When I found out Little Jimmy Dickens was in the hospital in critical condition, I was stunned. The 94 year year old is bullet proof to me.

I will never forget the first time I met Dickens. He was doing a show for a radio station I worked for at the time.

I was actually taller than Mr. Dickens! He told stories about his friend Hank Williams, Sr. and how he was nicknamed "Tater" by Williams. It was interesting to hear how they toured back then and how accessible they were to the fans. (I have to mention the fact that at his side was his stunning, younger wife Mona. Wow!)

Why is Dickens so important to Country Music and why should you know about him? Because he is one of the last living pieces of the actual foundation of Country.

He was there when Country garnered mainstream attention. He was discovered by Roy Acuff and performed alongside legends like Hank, Sr. and Kitty Wells. He knows more about the genre than almost anyone.

Little Jimmy Dickens is the "host" of the Grand Ole Opry. The senior member takes the role. One thing he was passionate about after taking on that position was nurturing the future members of the Opry. I will never forget how he took the likes of Craig Morgan and Brad Paisley under his wing. Each did about 100 shows on the Opry their first year out!

The mentoring blossomed into a close friendship between Paisley and Dickens that endures today. Dickens wanted to ensure the future of the music he loves. That is why he is so important to Country Music.

His music was mostly comical, but it is important none the less. Some of his classics are below. He never stopped touring. Every year he does a couple handfuls of dates.

Learning the history of the music we love is incredibly important to keeping it alive in the future. Take the time to "honor thy music". Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum here to find out more about Little Jimmy Dickens and please keep him in your prayers.

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