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Tiny Tim (musician)
Encyclopedia
Tiny Tim (April 12, 1932 – November 30, 1996), born in Manhattan
, was an American
singer and ukulele
player. He was most famous for his rendition of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips
" sung in a distinctive high falsetto
/vibrato
voice.
" in his newly discovered falsetto. He started using the stage name Tiny Tim in 1962 when his manager at the time, George King, booked him at a club that favored acts by performers short in stature.
Tiny Tim appeared in Jack Smith
's Normal Love, as well as the independent feature film You Are What You Eat
(his appearance in this film featured him singing the old Ronettes hit, "Be My Baby
" in his falsetto range; also featured was a rendition of Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe
, with Tim singing the Cher
parts in his falsetto voice, along with Eleanor Barooshian
reprising Sonny Bono
's baritone part. These tracks were recorded with Robbie Robertson
and the other members of what was going to become known as The Band
. The latter performance led to a booking on the massively popular Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, an unpredictable American television comedy-variety show. Dan Rowan announced that Laugh-In believed in showcasing new talent, and introduced Tiny Tim. The singer entered carrying a shopping bag, pulled his soprano ukulele from it, and sang a medley of "A Tisket A Tasket" and "On the The Good Ship Lollipop" with a dumbfounded Dick Martin standing near. In his third performance on Laugh-in, Tiny Tim entered, blowing kisses, preceded by an elaborate procession of the cast, and after a short interview, sang "Tiptoe Through the Tulips
".
In 1968, his first album, God Bless Tiny Tim
, was released. It contained an orchestrated version of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips", which became a hit after being released as a single. 'For All My Little Friends', 1969, a collection of children's songs was nominated for a Grammy Award
.
On December 17, 1969, with 21.4 million viewers watching, Tiny Tim married Victoria Mae Budinger (aka "Miss Vicki
") on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
. During their marriage, Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki mostly lived apart, and divorced eight years later. When Tiny Tim first became well-known to the American public, pundits and journalists debated whether or not this character being presented was just an orchestrated act, or the real thing. "It quickly became clear that he was genuine" however; and that he could probably be best described as "a lonely outcast intoxicated by fame," and "a romantic" always in pursuit of his ideal dream.
. When he lost his Reprise recording contract
he founded his own record label
, and humorously named it Vic Tim Records, as a pun on the combination of his wife's name with that of his own. 'Tiny Tim', a biography by Harry Stein
, was published in 1976 by Playboy Press. In the 1990's he released several albums, including Rock (1993), I Love Me (1993) and Girl (1996).
In September 1996, he suffered a heart attack
just as he began singing at a ukulele festival at the Montague Grange Hall (often confused in accounts of the incident with the nearby Montague Bookmill, at which he had recorded a video interview earlier that same day) in Montague, Massachusetts
. He was hospitalized at the nearby Franklin County Medical Center in Greenfield
for approximately three weeks, before being discharged with strong admonitions not to perform again because of his health and the dietary needs for his diabetic and heart conditions. Nevertheless, he ignored the advice. While playing at a Gala Benefit at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis on November 30, he suffered another heart attack on stage. He is interred in a mausoleum
in Lakewood Cemetery
in Minneapolis.
" was featured in the "Help Wanted" segment of the first episode of the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants
. His cover of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips
" was a main part of the 2011 horror film "Insidious
" and also used as a base track in "The Amazing Adventures of DJ Yoda
" in the mix Tip Toe.
label released the posthumous Tiny Tim Live at the Royal Albert Hall
. This recording had been made in 1968 at the height of Tiny Tim's fame, but Reprise Records never released it. The limited-numbered CD sold out and was reissued on Rhino's regular label. In 2009, the Collector's Choice
label released I've Never Seen a Straight Banana
, recorded in 1976. The album was a collection of rare recordings of some of Tiny Tim's favorite songs from 1878 through the 1930s, along with some of his own compositions.
In 2009, it was reported that independent journalist Justin Martell was preparing a biography of Tiny Tim. Called one of America's "foremost experts" on Tiny Tim, Martell contributed liner notes to "I've Never Seen a Straight Banana
" and the 2011 Tiny Tim compilation LP, "Tiny Tim: Lost & Found 1963-1974 (Rare & Unreleased)," released on Secret Seven Records.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, was an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer and ukulele
Ukulele
The ukulele, ; from ; it is a subset of the guitar family of instruments, generally with four nylon or gut strings or four courses of strings....
player. He was most famous for his rendition of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
"Tiptoe Through the Tulips" is a popular song originally published in 1929. The song was written by Al Dubin and Joe Burke .‘Crooning Troubadour’ Nick Lucas’ recording of "Tip-Toe Through The Tulips" hit the top of the charts in May 1929. The song he introduced in the 1929 musical talkie Gold...
" sung in a distinctive high falsetto
Falsetto
Falsetto is the vocal register occupying the frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlapping with it by approximately one octave. It is produced by the vibration of the ligamentous edges of the vocal folds, in whole or in part...
