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Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy C. Newman passes away

“He leaned up by his porch steps, under a tree, and started singing songs from his childhood, as the sun was going down.  It was so pure, and it offered me a glimpse into how country music really was for guys like him, from the farms and the bayous and fields and plains, who had it in their heart before they brought it here to Nashville.”  Those are the words that Marty Stuart used to describe the man raised up in Cajun country, Mr. Jimmy C. Newman.  The cajun country sounds were silenced on June 21, 2014 with the passing of Jimmy C. Newman.  He was 86 years old.

Jimmy C. Newman would be the one that gave Dolly Parton her debut on the Grand Ole Opry as he gave up one of his spots just for her.  He would be in the Top 10 of the country music charts as he was known worldwide for his unique sound.  He was a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, as well as Cajun Music Hall of Fame.  Jimmy C. Newman’s last performance on the Grand Ole Opry was June 13, 2014.

The Tennessean newspaper has got an excellent feature on the life and times of Jimmy C. Newman.  Be sure to check it out here.