Jimmy Work (March 29, 1924 – December 22, 2018) was an American country musician and songwriter, known for his contributions to the country and rockabilly genres. Born in Akron, Ohio, Work moved with his family to Dukedom, Tennessee, at the age of two. He began playing guitar at seven, inspired by influences such as Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, and Jimmie Rodgers, and later learned to play the fiddle and write songs.

By 1945, Work was performing professionally in Pontiac, Michigan, a hub for Southerners working in the automotive industry. He recorded his first singles with Trophy Records and later released "Tennessee Border" with Alben Records, which became a hit for other artists like Red Foley and Tennessee Ernie Ford. In 1949, Work signed with Decca Records and performed at the Grand Ole Opry and Ernest Tubb's Midnight Jamboree, but his recordings did not achieve commercial success, leading to his release from the label in 1950.

Work continued to record with Bullet, London, and Capitol Records without significant hits until he signed with Dot Records. In 1955, he achieved chart success with "Making Believe" and "That's What Makes the Jukebox Play," although Kitty Wells' cover of "Making Believe" overshadowed his version. Despite his musical achievements, Work's career waned in the late 1950s, leading him to pursue a career in real estate while continuing to write songs for Acuff-Rose.

In the 1980s, Work retired from music and returned to Dukedom, Tennessee, where he worked as a millwright at the Goodyear plant in Union City. Bear Family Records reissued his recordings in 1986, preserving his musical legacy. Jimmy Work passed away on December 22, 2018, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of influential country music compositions.