/vibrato
Vibrato
Vibrato is a musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. It is used to add expression to vocal and instrumental music. Vibrato is typically characterised in terms of two factors: the amount of pitch variation and the speed with which the pitch is varied .-Vibrato and...
voice.
Rise to fame
Born to Lebanese parents in 1932, Khaury displayed musical talent at a very young age. In a 1968 interview on the Tonight Show, Khaury described the discovery of his ability to sing in an upper register in 1952: "I was listening to the radio and singing along as I was singing I said 'Gee, it's strange. I can go up high as well.'" He then entered a local talent show and sang "You Are My SunshineYou Are My Sunshine
"You Are My Sunshine" is a popular song first recorded in 1939. It has been declared one of the state songs of Louisiana as a result of its association with former state governor and country music singer Jimmie Davis. The song is copyright 1940 Peer International Corporation, words and music by...
" in his newly discovered falsetto. He started using the stage name Tiny Tim in 1962 when his manager at the time, George King, booked him at a club that favored acts by performers short in stature.
Tiny Tim appeared in Jack Smith
Jack Smith (film director)
Jack Smith was an American filmmaker, actor, and pioneer of underground cinema...
's Normal Love, as well as the independent feature film You Are What You Eat
You Are What You Eat (film)
You Are What You Eat is a 1968 American counter culture semi-documentary movie that attempts to capture the essence of the 1960s flower power hippie era and the Haight & Ashbury scene...
(his appearance in this film featured him singing the old Ronettes hit, "Be My Baby
Be My Baby
"Be My Baby" is a 1963 single written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, performed by The Ronettes and produced by Spector. When released as a single, the song reached #2 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Singles Chart and #4 on the UK's Record Retailer...
" in his falsetto range; also featured was a rendition of Sonny and Cher's I Got You Babe
I Got You Babe
"I Got You Babe" is a 1965 #1 single by American pop music duo Sonny & Cher.-Background and composition:Sonny Bono, a songwriter and record producer for Phil Spector, wrote the lyrics to and composed the music of the song for himself and his then-wife, Cher, late at night in their basement. Session...
, with Tim singing the Cher
Cher
Cher is an American recording artist, television personality, actress, director, record producer and philanthropist. Referred to as the Goddess of Pop, she has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, three Golden Globes and a Cannes Film Festival Award among others for her work in...
parts in his falsetto voice, along with Eleanor Barooshian
Eleanor Barooshian
Eleanor Barooshian, also known as Eleanor Baruchian and as Chelsea Lee, was a member of the band The Cake . In 1967, Barooshian appeared in You Are What You Eat, a documentary film produced by Peter Yarrow of folk group Peter, Paul & Mary. In the film, Barooshian performed the Sonny & Cher hit I...
reprising Sonny Bono
Sonny Bono
Salvatore Phillip "Sonny" Bono was an American recording artist, record producer, actor, and politician whose career spanned over three decades.-Early life:...
's baritone part. These tracks were recorded with Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson, OC; is a Canadian singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He is best known for his membership as the guitarist and primary songwriter within The Band. He was ranked 59th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time...
and the other members of what was going to become known as The Band
The Band
The Band was an acclaimed and influential roots rock group. The original group consisted of Rick Danko , Garth Hudson , Richard Manuel , and Robbie Robertson , and Levon Helm...
. The latter performance led to a booking on the massively popular Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, an unpredictable American television comedy-variety show. Dan Rowan announced that Laugh-In believed in showcasing new talent, and introduced Tiny Tim. The singer entered carrying a shopping bag, pulled his soprano ukulele from it, and sang a medley of "A Tisket A Tasket" and "On the The Good Ship Lollipop" with a dumbfounded Dick Martin standing near. In his third performance on Laugh-in, Tiny Tim entered, blowing kisses, preceded by an elaborate procession of the cast, and after a short interview, sang "Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
"Tiptoe Through the Tulips" is a popular song originally published in 1929. The song was written by Al Dubin and Joe Burke .‘Crooning Troubadour’ Nick Lucas’ recording of "Tip-Toe Through The Tulips" hit the top of the charts in May 1929. The song he introduced in the 1929 musical talkie Gold...
".
In 1968, his first album, God Bless Tiny Tim
God Bless Tiny Tim
God Bless Tiny Tim was the first album by Tiny Tim. Released in 1968 on the Reprise label, it included "Tip-Toe Thru' The Tulips With Me" , a version of "I Got You Babe", and a collection of more obscure songs. Many of the songs have humorous lyrics, are sung for humorous effect, or have an...
, was released. It contained an orchestrated version of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips", which became a hit after being released as a single. 'For All My Little Friends', 1969, a collection of children's songs was nominated for a Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
.
On December 17, 1969, with 21.4 million viewers watching, Tiny Tim married Victoria Mae Budinger (aka "Miss Vicki
Miss Vicki
Victoria May "Miss Vicki" Budinger , briefly famous as Tiny Tim's wife, was 17 years old when she married the singer, who was more than twice her age, on The Tonight Show on December 17, 1969. Miss Vicki was a resident of Collingswood, New Jersey.-External links:***...
") on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under the Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night....
