Posted on 01/02/2015 5:13:30 PM PST by John W
Little Jimmy Dickens, a diminutive singer-songwriter known for his sense of humor and as the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, has died. He was 94.
Dickens died Friday at a Nashville-area hospital of cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke on Christmas Day, Opry spokeswoman Jessie Schmidt said.
Dickens, who stood 4-foot-11, had performed on the Opry almost continuously since 1948. His last performance was Dec. 20 as part of his birthday celebration. He sang "Out Behind The Barn" and delivered his trademark comedy. He had turned 94 a day earlier.
"The Grand Ole Opry did not have a better friend than Little Jimmy Dickens," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice president and general manager. "He loved the audience and his Opry family, and all of us loved him back. He was a one-of-kind entertainer and a great soul whose spirit will live on for years to come."
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
I remember seeing him on the tv show THE GRAND OLD OPERY back in 1957. I wondered why they had a little kid on there!
I was 11 at the time.
We just saw him at the Opry about a month ago. Prior to that I saw him in.Germany 46 years ago.
Small of stature but big of heart. RIP.
Live at the Grand Old Opry.
Saw him a couple of years ago. Sure didn’t look or act his age.
What does the word, “Opry” mean?
Is it a Southern slang term for “Opra”? I personally know older people that would pronounce Opra as Opry. lol
My grandfather was one of them.
RIP.
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose.
Imagine if that becomes an annual tradition to greet people this way on January 2nd!
RIP, Jimmy.
Saw him in person in 1995 in Nashville. What a funny guy he was!
Aah ...when country was country.
Was he eatin an old cold tater?
Thanks for the link; post. Condolences to family and friends of Little Jimmy Dickens. R.I.P., sir.
Saw him live at the Opry just 2 yrs ago.
He was still going pretty strong.
RIP and Godspeed.
What's an 'Orpa'? I've heard of an Orca, but never an Orpa.
Oops. Found it on Google - Oregon Parks and Recreation Administration. Figured it right - it's a yankee thing.
>> Was he eatin an old cold tater? <<
Nope, he was a-sleepin at the foota the bed.
;^)
I saw him at the Opry in the early 50’s. I was 5-6 and my Dad won a trip there in a sales contest, working for National Life & Accident Insurance Co. (they started the Opry and WSM Radio).
Little Jimmie Dickens .. Sleeping at the foot of the bed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tkEotkyjHU
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