JIMMY "LITTLE JIMMY" DICKENS - CONTRACT SIGNED 04/02/1968 CO-SIGNED BY: BILLY DEATON - HFSID 56404

JIMMY "LITTLE JIMMY" DICKENS, CO-SIGNED BY: BILLY DEATON
This contract for Jimmy Dickens and his band to play in Skidmore, Texas is signed by the singer, co-signed by the well-known booking agent
Contract signed: "Jimmy Dickens", 1p, 8¼x15. April 2, 1968. Moeller Talent, Inc. contract for the appearance of "Jimmy Dickens and the Country Boys" at the Roundup Club in Skidmore, Texas on July 6, 1968 from 9pm to 1am for $700. Also signed: "Billy Deaton" as Employer. Jimmy Dickens (1920-2015), born James Cecil Dickens, was an American country music singer. He performed at the Grand Ole Opry since the 1940s and was known as much for his funny novelty songs and flamboyant, rhinestone-encrusted outfits as much for his short size - four feet 11 inches. The 13th child of a farmer, he began performing professionally while a student at the University of West Virginia in the late 1930s, singing on a local radio station. Originally known as Jimmy the Kid, he first appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in 1948 and became a permanent performer there in 1949, whenhe changed his nickname to Little Jimmy. He's released at least one hit every decade between the 1940s and 1970s, including "Take a Cold Tater and Wait" - his first single, released in 1949 - as well as "Out Behind the Barn" (1954), "The Violet and the Rose "(1962) and his biggest hit, "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" (1965). He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1983. Billy Deaton (1935-2009) was one of the leading booking agents and theatrical managers in Nashville. After joining the Air Force and becoming a disc jockey for the armed forces radio, Deaton formed a band to play in military clubs and from then on remained part of the music scene. He was introduced to country music by Charlie Walker, who later became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and shortly after moved to Nashville and formed the Billy Deaton Talent Agency where he would represent country artists until his death. Corners rounded and creased. Small tear at top left corner from staple removal. Horizontal fold through center. Small stain on bottom of verso. Otherwise, fine condition.