Little Jimmy Dickens has been a strong force in country music since the late 1940's. A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Little Jimmy shows no sign of slowing down even though he is almost 88 years old. Country super-star Brad Paisley has even recognized "Little" Jim for influencing him at an early age. When Jimmy walks onto stage he still grabs everyone's attention and will entertain folks of all ages.
Born James Cecil Dickens on December 19th, 1920, Jimmy was part of a large family in Bolt, West Virginia. Gaining early experience by working at numerous radio stations, he was able to become comfortable with his act and ability to entertain not just through songs but humor as well. Known as "Little" Jimmy Dickens for only measuring in at 4'11", he has been able to relate to various audiences from the start not only because of gentle spirit but also due to his poor upbringing.
After working for numerous radio stations in Saginaw, Michigan; Fairmont, West Virginia; Indianapolis, Indiana; and finally Cincinnati, Ohio, Jimmy was noticed by Roy Acuff who brought him to Nashville. Once in Nashville, Roy introduced him to the Grand Ole Opry and Columbia Records. From this point on the rest is history. There was no stopping this little machine once he was on a roll.
Once his first big hit "Take An Old Cold 'Tater (And Wait)" was released it flew up the charts, which led to another nick name that was given to him by Hank Williams. Hank started calling him "Tater" because of this song and has stuck with him to this day.
Although he has had strong country roots, Jimmy tried out some Rockabilly tunes and had some success, but later went back to the novelty songs which over powered his love ballads. Jimmy officially joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in August of 1948 and still remains a strong force still to date.
Whenever "Little" Jimmy Dickens walks on stage he has an undeniable hold over the audience. Whether it is for two or three songs on the Grand Ole Opry or a full concert, he keeps the audience in the palm of his hand from start to finish. He has made thirteen trips to Europe and to Vietnam for the military. Another great accomplishment was when he became the first artist to make a complete trip around the world.
In 1964, Jimmy released "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose." This single became a huge hit in the country and pop genres, going to the top on country charts and fifteen on the pop charts. Jimmy has made appearances on numerous national broadcast television shows including The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
Even with all the success he has had in the past, "Little" Jimmy Dickens is probably more famous now than he has ever been. This has had a lot to do with Brad Paisley including him in many projects including cameos on his albums. Jimmy has also been known for his flashy appearances and rhinestone suits.
Although he has mostly retired from the road, he still continues to perform a handful of shows and makes numerous appearances around Music City. At his age most people are looking for a recliner, but "Little" Jimmy Dickens seems to relax just fine on the wooden circle at the Grand Ole Opry.
Top Songs:
- Take An Old Cold 'Tater (And Wait)
- I'm Little But I'm Loud
- Out Behind The Bard
- My Hearts Bouquet
- Life Turned Her That Way
- Country Boy
- A-Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed
- You All Come
- Mountain Dew
- May The Bird Of Paradise (Fly Up Your Nose)
- Hillbilly Fever
Recommended Albums:
- "I'm Little, But I'm Loud: The Little Jimmy Dickens Collection"
- "Country Boy" - Boxed Set
- "Out Behind The Barn" - Boxed Set
