The ‘Nashville Sound’ Lives On With Jim Ed Brown’s Performance Of ‘The Three Bells’

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Siblings Jim Edward, Maxine, and Bonnie Brown rose to fame in the 1950s as the country group The Browns.

The trio are known for their smooth harmonies, a characteristic of the “Nashville sound”, and combining elements of folk and pop.

They scored their biggest hit in 1959 when they released “The Three Bells“. “The Three Bells”, also known as “Jimmy Brown” or “Little Jimmy Brown” reached No. 1 on the country and pop charts. It also earned The Browns Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Group Performance.

The song is based on the 1940s French song “Les Trois Cloches” and documents three stages of Jimmy Brown’s life – his birth, his marriage, and his death.

Fun fact: It is a complete coincidence that Jim Ed Brown shared the same name as the song’s character.

“The Three Bells” has been covered many times by singers in all genres, since it did so well on the pop, country, and R&B charts.

In 1965, The Browns performed it at the Grand Ole Opry and did not disappoint. Their performance was effortless and beautiful.

We’re so glad this video has surfaced because it is a real gem!

Watch the performance below.