Jim Ed Brown has been on the country music scene since the early 1950s. In an exclusive interview with Suite 101 Jim Ed looks back on his remarkable career.

Jim Ed Brown, who has topped the country music charts as a member of a trio (the Browns, with sisters Maxine and Bonnie), a duo (with Helen Cornelius) and as a solo artist, continues his successful entertainment career today. In addition to live performances at the Grand Ole Opry and other venues, Jim Ed, who calls Brentwood, Tennessee home, also hosts two nationally syndicated radio shows, the weekly Country Music Greats Radio Show and the Country Music Greats Radio Minute.

On the Coopers, Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins

Suite 101: Who was the most influential person or persons in your career?

Brown: "Shelby and Sarah Cooper, first, Jim Reeves, second, Chet Atkins."

Suite 101: You and your sister, Maxine, made five singles for the Fabor label in 1954-55. In one session, Jim Reeves was featured on the rhythm guitar and Floyd Cramer on the piano. Did anyone have any idea back then how successful all of you would become?

Brown: "No. Jim and Floyd played on the 'Looking Back to See' session."

Jim Ed's Favorite Songs, TV Show Appearances

Suite 101: You have recorded and written many songs through the years. What are your favorites?

Brown: "'Looking Back to See,' 'The Three Bells,' 'Pop-A-Top,' 'Old Lamplighter,' 'I Don't Wanna Have to Marry You.'"

Suite 101: Which one of your albums do you think best represents what Jim Ed Brown's music is all about?

Brown: "I could not name just one."

Suite 101: You have made many TV appearances through the years. Are there any that stand out as truly memorable?"

Brown: "The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Ozark Jubilee, Nashville on the Road, etc."

Suite 101: Who are your favorite performers in the country music field?

Brown: "Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins."

Soda Can Used for Pop-A-Top

Suite 101: Did you have any particular brand of beer in mind when you first made your 1967 drinking hit "Pop-A-Top?"

Brown: "We used a Dr. Pepper can!"

Suite 101: Did your cheek ever become sore from making that pop sound for the song?

Brown: "No, it's not sore yet."

Suite 101: Do you sign autographs via the mail. Do you limit the number of items per person?

Brown: "No, I don't limit the numbers and I do sign."

Suite 101: Are there any items you refuse to sign?

Brown: "Haven't surfaced yet."

Suite 101: Have you saved any personal memorabilia from your career?

Brown: "I'm a packrat. I have a house full."

Suite 101: What is the proudest moment in your music career?

Brown: "Too many to name."

Suite 101: It's been a great career, Jim Ed. Has the ride been fun?

Brown: "You betcha!"

Jim Ed Brown, Headed to Country Music Hall of Fame?

Jim Ed Brown has come a long way since his birth in Sparkman, Arkansas, on April 1, 1932. While still in high school he began appearing with his older sister Maxine on a radio series over KCLA in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. As a member of the Browns, Jim Ed embarked on a successful recording career in 1954, with "The Three Bells" reaching number one in 1959. As a solo artist, Jim Ed scored with a number of Top 40 country hits, including "Pop-A-Top" (1967), "Morning" (1970), "Angel's Sunday" (1971) and "Southern Living" (1973).

One of Jim Ed Brown's latest gigs is an appearance on Stonewall Jackson's current CD, Stonewall Jackson and Super Friends: A Tribute.

"Pop a top again I've just got time for one more round..." Jim Ed first crooned in 1967.

One more round for Jim Ed Brown -- whose many achievements, hopefully, will earn him a spot one day in Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame.

Additional Source

The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music, edited by Paul Kingsbury (Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 2004).