Jimmy Dean Receives Heritage Award

10/18/2007 Stephen L. Betts Country legend and commercial spokesman Jimmy Dean received the Heritage Award at the Carriage House Music Series at Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation on Oct. 17. Best known for the chart-topping recitation record “Big Bad John,” (a No. 1 pop hit for 5 weeks in 1961), Jimmy also launched a successful business career as founder of the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company. Country Weekly reports that Bill Anderson, who received the inaugural award last year, presented the award to Jimmy, noting that in spite of his early contributions to country music, including his 1960s variety series on ABC-TV, The Jimmy Dean Show, “The country music industry owes him more than the industry has given him,” said Bill.  Jimmy, who has battled recent health problems, arrived to the stage in a wheelchair, assisted by his wife Donna Meade Dean. Jimmy says he has considered writing a follow-up to his 2004 book, 30 Years of Sausage, 50 Years of Ham, which detailed his careers in entertainment and business. “Donna and I have talked about it,” Jimmy says. “We enjoyed writing that first one.” Jimmy closed the program by leading the audience in a sing-along to “Big Bad John."   CountryHound - Country Music Fan's Best Friend