Slim Whitman

Slim Whitman

Slim Whitman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 19, 2013.
MIAMI (AP) - Country singer Slim Whitman, the high-pitched yodeler who sold millions of records through ever-present TV ads in the 1980s and 1990s and whose song saved the world in the film comedy "Mars Attacks!," died Wednesday at a Florida hospital. He was 90.

Whitman died of heart failure at Orange Park Medical Center, his son-in-law Roy Beagle said.

Whitman's tenor falsetto and ebony mustache and sideburns became global trademarks - and an inspiration for countless jokes - thanks to the TV commercials that pitched his records.

But he was a serious musical influence on early rock, and in the British Isles, he was known as a pioneer of country music for popularizing the style there. Whitman also encouraged a teen Elvis Presley when he was the headliner on the bill and the young singer was making his professional debut.

Whitman recorded more than 65 albums and sold millions of records, including 4 million of "All My Best" that was mar keted on TV.

His career spanned six decades, beginning in the late 1940s, but he achieved cult figure status in the 1980s. His visage as an ordinary guy singing romantic ballads struck a responsive chord with the public.

"All of a sudden, here comes a guy in a black and white suit, with a mustache and a receding hairline, playing a guitar and singing 'Rose Marie,'" Whitman told The Associated Press in 1991. "They hadn't seen that."

For most of the 1980s, he was consistent fodder for Johnny Carson's monologues on late night NBC-TV, and the butt of Slim Whitman look-alike contests.

"That TV ad is the reason I'm still here," he said. "It buys fuel for the boat."

"I almost didn't do them. I had seen those kinds of commercials and didn't like them. But it was one of the smartest things I ever did."

He yodeled throughout his career and had a three-octave singing range. Whitman said yodeling required rehearsal.

"It's like a prize fighter. He knows he has a fight coming up, so he gets in the gym and trains. So when I have a show coming up, I practice yodeling."

Born Ottis Dewey Whitman Jr. in Tampa on Jan. 23, 1923, he worked as a young man in a meatpacking plant, at a shipyard and as a postman.

He was able to get on radio in Tampa and signed with RCA Records in 1949 with the help of Col. Tom Parker, who later became Presley's longtime manager. RCA gave Whitman the show business name Slim - he was a slender 6-foot-1 - to replace his uninspiring birth name.

In 1952, Whitman had his first hit record, "Love Song of the Waterfall," which 25 years later became part of the soundtrack of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Another Whitman hit from that year, "Indian Love Call," was used to humorous effect in the 1996 "Mars Attacks!" - his yodel causes the Martians' heads to explode.

He crossed paths with Presley in July 1954 when he starred at a concert in a Memphis park just as Presl ey - mistakenly billed as "Ellis Presley" in one ad for the show - was launching his career.

According to Peter Guralnick's book "Last Train to Memphis," Presley's brief, energetic turn on stage caused a wild reaction from the crowd. When Whitman came on for his performance, he told the audience: "You know, I can understand your reaction, 'cause I was standing backstage and I was enjoying it just as much as you."

With Whitman's early hits, he became a star on the "Louisiana Hayride" radio show.

His version of "Rose Marie," the title song from the venerable operetta that spawned "Indian Love Call," became a huge hit in England in 1955, staying at No. 1 on the charts for 11 weeks.

Whitman's other hits included "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You," ''Red River Valley," ''Danny Boy" and "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen."

"The material I did was lasting material," Whitman said in 1991. "A lot of people thought I wasn't doing anything, but I was in the studio. The biggest factor is the material you choose. You hunt, you cut."

He was survived by his daughter, Sharon Beagle, and his son, Byron Whitman.

Whitman told the AP in 1991 that he wanted to be remembered as "a nice guy."

"I don't think you've ever heard anything bad about me, and I'd like to keep it that way. I'd like my son (Bryon) to remember me as a good dad. I'd like the people to remember me as having a good voice and a clean suit."


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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June 26, 2025

Grace Hill posted to the memorial.

December 8, 2024

Christopher John du Preez posted to the memorial.

October 31, 2024

Thomas mahon posted to the memorial.

307 Entries

Grace Hill

June 26, 2025

Condolences to Byron, Sharon and her family. Sharon & I were penpals many year ago.

