 1927 Bristol Sessions: Recordings and Artists. Session dates, titles and participating performers.
- Discogs, Jimmie Rodgers, release 3600148. Early Victor 20864 reference edition, performance credits and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.