American musician and songwriter, co-writer of 39 songs with Jimmie Rodgers.
Born June 1, 1896 in Harperville, Mississippi.
Died December 30, 1985 in Meridian, Mississippi.
McWilliams was the sister of Jimmie Rodgers second wife Carrie. When Rodgers and Carrie married in 1920, Elsie and Rogers formed a dance band, with McWilliams playing piano and singing in the band. Rodgers asked McWilliams to help with songwriting and McWilliams agreed, traveling to recording sessions and collaborating. Rodgers could not read music, so McWilliams would play the songs and he would learn them by ear.
Elsie wrote music and lyrics, though often didn't receive full credit for her work. Because of Rodgers' poor health at the time, McWilliams would often let Rodgers take full credit or give him the money she received as payment for her work to him to help his family.
Still, she became one of the first women to sustain a successful career as a country songwriter. Among the songs McWilliams wrote or co-wrote with Jimmie Rodgers include: “My Old Pal” (1928), “The Sailor’s Plea” (1928), “You and My Old Guitar” (1928), My Little Lady (1928, “Never No Mo’ Blues” (1928), and “Mississippi Moon” (1928).
She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1979.