Christopher John du Preez

December 8, 2024

My sincerest condolences to you the members of the family of the late Slim Whitman whom gave us all his voice on TV adds and songs . The world has lost another Great Singer Songwriter

Thomas mahon

October 31, 2024

He was my great aunts son

Cathy Johnson

July 29, 2023

I was 10 when I started listening and I still to this day do. I am now 82 and will til I die. At my funeral I want him singing HOW GREAT THOU ART AND IN THE SWEET BY AND BY

Cathy Johnson

July 29, 2023

I loved Slim Whitman in the early 50´s. I was only 10 years old when I first heard him singing. I had all his albums by the time I was 30. I lost them all, but since have them on cds. I grew up in the Elvis era loved his music. Slim was always my very favorite. I listen to his tapes almost daily. Some of my new found favorites are AT MAIL CALL TODAY, WHEN MY DREAM BOAT COMES HOME, and of course many hymns.
A truly unique and sincere voice to listen to.
I enjoy also his songs with his son Byron. He always was so proud of Byron. It showed always as they sang theirs smiles and hand shakes. I laugh when I see the clips in England. One occasion Byron dancing surprising Slim, almost hit him. Or when Byron was singing and Slim was checking if Byron really filled out his suit.
There will never never be another Slim Whitman. A loving man to his family and all. Loved you and miss you. Thank GOD for cds and Utube.

Harry Simpson

July 7, 2023

Godspeed Slim. Wonderful voice and wonderful music memories. Unforgettable. Thank you Slim. My late step-father only wanted Slim's wonderful song "Sunrise" played at his memorial service. Eternal "Sunrise" for Slim now.
Fair winds and following seas sailor. "Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..." Thank you Slim for your service to this nation. U.S. Navy, WWII.

Heather

April 9, 2023

I first heard slim singing on the radio when I was 10 and have loved his music all my life and am now almost 81 I have all his records and c ds. Saw him every time he was in Norfolk England. I listen to him all the time in the car. No one will ever replace him although Byron has a great voice too

Juáner Domínguez

July 12, 2020

I have known Slim Whitman relatively recently. I am the same age as his son Byron. I have never heard a voice like his, it is a wonder that will last forever. I thought I knew how to sing, but Slim is teaching me now after he left. Rest in peace, I will always remember you. Thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy your voice.
Juáner Domínguez. Spain.

Robert Bryant

February 19, 2020

Nobody like him before or after. Love you man, you are a true original!

July 1, 2019

He made me laugh and he made me cry. God Bless him for his high moral standards.

Jilyna Ryann Hodge

December 3, 2018

Tho you're in heaven and we are apart your voice will forever be kept within my music loviing ❤!

Eugene Buckley

September 20, 2018

Tanks You Mr Slim Whitman for Indian Love Call, the song that Western Civilization. RIP

Robbie Maas

November 20, 2017

Slim Whitman was a popular singer in South Africa in the 1960. At the age of 73 I still enjoy his music. Rest in peace. You have done well and your memory will live on forever.

Capt Bill

Mal Grant

November 12, 2017

RIP I Was sitting with my old boss Capt. Bill D. of The MW Ranch in Cheyenne WY at the breakfast table when we heard of Slim's passing. (I had never seen him saddened by anything in the 6 years I had known him.) Condolences to all his Fans and Family. His music will be eternal and everlasting.

September 14, 2017

thanks
for many years of great music.

dan.
ireland.

September 14, 2017

My favourite singer Andy pitkeathly rip slim

Clive Milson

August 9, 2017

Wayne Allonby

July 20, 2016

I really discovered Slim Whitman in 2016 at my age of 84. I had heard of the man and his voice but never paid much attention. Now I have a great many of his songs.

Henry Tolliss

June 26, 2016

I saw Slim many times in Birmingham, England, and met him, he signed some records for me, a lovely man, and a fantastic singer, R.I.P A great loss to everyone .

Henry Tolliss

June 26, 2016

I saw Slim many times in Birmingham, England, and met him, he signed some records for me, a lovely man, and a fantastic singer, R.I.P

January 12, 2016

I eloped with my 16 year old girlfriend to Yuma, AZ and was married with Slim singing Indian Love Call in the background. That was 1952. His music was my late wife's favorite--mine too. God is Blessing Slim Whitman. John Carey

patricia allen

September 16, 2015

we still miss you Slim jerry will be in your arms forever now
Please watch over Byron for me Gods Blessings to Everyone x

April 4, 2015

SLIM Whitman , I WOULD OF LIKED HAVE SEEN YOU IN person BOB Masterson Appleton WIS

clive milson

February 1, 2015

I met Slim several times during his British tour of the early seventies. A true star and a gentleman who genuinely appreciated his many fans and welcomed them after his shows. Greatly missed but his music lives on.

