Jim Ed Brown

1934 - 2015

Jim Ed Brown

1934 - 2015

BORN

1934

DIED

2015

Jim Ed Brown Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 12, 2015.
Jim Ed Brown, a longtime Grand Ole Opry member who had solo and group hits and was a prominent figure on country music television shows, died Thursday. He was 81.

Brown died of cancer at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee, according to a news release from Webster Public Relations. He will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year.

In the mid-1950s, Brown and his two sisters, Bonnie and Maxine, formed the trio known as The Browns, and had the No. 1 hit "The Three Bells" on both the pop and country charts in 1959. The three recorded for RCA Records from 1954 to 1967.

Bonnie and Maxine left the group in the mid-1960s to raise their families. Jim Ed Brown then had a solo career, beginning with the hit "Pop-A-Top Again" in 1967. Others were "Morning" in 1970 and "Southern Loving" in 1973. His last chart record as a solo was in 1979.

Also in the 1970s, he teamed up with Helen Cornelius on hits including "I Don't Want to Have to Marry You," ''Saying Hello, Saying I Love You, Saying Goodbye" (both in 1976); "Lying in Love With You" (1979); "Fools" (1979); and "Don't Bother to Knock" (1981).

Brown and Cornelius were voted the Country Music Association's duo of the year in 1977.

Brown began singing with the Grand Ole Opry in 1963, and was a prominent figure on country music television shows in the 1970s and 1980s. Beginning in 1975, he began a six-season run as co-host, with Jerry Clower, of the syndicated weekly TV show "Nashville on the Road." He also hosted "You Can Be a Star" on the old Nashville Network cable channel for six years beginning in 1983.

The Country Music Hall of Fame announced in March that Brown and his sisters had been selected for induction along with vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys and longtime session guitarist Grady Martin. The induction ceremony is in October, but Brown received his Hall of Fame medallion early.

A week before he died, Hall of Fame musician Bill Anderson, Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young visited Brown in the hospital to present the medallion to him, the Hall of Fame said on its website Thursday night.

"The news of Jim Ed Brown's passing has hit us hard!" the Oak Ridge Boys tweeted. "Fly High JE we will miss you terribly... Until the DAY!" The Grand Ole Opry tweeted that "Our hearts are heavy tonight as we say goodbye to an important part of our #Opry family. Jim Ed Brown will be missed."

A tweet from Charlie Daniels' Twitter account read, "Sincere condolences to the family of Jim Ed Brown/We're gonna miss you Buddy/Rest in peace."

Brown's death came the same week as Randy Howard, 65, in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Howard, who has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr., was shot to death Tuesday night at his home by a bounty hunter who was trying to bring him in on a DUI charge, authorities said. The case is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Brown, a native of Sparkman, Arkansas, lived in his early years on a farm, without electricity or running water, according to his public relations firm. The family would use a battery-operated radio to tune in to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights, and he began to mimic the vocal styles of its stars, the publicist said.

In 1986, Brown reflected on the years when he sang with his sisters. "We lived way back in the sticks of Arkansas," he said in an Associated Press interview. "For three kids who lived so far back to be able to get on the Grand Ole Opry, it was a dream of thousands of people. America has always been open to someone new."

He said "The Three Bells" gave listeners something different during the early days of rock 'n' roll.

"Jerry Lee Lewis and Fabian were strong then and so were all the teen idols. 'The Three Bells' was a break from that. It was the synopsis of a man's life. People still enjoy hearing it and cry when they listen to it."

___

BETH CAMPBELL, Associated Press


Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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November 4, 2022

Doris Bramble posted to the memorial.

November 24, 2018

James Myuretr posted to the memorial.

October 28, 2018

Pamela Metcalf posted to the memorial.

279 Entries

Doris Bramble

November 4, 2022

Went to see Jim Ed Brown at a show in Dover, Delaware years ago.He was so awesome . He will be missed. May he R.I.P. I was a big fan of his.

James Myuretr

November 24, 2018

Best of all times...Pop A Top had great steel guitar sound..Thank You for all you did

Pamela Metcalf

October 28, 2018

Jim ed. your voice just touch's our hearts so much. all your songs but jonny russles song crushes us. love your voice. the metcalfs

Thomas & Libby Widgeon

January 31, 2018

Sorry For Your Loss!

Barbara Bradshaw

October 17, 2017

RIH.....You are a true Angel and will be missed.

caleb featheroff

April 18, 2017

its sad that jim ed dies even thought its been a year jim ed will be missed by so many

Julie Uplegger

March 6, 2017

I just heard of his passing! I am in shock, he was one of my favorites and he will be missed so much! Prayers to his family and the Grand Ole Opera, they lost a great talent, not replaceable!

