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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZOSBORNE, Jimmie(b 8 April '23, Winchester KY; d 26 Dec. '57) Traditional country singer, songwriter, guitarist and disc jockey famous for topical story ballads. Played guitar in teens, started on radio WLAP Lexington '39; moved to KWKH Shreveport '47; became featured vocalist with Bailes Brothers; signed to King Records '48 with country top 10 entry "My Heart Echoes'. His best-known song was "The Death Of Little Kathy Fiscus', based on a true story '49; he also wrote songs around the Korea War ("God Please Protect America' '50). He moved to Louisville '52, opened record shop and hosted radio show on WKLO. Many songs dealt with death; he committed suicide. Albums incl. Jimmie Osborne Singing Songs He Wrote '59 on Audio Lab; The Legendary Jimmie Osborne '61, Golden Harvest '63 on King; The Voice Of Free America '88 on Strictly Country. |