Join us as author and historian Gregg D. Kimball explores the world of songster James Lee “Jimmie” Strother, based on his new book, “Searching for Jimmie Strother: A Tale of Music, Murder and Memory.” Through songs recorded during his time at the Virginia State Prison Farm by famed folklorist John Lomax for the Library of Congress in 1936, Strother epitomized the itinerant musicians who roamed the city streets and byways of the upper South. Kimball will illuminate Strother’s troubled life and compelling music through images, recordings and live performance with bandmates Rick Manson and Sheryl Warner and demonstrate how Strother’s influence lives on. 

Strother’s songs have been covered by artists such as Pete Seeger and Jefferson Airplane, and he has gained a new audience among young African American musicians who are now recovering and exploring the roots of American music. A book signing will follow the program.

Kimball is the former director of Library of Virginia’s Public Services and Outreach division. 

This is a free event, but registration is required. Seating in the Lecture Hall is available on a first come, first served basis. Limited free parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street. For more information, contact Anne McCrery at anne.mccrery@lva.virginia.gov or 804.692.3568.