Jimmy Ray Dean 1928-2010
Jimmy Dean, country music singer and successful businessman who created the Jimmy Dean Sausage brand, died on June 13, 2010 at his home in Varina, Virginia at the age of 81. During the height of his 57-year career, he was closely associated with Roy Clark, Patsy Cline and Charlie Rich.
Dean was born in Plainview, Texas inn 1928. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, he became a professional entertainer. He signed on with Columbia Records in the 1950’s and hosted several television shows. His biggest hit, “Big Bad John, was at the top of the Billboard charts in 1961 and earned him a 1962 Grammy for Best Country & Western Recording. Another song, “PT-109”, was a Top 10 hit in 1962. The song honored the bravery of John F. Kennedy during World War II.
He appeared as a reclusive billionaire in the James Bond movie “Diamonds Are Forever”, hosted “The Jimmy Dean Show” and was a regular headliner in Las Vegas and Reno in the mid-60’s. He also appeared frequently on television, including multiple episodes on “Daniel Boone” (1967-1970) and “Fantasy Island” 1981-1982).
He founded the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company in 1969 with his brother Don. It was acquired by Consolidated Foods in 1984, later renamed the Sara Lee Corporation.
In 2004 he released his autobiography “30 Years of Sausage, 50 Years of Ham”. The popular musician was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on February 23, 2010.
Dean is survived by his second wife Donna Meade Dean. He married the singer and songwriter in 1991. Their home overlooking the James River on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia was destroyed by fire in April 2009. His wife and a caretaker raced in and out of the burning home to salvage valuable and mementos from the singer’s career.
They rebuilt on the same foundation and moved into the new home in early 2010. Dean said, “I’m so happy here on the banks of the James River and if you could see where I live, you would understand it. It’s the prettiest, most laid-back, easygoing place you ever saw in your life. I love it a lot.” See photos of the rebuilding project in our gallery after the jump.
The country musician is also survived by children Garry, Connie and Robert, who were born during his union with first wife Mary Sue Dean.
More photos and “Big Bad John” video below:
Photos: WENN; TimesDispatch