Friends and family gathered on Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate the life of Little Jimmy Dickens. The Opry legend died last Friday at the age of 94.
Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill were among country stars who performed and told stories about the legend, who always made newcomers feel welcome. Dickens has welcomed several generations of country singers, since making his first appearance at the Opry in 1948.
“When you’re young and someone’s kind to you like that, you never forget it,” Vince said.
Before Carrie made her first Opry appearance, she was warned by her mother to watch out for Dickens “‘because he likes the pretty girls.'” But she said the singer was always a gentleman. He would kiss her hand whenever he saw her and “had a little piece of my heart.”
At the conclusion of the memorial service, Brad Paisley teared up as he led a group of performers in a rendition of “Will the Circle be Unbroken,” a tradition that he said Dickens started.
A Taste of Country has posted a few snippets from the memorial. Maybe the Opry will post full performances at some point. I wasn’t even a fan of Dickens, and I was still moved by the singers’ moving tributes. Included are a duet of “Go Rest High on this Mountain” by Carrie and Vince, Brad singing “When I Get Where I’m Going” and a group performance, led by Brad, of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Via Taste Of Country, Tulsa World.
Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood sing “Go Rest High on This Mountain” at Little Jimmy Dickens’ public service. Between the two singers were a pair of Dickens’ boots, his hat and guitar. Vince breaks down a little, while Carrie supports his vocals with her lovely harmonies.
http://youtu.be/x52PF9oRM-U
Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill and more perform ‘Will the Circle Be Unbroken’ to close Little Jimmy Dickens’ Memorial at the Grand Ole Opry. This clip is only about a minute long, but I found myself choking up right along with Brad and Carrie. What a beautiful tribute.
http://youtu.be/E_NK9qak6dg
Brad Paisley talks about Little Jimmy Dickens’ Opry legacy before singing “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
http://youtu.be/DYnYCqxKXpc
