Snodgrass

The Jimmie Rodgers Foundation needs a change. That was the reason its board of directors elected a new president earlier this week.

“I was on the board of directors, and we were at the point of needing a different approach,” said Dr. Ed Snodgrass, the foundation’s newly elected president. “The board thought I should step in, I agreed, and got nominated and elected.

“I am absolutely excited, but not naive so much that I don’t see the work involved in it,” Snodgrass said.

The foundation, named after “The Father of Country Music,” seeks to preserve the heritage of that musical style through events like the annual Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival in Meridian. 

Snodgrass is the great grandson of Elsie McWilliams, the sister-in-law of Jimmie Rodgers who helped write many of his songs. Snodgrass replaces Betty Lou Jones, who served as president for 14 years.

Snodgrass, an associate professor at the University of West Alabama, said he is ready to take the foundation to new heights.

“It wasn’t so much an ambition as it was a willingness to work.” Snodgrass continued. “I am particularly interested in the museum and the artifacts and the experience visitors have… It’s going to take a lot more than me… We really need to open our doors and minds to alternative ideas that will really bring this to the next level.”

In a press release from the foundation, Snodgrass said the Rodgers legacy “deserves a state-of-the art museum. As it is, the Jimmie Rodgers Museum is a wonderful, ‘must-see’ destination for many people yearly. However, we can make it better. I hope to facilitate an expansion of the number and quality of artifacts in the collection and develop more interactive and dynamic exhibits, with programming around various themes throughout the year…”

Jones said Snodgrass’ election came as no shock.

“Any time you’re in a meeting and you have an election of officers, you always have changes,” she said Friday afternoon. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the years I spent working on the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation. I value what it means to this community, and I value the opportunities it gives to this community.”

“I hope we can continue to have a very successful festival and continue to improve the museum so it will continue to have an economic impact and be a cultural tourism attraction for our city. I look forward to working in other capacities in this community. I think God has a new plan for me, and I look forward to seeing what that is.”

Ken Flynt, former vice president of the Jimmie Rodgers board, said in the press release that “[Snodgrass’] background in nonprofits as well as being a family member, the great grandson of Elise McWillams, uniquely qualifies him to continue the legacy of The Father of Country Music, The Man who started it all.”

Snodgrass’ cousin James Court, who is president of Jimmie Rodgers ILP, agreed.

“Ed will make a great President,” he said in the press release. “He has my full confidence and support. There is not another person with the same compassion for preserving the Jimmie Rodgers legacy as Ed. I am looking forward to working with him and the foundation ushering Jimmie Rodgers into the future.”