Country Giant Jimmy C. Newman Passes Away

Country music has lost a legend...

Grand Old Opry star Jimmy C. Newman passed away at age 86. His death from cancer on Saturday leaves a hole in the hearts of those who knew him. Many WGNS listeners will remember him as a frequent guest of his friend Truman Jones on the Truman Show. The ragin' cajun grew up in Big Mamou, Louisiana but has been a fixture in country music for over 50-years and was a member of the Opry since 1956. His last appearance was just a few weeks ago. He told Truman Jones he loved performing, even in his later years, despite a country music landscape filled with young artists...

Jimmy also told Truman of a milestone reached by less than a handful of Grand Old Opry stars...

The "C" in Jimmy C. Newman stood for cajun and he lived up to his roots. One of his most famous songs, was "The Alligator Man," which also became a nickname for him (VIDEO BELOW IS OF THAT SONG).

Newman lived on a large ranch in the Big Springs community for many years and leaves behind his wife of 66-years, Mae. A public service will be held Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a private visitation and memorial service for close friends and family. Woodfin Memorial Chapel is in charge of local arrangements.

PAST WGNS PODCASTS WITH JIMMY C. NEWMAN

Truman talks to John and Ray Frost as they remember the life of Grand Old Opry star, Rutherford County resident and cajun crooner Jimmy C. Newman (from June 23rd, 2014)...