Browns’ Jim Ed in fight of life
FIGHT OF HIS LIFE:
Sparkman native Jim Ed Brown, who achieved international musical fame in the 1950s with his sisters in the country trio The Browns, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. Brown — who now lives in Nashville and, at 80, has been performing as a solo artist — posted an update and video on his Facebook page sharing the news.
“Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that time, I was in shock and scared as I didn’t know what this really meant,” he wrote, adding that doctors have requested he take the next four months off to focus on chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
In the accompanying video, Brown says, “I just had my first treatment today and I’m going to beat it with chemo and radiation. But I want to thank you for your prayers and support and I’m going to beat this little thing called cancer and I’m going to be all right within… well… maybe the next four months, OK? See you next year.”
SOUNDS OF SUCCESS:
Two veteran musical acts — Big George Brock and Sonny Burgess & The Legendary Pacers — will soon receive the 2014 Delta Cultural Center’s Sonny Payne Award for Blues Excellence. The award, recognizing those who’ve played a major role in influencing the blues music of the Arkansas Delta, is presented annually each October by the Delta Cultural Center as part of the King Biscuit Blues Festival in historic downtown Helena-West Helena.
The award — called “The Sonny” — is named for “Sunshine” Sonny Payne, longtime host of the Peabody Award-winning “King Biscuit Time” program that broadcasts weekdays from the center’s visitor center on radio station KFFA-AM, 1360.
Burgess and his group, who are longtime Rockabilly musicians and former Sun Studio recording artists, receive their award Thursday on the festival’s Lockwood-Stackhouse stage, where they’ll be performing at 12:40 p.m.
Brock, a native of Grenada, Miss., who spent his early years in and around Clarksdale, Miss., receives his award Saturday before performing at the festival’s Miller Annex at 1:15 p.m.
IN THE PINK: Remember that video that University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences employees, patients and supporters created for the Pink Glove Dance Competition, a national online video contest held in support of breast cancer awareness? The video won in its category, nabbing $10,000 for the hospital’s charity, 20th Century Club’s Lodge, which provides a place to stay for cancer patients receiving treatment in central Arkansas.
The contest’s sponsor, Medline, which produces pink medical gloves and other hospital supplies, presented the check Thursday. Those with the 20th Century Club say the windfall will pay for 200 nights’ lodging and food for cancer patients.
FIRST LADY’S FIRST OFFER: Posted on Arkansas first lady Ginger Beebe’s Facebook page late Thursday? “Sofa for sale. Make an offer!” with a photo of a rattan love seat. As of Friday afternoon, she had an offer of $35.