Arkansas's Beloved Performers - Jimmy Driftwood
Jimmy Driftwood is a name is heard all around the South. Not only for founding of the Folk Center in Mountain View, but for spectacular performances all around the region, mainly Nashville. Driftwood has performed at the Opry, the Ozark Jubilee, the Louisiana Hayride and other major country music venues. As Nashville grew in population, so did Driftwood's desire to return to his beloved Ozarks. In 1962, Jimmy and his wife Cleda, returned to the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. In 1963, Driftwood and his Rackensack Society began performing at a local fair in the little town of Mountain View. Little did they know, but this little town would one day be recognized as the "Folk Music Capital of the United States".
When Driftwood returned home to his Ozarks in 1862, he brought with him the desire to spark the interest of the local talent in Mountain View. He wanted to create a local festival that would be enjoyed by th entire community. He invited members of the community to participate in the festivities. As the years passed, the popularity of the festival multiplied. Today, this festival is the well known Arkansas Folk Festival.
Pictured below are the original members of the Rackensack Society at the Folk Festival in 1963.
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Here is another group picture of the original performers, in 1863.
Here is a picture of the original Folk Festival that took place in the
Stone County Court Room.
Here is a picture of Jimmy Driftwood himself, performing with his wife Cleda.
Ozark Folk Music has played an important part in Arkansas history. One of the most prominent folk activities that takes place in Arkansas today, is the Ozark Folk Festival in Mountain View Arkansas, founded by Driftwood himself. Mountain View is located in the north eastern part of the state. This festival is a wonderful way for folk musicians from across the state to gather and play music from the heart of the Arkansan culture. There are craft displays and a heritage and geneology center. For more information about the Folk Festival and concert times, visit this web site.