Jim Nabors


Nabors in a publicity still (detail) for Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., 1968

Born: James Thurston Nabors; June 12, 1930; Sylacauga, Alabama, U.S.
Died: November 30, 2017 (aged 87); Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Resting place: Ashes sprinkled in Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Alma mater: University of Alabama

James Thurston Nabors (June 12, 1930 – November 30, 2017) was an American actor, singer, and comedian, widely known for his signature character, Gomer Pyle.

Nabors was discovered by Andy Griffith while working at a Santa Monica nightclub, and he later joined The Andy Griffith Show, where he played the good-natured, unsophisticated Gomer Pyle. The character proved so popular that Nabors was given his own successful spin-off show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.

Nabors also became a popular guest on variety shows that showcased his rich baritone singing voice in the 1960s and 1970s. He was the featured guest on every season premier of the Carol Burnett Show and he had two specials of his own in 1969 and 1974. He signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1965 and subsequently recorded numerous albums and singles, most of them containing romantic ballads. He recorded for Ranwood Records during the late 1970s.

Nabors was also known for singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the start of the Indianapolis 500, held annually on the Memorial Day weekend. He sang the unofficial Indiana anthem almost every year from 1972 to 2014, except for occasional absences due to illness or scheduling conflicts.

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Career

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Singing career

Nabors first revealed his fine singing voice on the February 24, 1964, "The Song Festers" episode of The Andy Griffith Show and on April 8, 1964, on The Danny Kaye Show, and subsequently capitalized on it with numerous successful recordings and live performances. Most of the songs were romantic ballads, though he sang pop, gospel, and country songs as well.

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Andy Griffith Show 4-20 - The Song Festers-Barney, Andy, and Gomer sing
449 views Jun 10, 2022

outwardjr
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449 views Jun 10, 2022
When Gomer was heard singing outside the rehearsal window, John Masters asked Gomer to sing a solo instead of Barney. Barney was hurt but was then called on to sing when Gomer lost his voice. However, Gomer didn't really lose his voice and now both of them want the other to sing the solo. It's a hilarious scene with Andy coming to the rescue as usual.

Gomer sfo
277,169 views Jul 7, 2009

AMSOMmp
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277,169 views Jul 7, 2009
Gomer and the first time we hear Jim sing in the series :from The Song Festers On

Jim Nabors' Last "Back Home Again in Indiana" 2014
634,923 views May 25, 2014

REDSECT0RA
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634,923 views May 25, 2014
Jim Nabors' Last "Back Home Again in Indiana" 2014