American country music singer, television host, actor and businessman.
Best known for his 1961 country & crossover hit Big Bad John, #1 on the country, mainstream & UK charts, Dean also hit #1 on the country charts with 1965’s The First Thing Ev’ry Morning.
His television exposure blossomed when CBS carried The Jimmy Dean Show to a wide audience. Among his widespread appearances, the early 1960’s saw him host television’s The Tonight Show on occasion, and 1971 he had a supporting role in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.
In 1969, he founded the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company with his brother Don. The company did well in part because of Dean’s own extemporized, humorous commercials.
Dean remained involved as spokesman for the company till 2004.
He married, in second marriage, the singer Donna Meade in early 90s.
His accolades include induction to the Country Music Hall Of Fame (2010)

Born: August 10, 1928 in Plainview, Texas
Died June 13, 2010 at his home in Henrico County, Virginia.