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Today in History: Jimmie Rodgers Dies at New York’s Taft Hotel

5/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 26, 1933, Jimmie Rodgers—known as the “Father of Country Music” for his pioneering yodeling and hits like “Blue Yodel”—collapsed and died in his suite at New York’s Taft Hotel, a 22-story Spanish-Renaissance building on Seventh Avenue near Times Square. His death marked the loss of a seminal American singer-songwriter.

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Story summary

On May 26, 1933, Jimmie Rodgers—known as the “Father of Country Music” for his pioneering yodeling and hits like “Blue Yodel”—collapsed and died in his suite at New York’s Taft Hotel, a 22-story Spanish-Renaissance building on Seventh Avenue near Times Square. His death marked the loss of a seminal American singer-songwriter.