Why does the CMA continue to recognize the contribution of Jimmy Dean?

The list of contributions Jimmy Dean made to the country music world goes on and on.

By BILL MACK
Truckers Connection

4/11/2008

I’m going to touch on a subject that seems to be an annual happening.

However, we need to take another stab at it. Please have mercy on me if I’m becoming a bit repetitious, but I believe you’ll understand when we place the matter into deeper study.

I’ve had numerous calls asking what I thought about the decisions made at the Country Music Association (CMA)  pertaining to those illustrious “names” the governing staff has chosen for induction into the most-honorable Hall-of-Fame for 2008. 

My automatic response, “So… should I be surprised?”  

I was happy to hear “Pop” Stoneman, The Statler Brothers, Tom T Hall and Emmylou Harris were selected. However, I was not happy to notice some I’ve fought for with determination over the years were completely ignored— again.

Might add, I have received calls and e-mails from a gob of people in total agreement with me. These included some of Nashville’s “finest,” along with truckers and angry housewives from across the nation.

I’ll never understand why Jimmy Dean was ignored…again. This guy helped springboard our country music to the top-lines, beginning back in the 50s with his daily CBS-TV morning show. He was the first network TV host to present our music to the masses.

Then, Jimmy elevated to ABC-TV  with his prime-time weekly show, boosting such stars as Patsy Cline, Roger Miller, Roy Clark and countless others to top-marquee acts. And guess where the first CMA awards show was presented:  the trophies were handed out on the Jimmy Dean network show!  This was before the Country Music Association was granted an annual awards show of its own.

Jimmy is a very personal friend. I love the guy. But I must add quickly: if I hated Jimmy Dean, I would still let it be known he is more-than-worthy of the grand honor. To do otherwise is a quick reference to ignorance. To ignore him reflects total stupidity from the heads-of-state that, presumably, represent the big business of country music.

I know Jimmy Dean most likely accepted the news with a simple “Ho-hum” to his beautiful Donna.  That’s his mark. He is a walking monument to the entertainment business. Notice I didn’t isolate him to “country music”? This giant has been a hit in all areas of entertainment, including motion pictures and best-selling recordings, most of the songs his compositions. He’s made more money with his sausage alone than most entertainers make in a lifetime. But this isn’t about money; it’s about pure honesty. Those in voting positions in the main hallways of the Country Music Association should feel a bit ashamed. And what really hurts is the fact some of those folks are still-active “super stars.” They should have let their voices be heard in important circles.

Granted, most of the people in-charge are not aware of the importance of Jimmy because of their youth. Anything that was a hit a decade ago has probably been put on the back-burners-of-importance to them. All hits two decades ago, or longer, are most likely referred to as ancient. And let’s be honest—to some serving on the board, traditional country is almost a foreign concept.  For years, they specialized in “rock” before joining the crowd in Music City USA. Most of today’s country hits reflect that fact, which is another story.

I also want to present The Browns.  Have you ever heard greater, more beautiful harmony than this trio has given us for a half-century?

Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie are as deserving of the “Hall-of-Fame” as anybody who has ever marched on stage. The Browns were among the very first to present our music in a pattern that was accepted in the “pop” field. Their songs hit the top mark in the pop charts, as well as country. They opened doors for others to follow by paving a special avenue of acceptance…and they did it with true professionalism. Jim Ed is still in Nashville, while Maxine and Bonnie are now enjoying the precious sunshine in Arkansas.  All three of them must be feeling some pain, but they will survive. They’ve been denied entrance into the CMA Hall-of-Fame for generations. They will just inhale some more fresh, honest air in their beautiful state, and smile. They have learned the true value of life is not necessarily found in halls of honor.

Along with Jean Shepard, Jan Howard, The Wilburn Brothers, Johnny Horton, David Houston, Stonewall Jackson, Slim Whitman and countless other monumental stars, The Browns  are used to the attitudes of those who have been placed in governing positions…ignoring them.

Here’s something that grabs the attention, and it seems to fit the subject I’ve been dwelling on:

Alfred Hitchcock, the great movie director, never received an Oscar for his directorial talent in some of Hollywood’s biggest box-office hits. Actor Jimmy Stewart revealed the reason for the obvious oversights to Mr. Hitchcock’s talent in one of his last interviews. Jimmy said, “Some of my most enjoyable and successful films were those directed by Alfred Hitchcock. His pictures were separated from the Hollywood ‘flow.’ They were money-makers. A bunch of us were surprised that Alfred never won an Oscar. Trouble was…‘Hitch’ never followed the Hollywood rules. He did things his way—did it better —and damaged some egos!”

Alfred Hitchcock was finally given one of those honorable awards on Oscar night. After receiving it, he smiled and said, “Thank you for this…whatever it’s for. Too bad you never saw my pictures.”

As he walked off stage, he received a standing ovation. The crowd went wild.

Let’s face it, The Country Music Hall-of-Fame has undoubtedly lost the important, honored strength it once had. Remember when those who were placed in the “hall” were given standing ovations as they stepped to the stage after their names were announced … in order to make long “acceptance speeches” during the annual CMA Awards Show, on various networks?  No, you don’t see these happenings anymore. Instead, they are given a short “mention” while their photographed “likenesses” are shot on a yawning screen as a lead-in to one of the many commercials.

Closing note: I received a telephone call from Jimmy Dean after sending him a copy of this column, before the final editing. He said, “Bill, I doubt I’ll ever make it to the Hall-of-Fame. Main thing is, I’ve had a good ride in this business and the support of a lot of good people. I’ve had those precious fans of my music, God bless ’em!

“That’s what counts.”