Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

DENNY, Jim

(b 28 Feb. '11, Buffalo Valley TN; d 27 Aug. '63. Vital behind-the-scenes actor in country music. Moved to Nashville to live with an aunt '22, worked as messenger for National Life & Accident Insurance Co. which owned WSM Radio and Grand Ole Opry; worked his way up to become booker for Opry Artists Bureau '51, with Jack Stapp took control of Opry from George D. Hay, turned it into a star-studded show encouraging record companies to open Nashville studios. Formed Cedarwood Publishing with Webb Pierce '54, Jim Denny Artists Bureau with Lucky Moeller. Having overcome bitterness at his own poverty-stricken background, Denny tried to look after Hank Williams: "I never knew anybody I liked better than Hank, but I don't think I ever really got close to him.' He finally had to acquiesce in Hank's firing from the Opry. Elected to Country Music Hall of Fame '66. Son William (b 25 Aug. '35) was Columbia studio manager '56, took over as president of Cedarwood '63, named Country Music Publisher of the Year '64, subsequently served with CMA; son John E (b 30 Dec. '40) president of JED Records '63-8, vice- president of Cedarwood.