Gerald Barry

January 20, 2017

My mom like the three bell song and RIp Jim ed Brown

Gerald Barry

January 19, 2017

My mom like the three bell song and RIp Jim ed Brown

Gerald Barry

January 19, 2017

Rip Jim ed Brown

Steve Haas

October 21, 2016

I remember hearing " THREE BELLS" when I was a kid and always loved it. One of my favorite songs

Robin

October 2, 2016

Just heard of his passing. He was one of the best & one of my favorites for sure. Loved all of his music. Thanks for all the great music & memories that will be treasured forever. Rest in peace & be with Jesus.

Judy Beasley

October 1, 2016

He was a great singer!

Laura Wood

August 26, 2016

Jim Ed you will be missed by all your fans,friends and family. I have been a fan from beginning til end. God Bless your family in these trying times.

Jerry Coffey

August 23, 2016

Omg i loved your music rip

Emilee Miller

July 23, 2016

I was a big fan of Jim ed Brown when I was growing up I love country music

Emilee Miller

July 23, 2016

I'm so sorry for the lost of Jim ed Brown I know the Lord will bring the people back to life someday

Lorna Anderson

July 4, 2016

Jim Ed Brown has left footprints on the hearts of many. We've been blessed by his voice, presence and gentility for countless years. He has left behind precious memories that death cannot destroy. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Jim Ed.

Duane Johns

July 4, 2016

It was very nice to meet you in 2014, have always loved you music. Rest in peace Jim Ed, your pain is over.

Harry Simpson

June 11, 2016

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.

Rest Jim, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

bill mcelduff

April 17, 2016

I knew jim years ago when I work for jim crocket.in charlotte n.c.He was nice person to know and Maxine was a kidder and she love her brother very deep and she told him that night that she love him and wish him good luck and he told her too good luck.I so glad he made the country music hall of fame I wish I could see that but my ages keep both of us home we poor people good luck to his family and God bless. I meet a lot of country music stars over the year and talk to them before they went onto stage. I work at the coliseum from 1955 to 1963 and the stars was great people to talk too and I allway respect them.bill Anderson work foe WBT radio and tv he great song writer.thank you for everybody time.God bless everbody

Sharon Tustian

April 15, 2016

I enjoyed listening back in the fifties. I find myself listening to the older country because the new music just doesn't seem country to me.
Thank you Jim Ed for singing and giving us fans so much pleasure. Rest in Peace, til we meet again. A fan

Jerri Vandusen

January 8, 2016

He will sadly be missed.

kenny dee

December 26, 2015

we were blessed to have jim for 81 years down here just think when we get to heaven we will have jim for ever and ever. the bells were ringen when jim step in to heaven see you some day .

chris surrett

November 12, 2015

my heart goes out to jim eds family

November 8, 2015

Salmos 37.9.10.11.es una promesa.

David and Dianne Grimm

October 18, 2015

My Husband and I met him once and I told him my husband said he sounded like Jim Reeves when he sang and he said where is your husband and I said back there he's bashful and hevlooked back to where my husband was and told him come on up here fellow and they talked for a good 15 minutes and my husband commented for weeks what a very kind man he was . Jim you will be missed. We definitely Loved you.
.

Christine Harrison

September 28, 2015

I can hardly explain, how as a child growing up in an aithiest family was so hard in Canada. I had a faith from my heart at 5 years old that was always there...this was hard to explain as I had no church to go to. One day on the radio in the early 60's I think, (from a Toronto station Canada) I heard "The Bells" story about Jimmy Brown - the recording. It was as if Jesus was talking to me about faith through your music Ed. Yesterday, for an unknown reason, I had to find the music "The Bells" only to find that Jimmy had really winged his way to heaven. Thank you so much for keeping my faith alive in all the darkness - your music was straight from heaven and I will never forget how much light you created in all the darkness. Thank you.. Christine Harrison, Oakville, Ontario. Canada

George

September 5, 2015

Always hate to see the great ones leave us , never knew you personally only thru your music , maybe see you on the other side .

August 26, 2015

Jim Ed was kind to personally answer my email asking what brand of guitar he played.

Kandy Kappler

August 25, 2015

Condolences to the Brown family. Jim Ed brings me such happiness when I listen to his music. Always the gentleman.

