Junior Samples facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Junior Samples
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Samples in 1970
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alvin Samples, Jr. |
| Born | April 10, 1926 Cumming, Georgia, US |
| Origin | Cumming, Georgia, US |
| Died | November 13, 1983 (aged 57) Cumming, Georgia, US |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Occupation(s) | Comedian, Actor |
| Instruments | Harmonica |
Junior Samples, whose real name was Alvin Samples Jr. (born April 10, 1926 – died November 13, 1983), was a funny American comedian. He was most famous for being on the TV show Hee Haw for 14 years.
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Junior Samples' Early Life
Junior Samples left school after sixth grade. He worked as a stock car racing driver and a carpenter. When he was 40, he went on the radio and told a funny story. It was about catching the biggest fish ever seen in his hometown. This story was a humorous tall tale, which means it was exaggerated for fun. The recording of his story became a very popular song called "World's Biggest Whopper."
Becoming a Star on Hee Haw
In 1969, Junior Samples was asked to join the cast of Hee Haw. This was a popular TV show known for its country music and comedy. On the show, he played a clumsy and slow-talking character. He often messed up jokes or forgot his lines, which made people laugh.
One popular part of the show he was in was "The Culhanes of Cornfield County." In this sketch, Junior, Gordie Tapp, Grandpa Jones, and Lulu Roman would sit on a couch. They would act very serious while saying funny things. For example, they once talked about a new color TV. But then they remembered they had no electricity to watch it!
Junior's five children also appeared on Hee Haw when the show first started. They played the children in the "Schoolhouse" sketches.
The Famous BR-549 Phone Number
Junior Samples' most famous comedy bit was playing a used car salesman. He would invite people to call an old five-digit phone number: BR-549. Later in the show, this number was changed to BR-1Z1Z.
The letters "BR" came from Brenda Reece, a friend of some Hee Haw actors. They had the numbers "549" but needed something to go with them. Brenda suggested her initials, "BR." In 1993, a country music band even named themselves BR5-49 to honor this funny skit.
Junior Samples and Politics
In 1974, Junior Samples joked about running for lieutenant governor of Georgia. He said he was "seriously considering" it with Macon mayor Ronnie Thompson. The news at first thought he was serious about politics. However, Junior was just playing a practical joke to get some attention.
Personal Life and Passing
Junior Samples was married to Grace Carrie Bolton (born April 27, 1927 – died July 9, 2015). They had five children together. Junior was on Hee Haw for 14 years. He weighed nearly 400 pounds (about 180 kg) at times. He passed away from a heart attack in 1983 when he was 57 years old. His close friend, Rev. Douglas Collins, led his funeral.
Junior Samples' Music and Awards
Junior Samples recorded several comedy albums over the years. Even though he was best known for his TV appearances on Hee Haw, his recordings were often played on the radio. His first big success came in 1966 with his recording of "The Whopper." He was nominated for two Comedian of the Year Awards from the Country Music Awards. This happened in both 1969 and 1970. He also made many other comedy albums.
- The World of Junior Samples (1967)
- Bull Session at Bull's Gap (1968)
- That's a Hee Haw (1970)
- Junior Samples and Archie Campbell (1977)
