Country Music Hall of Fame Member & Grand Ole Opry Legend Dies

Jim Ed Brown, a 2015 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame and member of the Grand Ole Opry for over half a century has died. Brown passed away earlier today at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tennessee after battling cancer.

Jim Ed Brown was not just a solo star. He was also successful in duets and with his sisters Bonnie and Maxine in a trio known by the family name, The Browns. Their 1959 hit "The Three Bells" was number one on the Billboard Country chart for 10 weeks and it sat at #1 on the all-genre chart for an entire month.

As a youngster in his home state of Arkansas, his family spent Saturday nights listening to the Grand Ole Opry. In 1952, his sister Maxine entered him into a talent contest. He didn't win, but it led to other opportunities. It wasn't long before he was joined by his sister Maxine. Two years later, they signed a recording contract and had their first hit entitled, "Looking Back to See.” Soon after, sister Bonnie joined her brother and sister, and a trio was born.

The Browns would have seven songs make the Top 20 in the next seven years. As they considered retirement, a producer named Chet Atkins asked them to record in Nashville again. They did, recording "The Three Bells." After hearing it, Chet said, "You kids may think you’re about to retire, but I think you’ve just recorded the biggest song we’ve ever done." The song would not only be a huge hit, but is said to have impressed and inspired the Beatles. The Browns joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1963.

Following the retirement of his sisters in 1967, Jim Ed went solo with the song he's most known for, "Pop a Top." It would later be recorded by Alan Jackson. He would have several more Top 10 hits before doing duets with Helen Cornelius. They would have six of them reach the Top 10, including their most successful song together, “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You.”

September of last year, Jim Ed was diagnosed with lung cancer. In March of this year, he and The Browns were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Speaking after the announcement of his induction Brown said, “Fame is fleeting, hit records change every week, award show winners and nominees change every year, but being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame will be forever.” Though the official induction ceremony happens in October, the CEO of the CMA and others visited Jim Ed in the hospital earlier this month to give him a medallion to commemorate his Hall membership.

One of the true legends, Jim Ed Brown was 81. Our sincerest condolences to his family. Arrangements are pending.

[via Webster Public Relations]