Known since the 1970s as the man behind a sausage company, Jimmy Dean was far more than just a pitchman for his company. The entrepreneur, who passed away Sunday at age 81, was known as a singer of songs like the Grammy winning “Big Bad John,” and “PT-109.” In addition to those songs Jimmy periodically hosted The Tonight Show and by the mid 1960s he had his own variety series simply titled The Jimmy dean Show. The show introduced many country artists like Buck Owens, Charlie Rich and Roger Miller to a mainstream audience.
In 1969 Jimmy formed the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company with his brother Don and by 1984 it was known all over the country as a successful brand, thanks in large part to Dean’s own humorous commercials. He would remain the pitchman/spokesman for the company until 2004, 20 years after Sara Lee Corporation had acquired it.
He was announced for induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame prior to his death.
0 Comments