Jimmy Dean: Country Singer of Big Bad John and Sausage Maker Dies at 81

Jimmy Dean was an American country singer, actor and businessman. Born on August 10, 1928, in Plainview, Texas, he served in the Air Force and performed in Washington, D.C.

His 1961 song "Big Bad John" topped the pop and country charts and won a Grammy. He hosted The Jimmy Dean Show on ABC and discovered Roy Clark and Patsy Cline. He also acted in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.

In 1969 he started the Jimmy Dean Meat Company, which became a major sausage brand. Dean died at his home in Varina, Virginia, on June 13, 2010, at age 81.

Achievements: Grammy-winning hit "Big Bad John," founder of Jimmy Dean sausage.

Birth: August 10, 1928 - Plainview, Texas.

Profession: Singer and businessman.

Interesting Facts: He played Willard Whyte in Diamonds Are Forever.