Date of Birth: August 10, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: June 13, 2010
Biography
Jimmy Dean was an American country music singer, television host, actor, and businessman. He was born on August 10, 1928, in Plainview, Texas. Dean first rose to fame for his hit song “Big Bad John,” which topped the Billboard pop chart in 1961 and won him a Grammy Award. He became a beloved television personality with “The Jimmy Dean Show,” which aired from 1963 to 1966 and featured popular guests including Jim Henson’s Muppets. Dean’s acting career included roles in films like “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), where he played the character Willard Whyte. He also made guest appearances on various TV shows. Later in life, Dean became a successful entrepreneur, founding the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company in 1969. The brand became a household name, and he eventually sold it to the Sara Lee Corporation in 1984. Dean was married twice, first to Mary Sue Wittauer and later to Donna Meade, a singer, and songwriter. He passed away on June 13, 2010, at his home in Varina, Virginia.
5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Dean
1. Jimmy Dean’s song “Big Bad John” sold over a million copies and earned him a Grammy Award.
2. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
3. Dean’s television show, “The Jimmy Dean Show,” helped launch the career of puppeteer Jim Henson.
4. He founded the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company, which became a major player in the sausage industry.
5. Dean made a significant impact in the world of business and music, achieving success in multiple fields.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Dean
1. “You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination.”
2. “Do what you say you’re going to do. And try to do it a little bit better than you said you would.”
3. “I made more money selling sausage than I ever did singing.”
4. “I’m not saying I invented country music, but I was there when it got hot.”
5. “I loved music, and I loved to perform, but business was always my real passion.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Jimmy Dean achieved was estimated to be around $50 million.
Children
Jimmy Dean had three children with his first wife, Mary Sue Wittauer: Garry Dean, Connie Dean Taylor, and Robert Dean.
Relevant Links
1. [Jimmy Dean – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Dean
2. [Country Music Hall of Fame: Jimmy Dean](https://countrymusichalloffame.org/artist/jimmy-dean/
3. [Grammy Awards: Jimmy Dean](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/jimmy-dean
4. [Jimmy Dean Sausage Company](https://www.jimmydean.com/
5. [IMDb: Jimmy Dean](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0212748/
