Chronicle: As reported via Breaking News, Twitter and Facebook, Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall Of Fame member Jim Ed Brown died yesterday (6/11) at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN after battling cancer. Brown, 81, was diagnosed with lung cancer last September (CAT 10/1). Arrangements are pending. Brown joined the Opry in 1963 and made his last appearance there April 11. "The Grand Ole Opry family is truly saddened by the news of Jim Ed's passing," says VP/GM Pete Fisher. "While we will miss his kind heart and gentle nature, we will remember and celebrate one of music's smoothest and most beloved voices ever."

Arkansas native Brown had the distinction of topping the charts as a member of a trio with sisters Maxine and Bonnie; a duo with Helen Cornelius; and as a solo artist. His trio hits included "Looking Back To See," "I Heard the Bluebird Sing" and "The Three Bells." With Cornelius, he sang the No. 1 "I Don't Want To Have To Marry You." As a solo artist he's known for the classic "Pop A Top."

In March Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie were announced as part of the 2015 class of Country Music Hall Of Fame inductees (CAT 3/25). Because of his declining health, the decision was made to present Brown with his HOF award June 4 instead of at the Medallion Ceremony in October (see below). Read fellow Opry and HOF member Bill Anderson's incredibly moving account of the hospital bedside induction here.