Jim Nabors: Biography

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Birth Name:

James Thurston Nabors

Born:

Jun 12, 1932 in Sylacauga, AL

Genres:

Holiday Music, Standards & Vocal Music, Celebrity, Traditional Pop Vocal Music

Decades Active:

1960's|1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

High

Ratings Guide

While better known as an actor thanks to his immortal role as television's bumbling Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors also enjoyed a successful career as an easylistening balladeer. Born June 12, 1932 in Sylacauga, Alabama, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in business administration, but later found himself working in TV as an apprentice editor; at much the same time, he also pursued a career as a cabaret singer. In 1963 Nabors was hired to guest star on an episode of the popular Andy Griffith Show; although his role as the hayseed Gomer was originally intended as a oneshot, the character proved such a hit with audiences that he went on to become a featured player for the next two seasons. In 1965 Nabors even received his own spinoff series, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., in which Gomer appeared as a hapless Marine Corps private. During a 1964 guest appearance on The Danny Kaye Show, Nabors first displayed his vocal prowess; his baritone subsequently graced dozens of albums, including a number of gospel and country efforts. From 1969 to 1972, he hosted his own variety program, The Jim Nabors Show, and also regularly performed in concert; while touring in a production of Man of La Mancha, Nabors popularized the song "The Impossible Dream."

- Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide