Louisiana’s Favorite Son Jimmy C. Newman Dead at 86

One of the first entertainers I ever met and a great representative for our state and our culture passed away Saturday. Jimmy C. Newman was 86.

Jimmy C was born near Mamou and was the first Cajun singer to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. He hosted his own TV show on KPLC TV(thanks yo KPLC for the use of the 1956 photo) and also performed on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was a guest on "Saturday Night Down South" on KPLC TV in the 60's. Jimmy C charted 33 songs on the Billboard Country Chart from 1954-1970.