The legend himself, and our humble host, Jim Ed Brown turns another year old today!
Born in Sparkman, Arkansas in 1934…Jim Ed began his career harmonizing with sister Maxine on the Barnyard Frolic out of KRLA in Little Rock, AR. They would release their first hit, which they wrote themselves called Looking Back To See in 1954. Following stints on the Louisiana Hayride and the Ozark Jubilee, they would be joined by their sister Bonnie in 1955.
Now known simply as The Browns, Jim Ed and his sisters would release the hit singles I Take The Chance, I Heard The Bluebird Sing…and the song that would make them instant legends The Three Bells.
The Three Bells would sell over a million copies back in the days when that was a very rare feat, and would be the first number one country song to cross over to number one on both the pop and rhythm & blues charts as well. They would continue to rack up the hits with songs like The Old Lamplighter and Scarlet Ribbons, finishing off 1962 in style by being inducted as the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry.
1966 would see Jim Ed venturing out on his musical own for the first time, and he would make his mark quickly. He would release the instant classic Pop-A-Top in late 1966, and follow it up with the hits Southern Loving, Sometime Sunshine, and the fan-favorite Morning.
At this point, he had recorded music as a trio, and a solo artist, so naturally his next move was to record a series of hit duets! Teaming up with Helen Cornelius in 1976 would produce the smash singles Don’t Bother To Knock, Saying Hello, Saying I Love You, Saying Goodbye, and of course Lying In Love With You.
Ever diverse, Jim Ed also has been a television host, racking up six season tenures each hosting “Nashville On The Road,” and TNN’s “You Can Be A Star.”
And then, of course, in 2003 he began hosting our very own Country Music Greats Radio Show.
It has been an absolute honor to work with and get to know Jim Ed Brown over the past year. Always professional, entertaining, and a friend, Jim Ed is a true pleasure to work with. Not only that, but his drive to continually push himself as an artist is a constant inspiration. There aren’t many other artists of Jim Ed’s age and accomplishment that are still writing and recording songs, and playing tour dates all over the country! I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve next!
Happy Birthday Jim Ed…here’s to many more, and we’ll see you on the radio!