Jimmy C. Newman, the first ever Cajun singer to join the Grand Ole Opry has died. He suffered from cancer and died in his home in Nashville on Saturday night.
The High Point, Louisiana native was almost 87 years old. Opry publicist said that he died in Nashville on Saturday after a brief illness.
Newman signed a deal with Dot Records in 1953. His first big hit was “Cry, Cry Darling.” In 1954, Newman joined the Shreveport-based radio show "The Louisiana Hayride," where he sang alongside Elvis Presley, according to the Associated Press. His albums included This is Jimmy Newman, Country Time, Sings Cajun, and Cajun Cowboy.
Newman had many hits over the years including "Daydreamin'," "D.J. for a Day," "Blue Darlin'," "Diggy Liggy Lo," and "A Fallen Star." He recorded “Folk Songs of the Bayou Country,” according to the Shreveporttimes.
Newman toured regularly at the Grand Ole Opry. Newman was a member of the Cajun Hall of Fame and North American Country Music Association’s International Hall of Fame. He lived on a 670 acre range outside of Nashville. He is survived by his wife, Mae.