Life of Jim Ed Brown Celebrated at His Funeral in Nashville

As listeners of KXRB and KXRB.com know, we lost a true country music legend and friend on Thursday with the passing of Jim Ed Brown.

A newly inducted member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and star of the Grand Ole Opry, Jim Ed was laid to rest on Monday in Nashville. According to the Tennessean, the celebration of this great artist centered on a 'life in harmony':

The temperature on Monday morning in downtown Nashville was already in the 80s and climbing, but that didn't stop family, friends and fans from gathering at the Ryman Auditorium to honor Grand Ole Opry legend and Country Music Hall of Famer Jim Ed Brown, who died June 11 at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer.

The 90-minute service focused on harmony, not just the kind Mr. Brown had with his sisters, Maxine and Bonnie, when they sang as The Browns. Said Pete Fisher, general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, "Jim Ed lived his life in harmony." Fisher remembered how Mr. Brown could frequently be found visiting fans and fellow performers backstage at the Opry, and how he would reach out to younger generations of country music artists, drawing them into the Opry family.

Heartfelt performances from the Oak Ridge Boys, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, The Isaacs and Lady Antebellum, among others, overflowed with emotion and sweet harmonies, and several speakers shared some of their fondest memories of Mr. Brown, including his love for the outdoors and the way his voicemail greeting began with a bright, "Hello, friends!"

Brenda Lee recalled that, when she toured with the Browns, they acted as her "road family" and looked out for her. Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern remembered the big grin on Mr. Brown's face as he was officially inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame while in his hospital bed on June 4.

Jim Ed will truly be missed by those of us who loved his music. But, speaking of his music, that will never die. The beautiful sound of this man's voice will live on.