About U.S. Stamps
Featuring Research Volunteer Contributions

1978 Performing Arts Series

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13-cent Jimmie Rodgers single

The Postal Service initiated the Performing Arts Series in 1978 by issuing two commemorative stamps. It issued the Jimmy Rodgers stamp on May 24 and the George Cohen stamp on July 3. While issued only a few weeks apart, an increase in the one-ounce first class postage rate on May 29, 1978, resulted in a 13-cent Jimmy Rodgers stamps and a 15-cent George Cohen stamp.

By the time the Performing Arts Series concluded in 1991, this USPS series included twelve different stamps, all designed by Jim Sharp except the John McCormack stamp, which Jim Sharp and Ron Mercer jointly designed.

Reference: Kloetzel, James E., ed. 2009 Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps & Covers. 87th ed. Sidney, Ohio: Scott Publishing Co., 2008.

Lynn Batdorf

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13-cent Jimmie Rodgers single

The 13-cent Jimmie Rodgers (1897-1933) stamp was first available on May 24, 1978, at Meridian, Mississippi. Jimmie Rodgers brought southern music to center stage in the United States. He is remembered particularly for his songs about railroading. The songs of blacks who worked for the roads influenced him, and he is known by many as the 'Singing Brakeman'. He died of tuberculosis in 1933.

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13c George Cohan single

The 15-cent George M. Cohan (1878-1942) stamp was first available on July 3, 1978, at Providence, Rhode Island. Jim Sharpe designed the stamp. Cohan, born in Providence, was a very versatile vaudeville performer. He is remembered for his talents not only as a singer and dancer but also as a producer, director, playwright, and songwriter.

About U.S. Stamps