Rodney Leon Brasfield, born in Smithville, Mississippi on August 22, 1910, became one of the premiere country comedians with his baggy suit, funny little hat, elastic face, staccato speech and familiar exclamation, "By Ned."

With his brother "Boob" (later known as Uncle Cyp on the Ozark Jubilee), Rod honed his comedic skills by performing from his teens with Bisbee's Comedians, a Memphis-based troupe. After ten years with them, Brasfield served a year in the military during World War II before being discharged because of a childhood back injury.

Returning briefly to the Bisbee Comedians, he was hired by Judge George D. Hay to work the Grand Ole Opry in July 1944. From 1947 he was featured on the nationally broadcast network portion, frequently with Minnie Pearl, with whom he had a special rapport. The dual comedy of the two gifted performers lifted the spirits of the listeners to new levels. From Rod's "Hi-Dy, Minnie," their impeccable timing transformed even the most obvious of corny gags into hilarity.

Brasfield's abilities were not limited to comedy; his convincing acting in a serious role in the 1957 Andy Griffith movie, "A Face In The Crowd," proved that he had considerable depth.

He died of a heart attack on September 12, 1958. Minnie Pearl championed Brasfield's nominations for the Hall of Fame, which resulted in his election in 1987.