Jimmy C. Newman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jimmy C. Newman
Newman at 2009 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles
Background information
Birth name	Jimmy Yves Newman
Born	(1927-08-29)August 29, 1927 Mamou, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	June 21, 2014(2014-06-21) (aged 86) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres	Country, Cajun
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Acoustic guitar
Years active	1954–2014
Labels	Feature Records

Jimmy Yves Newman (born August 29, 1927 – died June 21, 2014) was a famous American singer and songwriter. He was known as Jimmy C. Newman, with the "C" standing for "Cajun." He was a big star in both country music and Cajun music. For many years, he was a popular performer at the Grand Ole Opry, a famous country music show.

Growing Up in Louisiana

Jimmy Newman was born near a town called Mamou in Louisiana, United States. When he was a kid, he really liked listening to Gene Autry, a famous cowboy singer. Even though he grew up around lots of Cajun music, he didn't listen to it as much at first. But as a teenager, he joined a band called Chuck Guillory's Rhythm Boys. He already knew many Cajun songs by then.

Starting His Music Career

First Recordings and Big Hits

In the 1940s, Jimmy Newman started recording songs for Feature Records. These first songs weren't very successful. But a music producer named J. D. "Jay" Miller helped him. Miller convinced Fred Rose in Nashville, Tennessee, to give Jimmy a chance.

In 1953, Jimmy signed with Dot Records. The next year, he recorded a song called "Cry, Cry, Darling." This song became a hit, reaching number 4 on the country music charts.

Joining the Grand Ole Opry

Because his songs were becoming popular, Jimmy was asked to perform regularly on the Louisiana Hayride show in Shreveport, Louisiana. His next four songs all made it into the top 10 on the charts. In 1956, he was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, which is a huge honor for country music artists.

The next year, in 1957, he released his biggest hit song, "A Fallen Star." This song stayed at number 2 on the charts for two weeks. It even made it into the top 25 on the Billboard pop chart, which was a big deal for a country song.

Bringing Cajun Music to the World

As Jimmy Newman became more famous, he started adding more of his Cajun roots into his music. He recorded "Alligator Man," which became a top 25 hit. This song was so popular that it became his special theme song at the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1963, he had another top 10 hit called "The D.J. Cried." His last big hits were "Artificial Rose" in 1965 and "Back Pocket Money" in 1966.

When his songs weren't as popular on the charts, he went back to his Cajun music roots. He started a band called Cajun Country. They played lively music with fiddles and accordions, sharing the sounds of Louisiana with fans all over the world. In 1976, his French Cajun song, "Lâche pas la patate" ("The Potato Song"), became a gold record in Canada. This means it sold a lot of copies! In 1991, Jimmy Newman and his band Cajun Country were nominated for a Grammy Award for their album, Alligator Man.

Helping Dolly Parton

Famous singer Dolly Parton has often said that Jimmy Newman helped her get her first chance to sing at the Grand Ole Opry. This happened in 1959 when she was only 13 years old. Dolly showed up at the Opry without an invitation, hoping to sing. Jimmy Newman was scheduled to perform two songs, and he kindly gave up one of his spots so that young Dolly could sing.

Later Years and Achievements

In 2000, Jimmy Newman was honored by being added to the North American Country Music Association’s International Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was also inducted into the Cajun Hall of Fame. He is also honored in the Cajun Music Hall of Fame in Eunice, Louisiana. In 2009, he was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Jimmy continued to travel and perform. He appeared regularly at the Grand Ole Opry. His very last performance on the show was on June 6, 2014. In 2006, he joined a special group of artists who had been members of the Opry for 50 years.

Personal Life

Jimmy Newman and his wife lived on their large ranch outside of Nashville, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Their ranch was about 670 acres.

His Passing

Jimmy Newman passed away from cancer in Nashville on June 21, 2014.

Discography

Albums

Singles

• ^A"A Fallen Star" also reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart and number 7 on the R&B chart.
• ^B"Born to Love You" reached number 35 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.