James Thurston Nabors (June 12, 1930 â€" November 30, 2017) was an
American actor, singer, and comedian.Nabors was born and raised in
Sylacauga, Alabama, and moved to southern California because of an
asthmatic condition. He was discovered by Andy Griffith while working
at a Santa Monica nightclub, and he later joined The Andy Griffith
Show as Gomer Pyle. The character proved so popular that Nabors was
given his own spin-off show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Best known for his
portrayal of Gomer Pyle, Nabors also became a popular guest on variety
shows that showcased his rich baritone singing voice in the 1960s and
1970s, including frequent appearances on the Carol Burnett Show and
two specials of his own in 1969 and 1974. He signed a recording
contract with Columbia Records in 1965 and subsequently recorded
numerous albums and singles, most of them containing romantic ballads.
He recorded for Ranwood Records during the late 1970s.Nabors was also
known for singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the start of the
Indianapolis 500, held annually on the Memorial Day weekend. He sang
the unofficial Indiana anthem almost every year from 1972 to 2014,
except for occasional absences due to illness or scheduling conflicts.
American actor, singer, and comedian.Nabors was born and raised in
Sylacauga, Alabama, and moved to southern California because of an
asthmatic condition. He was discovered by Andy Griffith while working
at a Santa Monica nightclub, and he later joined The Andy Griffith
Show as Gomer Pyle. The character proved so popular that Nabors was
given his own spin-off show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Best known for his
portrayal of Gomer Pyle, Nabors also became a popular guest on variety
shows that showcased his rich baritone singing voice in the 1960s and
1970s, including frequent appearances on the Carol Burnett Show and
two specials of his own in 1969 and 1974. He signed a recording
contract with Columbia Records in 1965 and subsequently recorded
numerous albums and singles, most of them containing romantic ballads.
He recorded for Ranwood Records during the late 1970s.Nabors was also
known for singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the start of the
Indianapolis 500, held annually on the Memorial Day weekend. He sang
the unofficial Indiana anthem almost every year from 1972 to 2014,
except for occasional absences due to illness or scheduling conflicts.
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