Jimmy Dean Complete Columbia Hits & More CD

With only a skimpy greatest hits LP reissue available here in the States, we thought the time had come for a big, bad collection from that country singer, storyteller and, yes, sausage-maker supreme, Jimmy Dean! This-here is his complete Columbia hits, some of which have never been on CD, along with some key album tracks and non-charting singles with special attention to those story songs that Jimmy did so well. 24 slices of some of the most infectious country music ever waxed! Collectors' Choice. 2004.

He wasn't particularly innovative, and no one ever mistook him for a genuine honky tonk man, but Jimmy Dean turned a knack for perfectly phrased, half-spoken story-songs into a little personal cottage industry in the early '60s, climaxing in 1961's "Big Bad John." He could sing just fine when he chose to, though, and his main talent may well have been in choosing just the right songs to record, then leaving the business altogether and going into the sausage business while his name still carried a cache. This generous 24-song set has all of his key Columbia tracks, including, of course, "Big Bad John" (and its numerous sequels like "Little Bitty Big John") as well as the bright, skipping "Deep Blue Sea" and the easy chugging "Little Black Book." On most of his sides Dean delivered his vocals with a sort of warm, subtle wink in his voice, a trait that was a big part of his charm, and he continues to work the same endearing trick in his television commercials for his various sausage products. This set has all the Jimmy Dean that most listeners will ever need. ~ Steve Leggett

Personnel: Jimmy Dean (vocals).