Bleu Lane

January 15, 2015

A Star of the highest quality. His one of kind voice will be remembered for ever through his recordings. Rock On Slim!

Rubert Young

November 21, 2014

Slim Whitman gave me many pleasures over the years and still doing so now. He left us a great legacy of beautiful music, He had such a wonderful knack of making even a rubbish song into a sensational masterpiece. God bless his dear soul as he takes his talent into the next world among the choir of angels

kevin odwyer

November 5, 2014

Slimply the best

Alex Morrison

September 27, 2014

I had the pleasure of seeing him live at the Pavilion theatre in Glasgow.A legend who will never be forgotten

Pastor Tom & Annie Otto

August 3, 2014

We recall how he gave an entire afternoon singing and sharing memories of how the songs came about with a Veteran dying of Agent Orange there in Middleburg, FL, where Slim lived. The last wish was to hear Slim sing again, and Slim really sang and sang and sang all afternoon. He was so kind and generous with his time and talent. Our loss is heaven's gain. We knew Slim as a gentle, caring, Christian gentleman.

Jo

July 19, 2014

The world lost a star with your passing,but your music will live on.

Barrie Matthews

June 10, 2014

The word legend is used to easily but in Slim Whitmans case it is absolutely true,what a superb artist and true gentleman

February 16, 2014

You will never be forgotten ever you are with your precious Jerry now please keep looking down on Byron he seems so lost now on his own R.I.P your music will live forever patricia bury England xxx:-)

Brenda Rice

February 14, 2014

My dear Man,God Bless Youy ,you brought such enjoyment to my life.My departred Mother loved your voice,so I sort of grew up with you .On one can take your place ,,EVER..Rest in Peace Slim..xoxoBrenda Rice,,Ontario, Canada

January 19, 2014

How heart breaking! No one can eve take his place. He sang with his heart and you felt every song. God love him.
Ellie Cummings

Dawn Fulmer

December 27, 2013

I grew up listening to his songs and will always love them. He will be sadly missed by many. Dawn Fulmer, Perth Australia

December 20, 2013

I was a young child, and my father had a Chrysler New Yorker that as long as a city block. Every time he started it, the Slim Whitman 8 track went in. Today at 43 , I can still see and hear him coming down the road. I grew up listening to Slim. I liked it then and like it now. Hate to hear that we lost such a talanted man. I think I might listen to Slims CD today

Gary Pickett

December 16, 2013

I was lucky enough to see this wonderful artist live on stage, some years ago. He stood on stage all in white, with the sparkle of his suit flashing,his voice so clear,and I felt so proud to be in the company of such a man. An image that has never faded over these many years. A star then and a star even more today....

Nicholas Gamvas

December 10, 2013

A Great Country Singer who will be truly missed. Memory Eternal!

BOB LYNCH

October 18, 2013

I wasraised singing China Doll & Indian Love Call They will stay with me forever . You gave millions of folks great memories R I P

Richard Haasen

October 15, 2013

Je bent de beste slhim

September 10, 2013

i think you were a great singer i love i remember you awesome song

alice capps

September 2, 2013

You brought my husband and I such good times listening to your music.Rest in peace..

Carol Welch

August 24, 2013

He will be Sadly Missed
My Prayers and Thoughts go out to his Family
I always Listened to his Records and Still do,

Carol Welch

August 24, 2013

Sorry to Hear about the passing of my Favourite singer of all time ,since i was young ,He was the Best Singer,think there should be a reunion show in England for all his songs ,that everyone can rememberhim

Carol Welch

August 24, 2013

From the time i was a young child in the 1955onwards Slim Whitman was my Favourite and had a lot of his records ,and Think for all his fans in England there should be a reunion show to hear all his songs
Carol a Great Fan from England and Ireland

Terry Harding

August 24, 2013

The best country and western singer ever.
I remember seeing him at the Fairfield Halls lots of years ago,
I will sadly miss you Slim.
May God bless those you leave behind.
Terry And Rosemary (Fans from England).

kelly taylor

July 29, 2013

I rembember Slim in his caddie with those big bull horns rideing around he was afriend of my uncle

Mary Heinze

July 16, 2013

Mary Heinze I just loved his singing !!