Molly Conn

August 5, 2015

One of my favourites such a beautiful voice and a gentleman. My condolences to all the family.

terry williams

August 3, 2015

R.I.P. Jim Ed now you can sing with the greats Hank Williams , Marty Robbins , Johnny Cash and his beatific wife June.

Jerry Babcock

July 25, 2015

A WONDERFUL SINGER ON THREE BELLS FOR SURE

Valerie Kuczek

July 23, 2015

One of my favorites gone, rest in Gods arms and listen to the Blue Birds sing. Good by my friend.

Donna Smith

July 6, 2015

Our loss is Heavens gain, May you Rest in Peace Jim Ed until the roll is called for all of us one by one.

July 5, 2015

SUCH A WONDERFUL LAID BACK GENTLEMAN. I SAW JIM ED AND HELEN CORNELIUS IN CONCERT IN PERSON. AFTER THE SHOW I CHATTED WITH JIM ED AS WELL AS HELEN. HE DIDN'T MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE HE WAS IN A RUSH TO SIGN HIS AUTOGRAPH AND ACTUALLY SPENT TIME CHATTING WITH HIS FANS. AND OH THAT BEAUTIFUL "SMOOTH VELVET VOICE." HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY A LOT OF US WHO DEARLY LOVED HIM.

July 4, 2015

Rest in Peace Jim Ed. I have always loved your music, my favorite being "Morning". You will be missed.

Bonnie Ross-Keasling (Liberty, Indiana

Thomas Creamer

July 1, 2015

Love To Hear His Singing last time I saw him In Tampa fl State Fair 3 yrs ago.Rest In Peace My Friend.Glad I have some Cd Of Him singing.Praying for the family May God Be with All Mr.Thomas Creamer

June 30, 2015

Grand Ole Opera will not be the same without Jim Brown my condolence to family remember John 5; 28 an 29

June 29, 2015

Regards to Jim's family. I saw him in Houston, Tx. 1969 with the Cates sisters. He was always my favorite singer. He will be greatly missed. God Bless Jim Ed.
Audrey, Coldspring, Texas.

John Dersham

June 29, 2015

My sincere regards to the Brown family.
I moved to Nashville a young man in 1972. I wrote songs and Jim Ed was the first person to show me around and look after me, so to speak. He even called my mother to let her know I was safe and he'd keep and eye on me. His office was in the Faron Young building near music row in those days. He never stopped working at his craft and was always performing right up to the last after more than 60 years of doing just that. He will be missed.

William Fields

June 29, 2015

I seen Jim Ed Brown a few times while I grew up in Rockvale TN When I left for the Air Force I also carry his music where ever I travel it was helpful My he rest in peace

June 27, 2015

We were saddened to hear the loss of such a special man. Please know how very sorry we are.
Norman and Karen Violette Lady Lake FL

D A

June 25, 2015

My most sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. May God's word provide you strength and comfort at this difficult time. "He heals the brokenhearted; and binds up their wounds". Psalms 147:1. "God is our refuge and strength, a help that is readily found in times of distress". Psalms 46:1.

Donna Kitchen

June 24, 2015

To the family of Jim Ed Brown. I am so sorry for your loss, but I would like to share a beautiful memory with you. My father loved your music, and on June 9th, 2015 my father passed. He was also born in 1934. I just wanted you to know that while we were by his side with hospice care we had the CD "Voice as soft as an Angel" by The Browns playing for two days. He loved that CD. Thank you for the music and the memories. God Bless

Steve Williams

June 22, 2015

Another genuine country singer has joined the Opry eternal. Loved "Pop A Top". My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Brown's family and friends. God rest his soul.

June 22, 2015

JE will be missed greatly Tom Luchini Bristol TN

ariana

June 22, 2015

to the family of jim ed brown, I am sorry for your loss may the comfort of god be with you.2cornthians 1:4- who comforts us n all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from god.

Martha cruz

June 19, 2015

Fan of the Browns from time, looking back to see came out. Had the pleasure of seeing and meeting you in Branson at country's family reunion. Rest well sir knowing how much joy your music gave so many people.

alice Hernandez

June 19, 2015

My condolences to the family

Marilyn Gonzagowki

June 18, 2015

You will be miss by all your fan's. We all know you are resting peacefully in God's arms.

