Jim Nabors - Ave Maria

From Album: "Jim Nabors ~ The Best Of Jim Nabors"

James Thurston "Jim" Nabors (born June 12, 1930) is an American actor and singer.   While better known as an actor thanks to his immortal role as television’s bumbling Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors also enjoyed a successful career as an easy listening balladeer. Born June 12, 1930, in Sylacauga, AL, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in business administration, but later found himself working in TV as an apprentice editor; at much the same time, he also pursued a career as a cabaret singer. In 1963, Nabors was hired to guest star on an episode of the popular Andy Griffith Show; although his role as the hayseed Gomer was originally intended as a one-shot, the character proved such a hit with audiences that he went on to become a featured player for the next two seasons. In 1965, Nabors even received his own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., in which Gomer appeared as a hapless Marine Corps private. During a 1964 guest appearance on The Danny Kaye Show, Nabors first displayed his vocal prowess; his baritone subsequently graced dozens of albums, including a number of gospel and country efforts. From 1969 to 1972, he hosted his own variety program, The Jim Nabors Show, and also regularly performed in concert; while touring in a production of Man of La Mancha, Nabors popularized the song "The Impossible Dream."    ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

From Album: "Jim Nabors ~ The Best of Jim Nabors"

James Thurston "Jim" Nabors (born June 12, 1930) is an American actor and singer.   While better known as an actor thanks to his immortal role as television's bumbling Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors also enjoyed a successful career as an easy listening balladeer. Born June 12, 1930, in Sylacauga, AL, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in business administration, but later found himself working in TV as an apprentice editor; at much the same time, he also pursued a career as a cabaret singer. In 1963, Nabors was hired to guest star on an episode of the popular Andy Griffith Show; although his role as the hayseed Gomer was originally intended as a one-shot, the character proved such a hit with audiences that he went on to become a featured player for the next two seasons. In 1965, Nabors even received his own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C., in which Gomer appeared as a hapless Marine Corps private. During a 1964 guest appearance on The Danny Kaye Show, Nabors first displayed his vocal prowess; his baritone subsequently graced dozens of albums, including a number of gospel and country efforts. From 1969 to 1972, he hosted his own variety program, The Jim Nabors Show, and also regularly performed in concert; while touring in a production of Man of La Mancha, Nabors popularized the song "The Impossible Dream."  ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide