Jim Nabors
James Thurston Nabors (June 12, 1930 – November 30, 2017) was an American actor, singer, and comedian, widely known for his signature character, Gomer Pyle.
Jim Nabors
November 30, 2017 (aged 87)
Ashes sprinkled in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Actor, singer
1954–2014
Portraying Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the Indianapolis 500 race
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a Santa Monica nightclub, and he later joined The Andy Griffith Show, where he played the good-natured, unsophisticated Gomer Pyle. The character proved so popular that Nabors was given his own successful spin-off show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Nabors also became a popular guest on variety shows that showcased his rich baritone singing voice in the 1960s and 1970s. He was the featured guest on every season premiere of The Carol Burnett Show and he had two specials of his own in 1969 and 1974. He signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1965 and subsequently recorded numerous albums and singles, most of them containing romantic ballads. He recorded for Ranwood Records during the late 1970s.
Nabors was also known for singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the start of the Indianapolis 500, held annually on the Memorial Day weekend. He sang the unofficial Indiana anthem almost every year from 1972 to 2014, except for occasional absences due to illness or scheduling conflicts.[1][2]
Early life and career[edit]
Nabors was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, on June 12, 1930,[3] to Fred Nabors, a police officer, and Mavis Pearl (née Newman).[4] He had two older sisters, Freddie and Annie Ruth.[5][6] He sang for his high school and church. Later, he attended the University of Alabama, where he began acting in skits. While at Alabama, he became a member of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity.[7] After graduating, he moved to New York City, where he worked as a typist for the United Nations;[8][9] after a year, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he got his first job in television as a film cutter at NBC affiliate WRGP-TV (now WRCB-TV) and was also a substitute co-host on the show Holiday for Housewives.[10]
Because of his asthma, Nabors moved to Los Angeles and continued his work as a film cutter, this time for NBC. He also worked at a Santa Monica tavern, The Horn, singing and acting in cabaret theater.[11][12] His act featured him as a character similar to the later Gomer Pyle. He sang in a baritone and sometimes spoke and sang in his higher-pitched comedic voice.[13] At the club, comedian Bill Dana saw Nabors' act and invited him to appear on The Steve Allen Show. Nabors signed on to the show, but it was soon canceled.[14]
Death[edit]
Nabors died at his Honolulu, Hawaii, home on November 30, 2017, aged 87.[65][66][64]
The United States Marine Corps released a statement on Nabors: "Semper Fi, Gomer Pyle. Rest in peace Jim Nabors, one of the few to ever be named an Honorary Marine."[67] Second Lady of the United States and former First Lady of Indiana Karen Pence wrote a statement on Twitter: "So sad to hear about the passing of Jim Nabors. We heard him sing 'Back Home Again in Indiana' at the Indianapolis 500 countless times. We will miss his beautiful voice."[68]
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Carol Burnett paid tribute to Nabors, saying they were "close friends for 52 years. ... My heart is heavy. I'm grateful he was a large part of my life. I miss him. I love him."[69] IndyCar driver Tony Kanaan praised Nabors's performance of "Back Home Again in Indiana".[70] Journalist Larry King praised Nabors as a "gentle man with immense talent" while sending condolences to his family.[71]
Nabors' successes have earned him accolades.
Nabors recorded 28 albums and numerous singles; three have been certified either gold or platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[78]