Jimmy Ray Dean
- Born:
- August 10, 1928, Plainview, Texas, USA
- Died:
- June 13, 2010, Varina, Virginia, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Country Music Singer, Television Host, Actor, Businessman
Early Life and Education
- Born to Seth Ward Dean and Ruth Taylor.
- Grew up in poverty in Texas.
- Dropped out of high school to work and help his family.
- Served in the United States Air Force.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his music career in the late 1940s, performing at local venues.
- Hosted "The Jimmy Dean Show" on CBS from 1957 to 1959, a local Washington, D.C. program that later became a national network show.
- Achieved mainstream success with his song "Big Bad John" in 1961, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Starred in "The Jimmy Dean Show" on ABC from 1963 to 1966.
- Launched the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company in 1969, which became highly successful. He later sold the company to Sara Lee Corporation.
- Acted in several films and television shows, including a recurring role in "Daniel Boone" and a role in the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever".
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
Year | Title | Label |
1961 | Big Bad John | Columbia |
1962 | P.T. 109 | Columbia |
1965 | The Jimmy Dean Show | Columbia |
Filmography (Selected)
Year | Title | Role |
1971 | Diamonds Are Forever | Willard Whyte |
1975 | 99 and 44/100% Dead | Uncle Frank |
Legacy and Impact
Jimmy Dean was a multifaceted entertainer and businessman. His successful music career, television shows, and the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company established him as a significant figure in American popular culture and entrepreneurship. A search for 'jimmy dean biography wikipedia' reveals the breadth of his impact, further highlighting his achievements in entertainment and business. His legacy continues to influence country music and the food industry.