Jimmie Rodgers
His father originally placed him on the railroad. He worked there for several years in various jobs, including as a brakeman on the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad, which earned him the nickname "Singing Brakeman". Besides his work, he took every opportunity to play music and improve his technique and style. He processed the experiences from these years again in his songs. In 1924, he contracted tuberculosis, had to give up his job on the railroad and struggled to make ends meet with music and the occasional job.