We'll miss you, Slim! Thanks for the memories...

Erik & Bill

July 5, 2013

dennis walsh

July 5, 2013

i am so saddened to hear about slim,he was the greatest country singer of all times and gave me many hours of pleasure,i went to nottingham to see him and when it had finished my hand were red raw with clapping,sleep in peace slim....d walsh

July 4, 2013

One of the kindest souls I ever knew. He adored his wife and kids and was just a humble precious man. I was blessed to be his banker and friend.
Dawn Launikitis Carswell, Middleburg FL

Carol Bilek (Nibert)

June 29, 2013

Slim Whitman was a great person. Many years ago I interviewed him for WNCO Country Music in Ashland, OH. He was the genuine article. He told me he would not do a song that could not be sung in church and he had not performed in bars. His music has seen me through rough times in my life and for that I will always be grateful. Heaven has added a wonderful man to the heavenly choir but I will always have the memories and his wonderful songs.

Jeanette Humphrey

June 29, 2013

I know it hurts your heart to let him go - but he was SO blessed to have such a good life and leave such a wonderful legacy.

Lila Roberts

June 29, 2013

He will be missed and may God be with you all

mariah

June 28, 2013

My heart and prayer goes out to the friend's and family of Slim Whitman. There will be a time when death will be no more.....'' and He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither mourning nor outcry or pain be anymore, the former things have passed away''.

janine

June 27, 2013

What a great man.

Michelle Dovey

June 27, 2013

I grew up listening to Slim Whitman due to my Dad's absolute love of his music. Thank you for all the lovely childhood memories that I have.

Lisa Weiner

June 27, 2013

To Slim Whitman,
You were a very talented entertainer. My prayers are with you and your family. Lisa Weiner

Chris & Anna McNeish

June 26, 2013

For Byron and the rest of the family, may God comfort and hold you in this sad time. God Bless you,
Chris and Anna McNeish

Sheila Nalley

June 26, 2013

I light this candel to to help you see your way on your. Haven then Jesus will be your light forever and you can yodel fot him

rochelle paputsis

June 26, 2013

My mother had music playing in every genre as we were growing up. I remember listening to Slim Whitman as a young child it was comforting.

Harry Simpson

June 25, 2013

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

June 25, 2013

A Great voice, A Great Man & a great friend, we will miss you, Frm The Maidment Family (England)

darrall moore

June 25, 2013

WEMISS SLIM FANS IN OKLA

June 24, 2013

I WAS NAMED AFTER SLIM WHITMANS SONG ROSE MARIE MY MOM LOVED HIM I LOST HER IN 2010 AT 72 AND I ALSO LOVED HIS MUSIC MY NAME IS ROSE MARIE KING BORN OCT 10 1958 IN PITTSBURGH PA.

Minnie Beltran

June 24, 2013

My mother listened to his music ln the 30s and 40s.it was a rare thing in that era, for Hispanics to listen to that type of music. I didn't think he was bad either. May he rest in heaven and continue to sing with the angels.my empathy goes out to his son and daughter.

Michelle Young

June 24, 2013

May God surround you with peace and comfort during this sad time .I am a hugh fan of your Dad and his legacy will live on through his many wonderful recordings Michelle Young Community Radio Presenter 4You Rockhampton Queensland Australia

WE PLAYED FOR SLIM WHEN HE CAME OVER TO UK IN THE 70s WELL KEEP ON SINGING HIS SONGS AS LONG AS WE ARE HERE GOD BLESS

MICK & ELLEY , WE PLAYED WITH SLIM IN THE 70s , HAWAIIAN MEETS COUNTRY LAYTON

June 24, 2013

COUNTRY DUO FROM UK STILL SINGING SLIMS MUSIC

MICK & ELLEY , WE PLAYED WITH SLIM IN THE 70s , HAWAIIAN MEETS COUNTRY LAYTON

June 24, 2013

Loretta Prior

June 24, 2013

Our thoughts and Prayers for the loss of your loved one.I loved his music.

Herman F. Jennings

June 24, 2013

His song I'll never pass this way again is a song to live by.

