Jim Vienneau
Jim Vienneau | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Francis Vienneau September 18, 1926 Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 9, 2023 (aged 97) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Occupation | |
| Years active | 1956–1989 |
| Relatives | Frank Buckley Walker (uncle) |
James Francis Vienneau (September 18, 1926 – November 9, 2023) was an American record producer. He is best known for producing "It's Only Make Believe" by Conway Twitty.
Childhood
Vienneau was born on September 18, 1926, to Marian Catherine "Mary" (née Boyne) (1891–1989) and Alfred Edmond Vienneau (1886–1966), in
mentor Frank Walker
, the husband of Marian Vienneau's sister Laura Walker.
Early career and success with Conway Twitty
As a young man, he was mentored in
singers like Bessie Smith and Hank Williams, In 1956, he was signed as a producer by the president of MGM Records, Arnold Maxin, and began working out of the company's offices on Broadway, commuting to Nashville at times for recording sessions. He signed his most famous client Conway Twitty two years later and produced the Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit, "It's Only Make Believe" in 1958.[2]
Originally, he decided not to sign Twitty, but was overruled by Arnold Maxin. He ended up being the producer for many of Twitty's songs from 1958 to 1963.
Other clients
Over the next 30 years or so, Vienneau continued to produce songs for many other successful artists including
UK Singles Chart
. He continued to produce music until his retirement in 1989.
Personal life and death
Vienneau lived in Nashville, Tennessee. He and his wife Joan Preston Vienneau were married for over 60 years.
Vienneau died at his Nashville home on November 9, 2023, at the age of 97.[7]
References
- ^ Myers, Brian. "Myers/Murphy/Balsamo/Imbraguglio/Walker/Boyne/Holder/Hogan Family Tree". Ancestry.com. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
- ^ Dimery, Robert (2013). 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die. London, England: Quintessence. p. 87.
- ^ "Mark Dinning - Teen Angel". 45cat.com.
- ^ "Bob Gallion". Rockabillyhall.com.
- ^ "Mel Tillis Eyes New Book, Greatest Hits Album". Billboard.com. 2013-03-04.
- ^ "Jim Vienneau". Discogs.com.
- ^ "James Francis Vienneau". Harpeth Hills Memory Garden. Retrieved November 20, 2023.