November 26, 1936

Folk singer-songwriter Jimmy Driftwood, who was born in Stone County, married former student Cleda Johnson. Driftwood gained national fame in 1959 when Johnny Horton recorded Driftwood’s song “The Battle of New Orleans,” but he continued to live in Stone County and promote the music and heritage of the Ozarks. After his marriage, Driftwood continued to teach at area schools as well as write songs and play folk music. In 1947, the couple purchased the 150-acre farm where they would live the rest of their lives. Among other accomplishments, Driftwood formed the Rackensack Folklore Society, helped create the Arkansas Folk Festival in Mountain View, and was a leading force in the establishment of the Ozark Folk Center.