Jimbo Mathus: still singing for Rosetta & Squirrel Nut Zippering

Jimbo Mathus grew up in a house full of musicians, and by the time he was 8 years old, he was sitting in on family jam sessions. He dropped out of college, joined the Merchant Marines and eventually settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He formed The Squirrel Nut Zippers in 1993, which experienced massive success in the mid- to late ‘90s. The band was swept into the short-lived swing music revival, alongside The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and movies like The Mask and Swingers.

It was a short-lived revival, but the Zippers offered fans something deeper and darker that led to a lifelong career for the ever-curious Mathus. Right around the time the band was rising to stardom, Mathus released the album Play Songs for Rosetta under the name James Mathus and His Knockdown Society. Originally released in 1997, the album was recorded in tribute and as a benefit for Charley Patton’s daughter, Rosetta Patton Brown, whom he grew up with. Jimbo learned in his thirties that Rosetta was Charley’s daughter and that she had never received any royalties from his music. (There is a new vinyl addition of the album available for pre-order in a very limited run until Sept. 30, 2026.)

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In our conversation, Jimbo opens up about his connection to Rosetta and what he learned about Charley Patton through his very private daughter. He talks about his short film called Postcards to Rosetta, which explores the secret moments in the life of Charley Patton and particularly the relationship he had with his daughter. The short film features marionettes interpreting moments in Charley’s life. Mathus also comments on his ethos on genre and talks his band’s new album, which he has been working on for thirty years. Titled The Squirrel Nut Zippers Starring in “Fat City” (The Ballad of Lil’ Tony), the album is based on Mathus’ grandfather’s life as a bootlegger, juke joint operator, and big band promoter in the South.