Jim Ed Brown Celebrates 50th Anniversary As Grand Ole Opry Member

The Grand Ole Opry® presented by Humana® honored Jim Ed Brown on his 50th anniversary as an Opry member tonight with memorable performances by Brown, longtime duet partner Helen Cornelius, and country legend Bobby Bare during a special Opry segment. Brown, who was inducted as an Opry member on August 12, 1963, received a standing ovation from the standing room only crowd.

 

“It’s a great night to honor one of the finest voices in country music history,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Jim Ed has for more than 50 years now amazed Opry fans both on stage and on record. We’re delighted to celebrate this milestone anniversary with him, and we’re excited about even more great music in his future.”

 

Brown joined the Grand Ole Opry as a member of The Browns, a trio including his sisters Maxine and Bonnie, who were also on hand for their brother’s 50th anniversary night. The Browns experienced several smash hits in the 50s and 60s, including “Looking Back To See,” “Here Today and Gone Tomorrow,” “The Three Bells,” and many more before the sisters decided to retire from the music business in the mid-60s. Brother Jim Ed went on to record “Pop a Top” and a string of other hits, later also teaming with Cornelius to form one of country music’s most successful duos. The pair topped the charts with “I Don’t Want To Have to Marry You” in 1976 and were named CMA Vocal Duo of the Year in 1977. Along the way, Brown became a familiar face on television to fans across the country. He hosted the syndicated “Nashville On The Road” from 1975 – 1981. In 1983, Brown became host of “You Can Be a Star,” a country music talent search on The Nashville Network, and in 1994, he and his wife Becky co-hosted TNN’s travel show “Going Our Way.”

 

Today Brown hosts the nationally syndicated Country Greats Radio Show. His current single, “In Style Again,” was produced by good friend Bare.

 

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year. The Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 11. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or log on to www.opry.com.