Biography
Jimmy Yves Newman, 27 August 1927, Big Mamou, Louisiana, USA. Since he was of French origin, speaking both English and French, and grew up in the heart of the Cajun area of the state, it is no surprise that he went on to become one of the main artists to bring that genre of music into the field of country music. He left school prematurely when his father died to help support his eight siblings. Newman first became interested in country music through hearing his brother Walter play guitar and sing Jimmie Rodgers songs. In the mid-40s he played in a local Cajun band and made his first recording in French in 1946. Later, he formed his own band, played local radio and small venues around the state, and eventually presented his own programme on KPLC-TV in Lake Charles, where his mixture of Cajun and country music quickly proved popular. In 1949 he recorded the original version of the Webb Pierce hit ‘Wondering’. The release failed to chart but, determined to...
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