Jim Nabors
June 12, 1930 - November 30, 2017
2001 Inductee

Jim Nabors is most widely known for his many television appearances, yet the talented singer has also recorded over 38 albums, including five gold and one platinum.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Nabors began exploring the range of his rich baritone voice while a member of the Sylacauga High School Glee Club. Following graduation Nabors moved to Los Angeles and began performing in a local cabaret theater where he perfected an act that combined hillbilly monologues and operatic arias.

While performing there, Bill Dana invited Nabors to audition for Steve Allen's television program. After frequent appearances, Nabors returned to the cabaret where he was seen by Andy Griffith. Griffith offered the part of the bumbling gas station attendant Gomer Pyle as a one-time portrayal. He soon became a regular, then spun off the five year run of Gomer Pyle, USMC.

He has since appeared on numerous television programs and hosted two specials, displaying not only his comedic and dramatic talents, but his singing ability as well.

A frequent headliner in Las Vegas and Hawaii, Nabors has lived in Hawaii for more than a decade, where he owns a ranch and raises Macadamia nuts.