Debbie Cool

June 17, 2015

I have been a fan of you and your sisters, ( beautiful harmony) since I was four years old remembering "Lamplighter". My favorite song of yours being "Morning". Great memories associated with your music. You were a great talent. I'm so sorry you had to leave us. Your music will live on. My sincere sympathy to your family. God Bless, Love and Prayers, Debbie Cool (Cowen, WV)

C. Butler

June 17, 2015

My sympathy goes outto Jim's family. God comforts us in all of our grief. God promises us that there will come a time when people will never die. Isaiah 65:17-25 tells us of these prophetic promises. I hope that reading it will bring your family much comfort.

David

June 17, 2015

We miss jim and condolences to his family. One day "Do not be amazed at this,for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear voice " John 5:28.

Pat

June 17, 2015

The Old lamplighter of long ago. Now a light forever.

Jim Ed and I at his home after the interview.

Donna Stroup

June 16, 2015

In March of 2008 I met Mr.Jim Ed Brown.I was thrilled to accompany Christian Scalise from Country Stars Central to Jim Ed's home to interview the legend himself.His wife Becky greeted us at the door and brought us to the kitchen where Jim Ed met us. We all shook hands and sat down around the kitchen table.Jim Ed and his wife made us feel right at home,asking if we wanted something to drink.I felt so at home there! Becky said excuse me then as she taught dance and had some students waiting for her return in their home studio. Christian began the interview and I took photos of the event.I have to admit I was a bit nervous as I was in the company of the man that sang one of my all time favorite songs "The Three Bells." Not too long after we started the interview,Helen Cornelius called Jim Ed from Hawaii. He asked if we minded that he speak with her for a few. Helen Cornelius....are you kidding me?? Needless to say,after we got back to the interview with Jim Ed,I thought about how much I will always treasure this moment. How fortunate I was to be here in the company of one of country music's legends! After that visit to Jim Ed's home,Christian and I saw him again backstage at the Opry. He said he would sing The Three Bells for me!! I was so excited and wished my mom was alive so I could call and tell her! We joined Jim Ed in his room at the Opry and took some more pictures. He told us to make our selves at home,which we did! I will never forget his kindness toward us and how thrilled I was to be in his presence. Thank you Jim Ed for taking the time to speak with us and invite us into your home and your world,at the Opry. I will never forget you!! God bless you!Rest in peace.....

Jon Patterson

June 16, 2015

God bless you, your family and the music that will never end. You are one of the great music makers.

Lynn Elbertson

June 16, 2015

Love you always Jim Ed

Lynn Elbertson

June 16, 2015

We've always loved Jim Ed s music he will certainly be truly missed he's one of our favorites we have done some of the duet songs that he did as well as others Heaven surely has another beautiful person as well as another beautiful voice none better God bless the entire family

wanda barnett

June 16, 2015

You will be missed heaven has one more good angel

wanda barnett

June 16, 2015

You will be missed love you and your singing you are in heaven now with my lovely mom whom I miss more than I can say

Tracey K Houston

June 16, 2015

He was a dear friend. Loved his velvet voice, and great personality. Always kind to me. I miss him greatly, such a great loss! It was such a lovely service at the Ryman on June 15th. A great send off... Nashville style. RIP Jim Ed. Prayers for his family.

greg tinsley

June 16, 2015

I never forget a friend,great memories.the late wendy Holcombe steel man,greg tinsley

Terie Burkeen-Frederick

June 16, 2015

I loved his music he had such a soothing voice and to hear him sing was wonderful . I love the Grand Ole Opry it is such a special thing with precious people making music.So sorry for your loss Mrs. Brown and family

Kay Reckord Ames

June 16, 2015

So very sorry for your loss. He was a great artist with his sisters as The Browns as well as a solo artist. I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing him years ago when he was on tour and performed in my home town of Eureka, California. It was an awesome show, and I had the opportunity to meet him after the show. A great, gracious and true gentleman. A wonderful memory that I hold dear. Every time I hear The Three Bells I think very fondly of him and remember that show. His induction into the Country Hall of Fame is truly well deserved. May you R.I.P. Mr. Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time, hold tight to the great memories he's left with you. He may be gone, but he won't be forgotten.

betty shriver hamilton

June 16, 2015

loved your music!i miss you already!`enjoy GODS love now forever1i would love to meet you when I get there rip mr.jim!

June 16, 2015

My dad's name was Jim Brown and every time of hear The Three Bells I think of him.

