Jimmy C. Newman, one of the members of the Grand Ole Opry, has died at the age of 86.
The Associated Press reported that Jessie Schmidt, who is a publicist for the Opry, stated Newman passed away in Nashville.
According to The Tennessean, Newman had been battling cancer. He was part of the Opry for 50 years, where he stepped into the genre of Cajun music, even adding in the C to his name for the stage. His 1954 hit song, “Cry, Cry, Darling” was a top ten hit.
He was originally from High Point, Louisiana and eventually made a debut album in 1946, but didn’t find much success. Eventually, Newman collaborated with J.D. Miller on “Cry, Cry, Darling,” which would help make him a star.
After joining the Opry in 1956, Newman had five records that all became Top 10 hits. His 1957 album Falling Star made the number 2 position on the Billboard country chart.
Newman has been inducted in two Hall of Fames, first for Cajun Music, and the second was Louisiana Music in 2009. Reportedly, he made his last performance at the Opry on June 6 with his band, Cajun Country. He is survived by his wife, Fae Newman.