L Barrett

June 24, 2013

Such long ago but wonderful memories of you and your voice. Blessings to those who will miss you until you are together again.

J H

June 24, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Whitman family. May the God of all comfort be with you during your grief.

June 24, 2013

sorry for the loss,let God Almigty,guide your heart and thoughts.May He be mericiful to you.......q

June 24, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

The Longoria's

June 24, 2013

Mr. Whitman, rest in peace. You will be missed for you were truly one of a kind. The world of country music has lost one of the best. Our condolences to the family.

June 24, 2013

you will be remembered as one of the you wish as a nice guy and a clean suite but add a good voice

June 24, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the family. May God's Word be a source of comfort. "He cares for you" 2 Peter 5:6, 7

T W

June 24, 2013

May you draw comfort from our Creator

June 24, 2013

my mother grew up with him and his cousin in seminole heights in tampa fl. great stories i heard from her. rest in peace slim

Floyd

June 24, 2013

May we be comforted by the hope of an earth free of sickness and death.

M Scott

June 24, 2013

May God Grant the Whitman Family Comfort During This Time of Sorrow.

BERNARD BOYKIN

June 24, 2013

I BOUGHT SOME OF SLIM WHITMAN ALBUMS IN THE 1970'S.....WHAT A VOICE....RIP SLIM,YOU ARE SINGING IN HEAVEN.

G. Jones

June 24, 2013

To the entire Whitman family. Please accept my sympathy. May the God who gives peace be with you all in this time of sorrow. Rom. 15:33.

Allan Stearne

June 24, 2013

Had the pleasure of meeting Slim and Byron after their concert
In Invercargill, New Zealand.. I have all his songs on 78s, 45s, LPs, cassettes, 8 tracks or CDs God bless Slims family.

June 24, 2013

DEAR WHITMAN FAMILY
MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY HE WILL BE MISS, I MET SLIM MANY YEARS STILL HAVE YOUR MUSIC. REST IN PEACE NOW. YOURS TRULY JUDY KETTNER ANCHORAGE AK

MUCH LOVE - PEACE - JOY . MISS . LINDA A . WELLS

LINDA WELLS

June 23, 2013

I JUST LOVE SLIM'S MUSIC HE WAS 1 OF THE BEST ! MAY GOOD BLESS THE WHITMAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS ! MAY SLIM REST IN PEACE . MISS. LINDA A . WELLS ! PEACE - LOVE - JOY .

NMG Gresham

June 23, 2013

I am 70 my mom was a big fan and we liked especially the Indian love call, We miss you Slim RIP God bless our elder singing angels.

Joseph Greek

June 23, 2013

Slim you are the best ever.
What a voice.
There will never be another like you.
I have often wanted too meet you to tell you Thank-You for Making the World Stop Everything to listen to your Beautiful Voice.

June 23, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Whitman. May our father in the heavens be with you during this trying time

Linda Holt Moorehead

June 23, 2013

Even though I was a very little girl and only met him a couple of times, I felt that Slim was a friend of mine... always have even now at the age of almost 70. He let my brother sing on a couple of his personal appearances in the early 50s and I grew up seeing him with my family on The Louisiana Hayride. I thought for years that he was the very best-looking man I'd ever seen in my life and even though I didn't know the word for it as a child... the sexiest. My family LOVED his music and I had most of his recordings but regretfully lost them in Hurricane Katrina. What a gentleman, singer and, from what I gather, father and husband he was! I will always love him and think of him as my friend as he always brought so much joy to my family and me. My condolences to the family.

pete dovey

June 23, 2013

i had the privelage to meet slim in 1984 at wolverhampton uk what a lovely man and great singer i have numerous albums of his and never tire of listening to them R.I.P SLIM PETE DOVEY (birmingham uk )

joan grubb

June 23, 2013

he was my idol forever.end of an era. i am sad

Ann Lapenna

June 23, 2013

Slim R.I.P. Keep singing in Heaven. That's where I got my yodling from, right from you. I will never forget you. I send my condolences to your family and friends.

mary. lou Camery

June 23, 2013

He will be very well. Missed and. He was very. Well. Liked around. The. Different. States. I. Am. Very. Sorry. To. Hear. This .

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June 26, 2025

Grace Hill posted to the memorial.

December 8, 2024

Christopher John du Preez posted to the memorial.

October 31, 2024

Thomas mahon posted to the memorial.