Bill Nichols

June 15, 2015

I well remember hearing Jim Ed and Maxine on the KWKH Louisiana Hayride out of Shreveport, LA. What a great duet, and later with Bonnie making it the best trio ever in country music. As long as music exists,the Browns sound will endure.....one of the most instantly recognizable in any genre of music. I treasure the 78s, 45s, and LPs of this group, and, of course, Jim Ed's wonderful songs following 1967. Favorites include I HEARD THE BLUEBIRDS SING, HEAVEN FELL LAST NIGHT, THE THREE BELLS, SHENANDOAH, THEN I'LL STOP LOVING YOU, and FOOLS. Jim Ed was the smoothest singer ever in country music. May the Lord bless his family until we meet again in heaven.

Calvin Henry

June 15, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you ,.Having never met him only through watching him on TV And listening and enjoying his music. He was a inspiration to us as he lived his love for The Lord . God Bless C Henry Ariz

sara Graf

June 15, 2015

My condolences to his family. We enjoyed your music for a lot or years.

Cheryl Y.

June 15, 2015

Know my prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time of your loss. The first time I remember hearing Mr. Jim and his sisters was when I was about 9 or 10. My Big brother had all his records and 8 tracks when he sang with his sisters. And I have always loved their music and always will. Just washed one of the last DVD's he did with Bill Anderson and Country Family Reunion. God Bless you all, and keep you in his care as you go through the days ahead...

Iva Gilley

June 15, 2015

Wonderful music. You will be missed.

Dave Mann

June 15, 2015

I discovered The Browns very late in life and saw them on a PBS special. Then I purchased a CD and was hooked. They amazingly retired at a young age, but came back for that special.

Jim Ed was an incredibly talented individual and I'm grateful his music will live on.

My condolences to his family.

June 15, 2015

One day soon sickness & death will be something that won't even be mentioned. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Ken Williams

June 15, 2015

Jim Ed, My wife and I well remember you as you took the time to talk with us at Dollywood almost 11 years ago. We love you and we are praying for all the family. God Bless you and Rest in Peace. Love, Ken and Mary Ann in Georgia

janice litton

June 15, 2015

chapel bells are rings

Loisjean Fossen

June 15, 2015

We sincerely will miss you Jim Ed. You gave us great music to enjoy for many years. Your beautiful songs brought many of us many happy times. We know you are in Hillbilly Heaven now singing with the other GREATS.

judy wilson

June 15, 2015

may you rest in peace. one of the true singers of country music . our condolences to all of your family and country music will always miss you .a star will shine brighter in heaven now.

Sandra

June 15, 2015

Sympathy to the Brown family.Great voice I will miss him.

Carol

June 15, 2015

In remembrance of Jim Ed Brown, who, for me had the voice of an angel. Now,he has joined the heavenly throngs in singing praises. My sincere sympathy to his family at this difficult time. God Bless!

Psalms 55:22

June 15, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Brown family on your loss. Please throw all your burden on God during this most grievous time because he cares and will sustain you.

J.L.B.

June 15, 2015

Have enjoyed Jim Ed Brown's music for many years. Although we lose loved ones in death, thanks to "Country Music" the memory of Jim will always be alive on our hearts.

June 15, 2015

Jim Ed,You were a great friend.I will miss you like millions others.You had a voice,i lisen to all day.Your music will never be forgotten.May God Bless your family in time of sorrow. We love you,and thanks for all the entertainment. Your friend and great fan. Becky Evans

Rrobert Wiggins

June 15, 2015

Some people walk across life and you never knew they did. Some men leave a tiny mark on their walk. A handshake or a smile. When Jim Ed Brown walked across this life. He left footprints that can never be filled and a shadow that will remain forever. His voice will echo in the winds of time. He stood tall not by being famous' but by loving people and giving us all enough of his life to touch our hearts.

Buddy Litz

June 15, 2015

Had the pleasure of seeing you in concert at the Missouri State Fair with the Leroy Vandyke show. What a tremendous show! Thank you for all the pleasure you have given folks over the years. A true master!! You will be missed.

Teri Whittington

June 15, 2015

All the chapel bells are ringing. RIP

Paul Groendes

June 15, 2015

It was a shock to hear about Jim Ed Brown. I got to meet him in 2009 and he was real nice.

jean Jackson

June 15, 2015

We are going miss this man! Was one of the greatest in country music! Enjoyed him on country family reunion! I felt like he was part of my family! R.I.P. my friend :)

Bob Reinhart Sr

June 15, 2015

Loved your music.

Jamie Mann-Marler

June 15, 2015

I loved all of his songs. My prayers are with his Family and Friends. He will be greatly missed. God Bless you all.

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November 4, 2022

Doris Bramble posted to the memorial.

November 24, 2018

James Myuretr posted to the memorial.

October 28, 2018

Pamela Metcalf posted to the memorial.