James Thurston "Jim" Nabors (born June 12, 1930) is an American actor and singer. Born and raised in Sylacauga, Alabama, Nabors moved to Southern California because of his asthma. While working at a Santa Monica nightclub, The Horn, he was discovered by Andy Griffith and later joined The Andy Griffith Show, playing Gomer Pyle, a gas station attendant whom some described as dim-witted. Nabors himself has stated that the Gomer character was not so much dim-witted; he just wanted to see the good in people. The character proved popular, and Nabors was given his own spin-off show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Though best known for his portrayal of Gomer Pyle, Nabors became a popular guest on variety shows in the 1960s and 1970s (including two specials of his own in 1969 and 1974) after revealing a rich baritone voice. He subsequently recorded numerous albums and singles, most of them containing romantic ballads.
Nabors is also well known for singing "Back Home Again in Indiana," prior to the start of the Indianapolis 500, held annually over the Memorial Day Weekend. |
Nashville West was one of the first and best pre-Byrds country-rock bands featuring the late, great Clarence White with some truly trailblazing electric guitar playing. Guitar Player magazine proclaimed it one of the top "20 Essential Country" albums of all time. Now with an improved sound quality, this compact disc has four additional unreleased bonus tracks taken from the original live club recording, newly unearth band photos and new comments by country music star Marty Stuart. Clarence is joined by Gene Parsons, drums and vocals; Gib Guilbeau, guitar and vocals and Wayne Moore, bass and vocals. The band has been credited with laying "the foundation for the Byrds' country rock phase and the music of Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris and the Eagles"(Guitar Player). Guitar players still marvel at Clarence White's playing.
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