Fifth in the Performing Arts Series, this stamp honors the Barrymore family and the contribution they have made to the entertainment industry for the last 100 years. Performing Arts Series On May 24, 1978, the USPS issued the first stamp in the Performing Arts Series, honoring Jimmie Rodgers. The Jimmie Rodgers stamp was issued on May 24, 1978, in his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. The stamp issue coincided with the town’s annual Jimmie Rodgers Festival. The stamp shows Rodgers as the “Singing Brakeman,” a character based on his previous experience on the railroad that he later also portrayed in a short film. Called the “Father of Country Music,” Rodgers was the first person ever inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Less than two months after the Rodgers stamp was issued, the USPS issued a second stamp in the series. That’s because just five days after the Rodgers stamp was issued, the first class rate increased from 13¢ to 15¢. The second stamp was issued on July 3, marking George M. Cohan’s 100th birthday. It was issued in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. The stamp paid tribute to Cohan’s long list of patriotic songs with its blue field of stars and the song title, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” In addition to writing songs, he was also a playwright, producer, and director and received a Congressional Gold Medal for his work.