Dickens was the country-western performer who recorded “May the Bird of Paradise Fly up Your Nose.” He was past 90.
He was always quite a character. Part comic and part singer. He’s been guesting on the Grand Ole Opry recently. His touring days long behind him. But he could do a few minutes at the Opry.
Here he is Nov 8 just a few weeks before the stroke. Still looked pretty good for 94. The article says he even performed there Dec 20. So he was still able to work before the stroke.
I’m glad he didn’t suffer long. RIP in Honky Tonk Heaven Jimmy
That’s unhappy news. Until recently he was still making regular appearances at the Grand Ol’ Opry. He first performed there in 1948… an amazing run.
R.I.P. Jimmy.
Jimmy and Trace Adkins
http://www.cmt.com/sitewide/assets/img/events/2005/cma/opry_ny/56168729_10-x365.jpg
I am pretty sure Little Jimmy Dickens was in the audience at every show I ever saw at the Ryman, and introduced from the stage at every show. Only Marty Stuart comes close to that kind of ubiquity in Nashville, now.
Sleep well, Little Jimmy. I hope they bury you in a Nudie suit.
RIP, Jimmy. Thanks for making us laugh.
He told the exact same jokes every single week and sang the exact same songs on the Opry! In the old days, he was a surprisingly good ballad singer in addition to his novelty songs. Also, I believe Little Jimmy Dickens was the last of the Nudie-suited singers that dominated Nashville in the 1950s. Webb Pierce, Porter Waggoner, Ray Price, Hank Snow, and the like have already by now.
Found this great photo from 2007.
Porter Wagoner, Brenda Lee, Jimmy Dickens, George Jones
legends of country. They’ve all gone now except for Brenda Lee.
http://www.cmt.com/sitewide/assets/img/news/2007/05_07/medallion_ceremony/4E8U5962-x365.jpg