Eanes, Jim

JIM EANES

  • From Martinsville, Virginia.
  • Nickname: “Smilin’ Jim Eanes” (His given name is Homer—but chose his stage name, “Smilin’ Jim” in 1939.)
  • A pioneer of bluegrass music. Began his career in 1948 with Flatt & Scruggs, then Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys.
  • Solo career: 1949, had hit record “Baby Blue Eyes” (Capitol Records); Early fifties, recorded “Missing in Action” (Blue Ridge Records) which reportedly sold more than 400,000 copies; 1952, had hits “I Cried Again” and “Just Suppose” (Decca).
  • 1955-1962, leader/lead singer for The Shenandoah Valley Boys (which included banjo whiz Allen Shelton)
  • Late 60’s, recorded several albums backed by The Country Gentlemen.
  • Songwriting credits: “Baby Blue Eyes”, “Next Sunday Darling is My Birthday,” and “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could.” His songs have been recorded by Flatt and Scruggs, Bill Monroe, Reno and Smiley, George Jones and Ricky Skaggs.
  • Was a disc-jockey on several country radio stations.
  • 1988, inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • Died in 1995.