. During their marriage, Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki mostly lived apart, and divorced eight years later. When Tiny Tim first became well-known to the American public, pundits and journalists debated whether or not this character being presented was just an orchestrated act, or the real thing. "It quickly became clear that he was genuine" however; and that he could probably be best described as "a lonely outcast intoxicated by fame," and "a romantic" always in pursuit of his ideal dream.
Later career
After his career highlights, Tiny Tim's television appearances dwindled, and his popularity began to wane. He continued to play around the United States, making several lucrative appearances in Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
. When he lost his Reprise recording contract
Recording contract
A recording contract is a legal agreement between a record label and a recording artist , where the artist makes a record for the label to sell and promote...
he founded his own record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
, and humorously named it Vic Tim Records, as a pun on the combination of his wife's name with that of his own. 'Tiny Tim', a biography by Harry Stein
Harry Stein
Harry Stein is a fictional police officer and secret agent featured in DC Comics. Stein first appeared in Vigilante series 1 #23, , and was created by Paul Kupperberg and Tod Smith.-Vigilante:...
, was published in 1976 by Playboy Press. In the 1990's he released several albums, including Rock (1993), I Love Me (1993) and Girl (1996).
Death
Myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction or acute myocardial infarction , commonly known as a heart attack, results from the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing heart cells to die...
just as he began singing at a ukulele festival at the Montague Grange Hall (often confused in accounts of the incident with the nearby Montague Bookmill, at which he had recorded a video interview earlier that same day) in Montague, Massachusetts
Montague, Massachusetts
Montague is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 8,489 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts metropolitan statistical area....
. He was hospitalized at the nearby Franklin County Medical Center in Greenfield
Greenfield, Massachusetts
Greenfield is a city in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 17,456 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Franklin County. Greenfield is home to Greenfield Community College, the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra, and the Franklin County Fair...
for approximately three weeks, before being discharged with strong admonitions not to perform again because of his health and the dietary needs for his diabetic and heart conditions. Nevertheless, he ignored the advice. While playing at a Gala Benefit at The Woman's Club of Minneapolis on November 30, he suffered another heart attack on stage. He is interred in a mausoleum
Mausoleum
A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or persons. A monument without the interment is a cenotaph. A mausoleum may be considered a type of tomb or the tomb may be considered to be within the...
in Lakewood Cemetery
Lakewood Cemetery
Lakewood Cemetery is a large private, non-sectarian cemetery located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is located at 3600 Hennepin Avenue at the southern end of the Uptown area...
in Minneapolis.
In pop culture
His cover of "Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the MoonlightLivin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight
"Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight" is a popular song written by Al Sherman and Al Lewis for the 1930 film, The Big Pond starring Maurice Chevalier. The song was also sung by Chevalier who made it famous. Chevalier enjoyed his first American hit with this song...
" was featured in the "Help Wanted" segment of the first episode of the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series, created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. Much of the series centers on the exploits and adventures of the title character and his various friends in the underwater city of "Bikini Bottom"...
. His cover of "Tiptoe Through the Tulips
Tiptoe Through the Tulips
"Tiptoe Through the Tulips" is a popular song originally published in 1929. The song was written by Al Dubin and Joe Burke .‘Crooning Troubadour’ Nick Lucas’ recording of "Tip-Toe Through The Tulips" hit the top of the charts in May 1929. The song he introduced in the 1929 musical talkie Gold...
" was a main part of the 2011 horror film "Insidious
Insidious (film)
Insidious is a 2011 American independent supernatural horror film written by Leigh Whannell, directed by James Wan, and starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, and Barbara Hershey. The story centers on a couple whose son inexplicably enters a comatose state and becomes a vessel for ghosts...
" and also used as a base track in "The Amazing Adventures of DJ Yoda
The Amazing Adventures of DJ Yoda
The Amazing Adventures of DJ Yoda is the fourth studio album mixed by DJ Yoda.-Track listing:#Intro#He's A Nutbag#Wheels#Fertilizer#Breakfast Cereal ft. Biz Markie#Yoda In Reverse#Playin' Around ft. Jungle Brothers#Cuban Brothers FM...
" in the mix Tip Toe.
Albums
In 2000, the Rhino HandmadeRhino Entertainment
Rhino Entertainment Company is an American specialty record label and production company. It is owned by Warner Music Group.-History:Rhino was originally a novelty song and reissue company during the 1970s and 1980s, releasing compilation albums of pop, rock & roll, and rhythm & blues successes...
label released the posthumous Tiny Tim Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Tiny Tim Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Tiny Tim's performance at The Royal Albert Hall was recorded live to a 4-track master in 1968. The Archivists have used this original 4-track master to create this release...
. This recording had been made in 1968 at the height of Tiny Tim's fame, but Reprise Records never released it. The limited-numbered CD sold out and was reissued on Rhino's regular label. In 2009, the Collector's Choice
Collectors' Choice Music
Collectors' Choice Music is a company primarily in two businesses. They are best known for re-issuing albums originally recorded in LP record form as compact discs...
label released I've Never Seen a Straight Banana
I've Never Seen a Straight Banana
"I've Never Seen a Straight Banana" is a novelty song from 1926, written by Ted Waite. A short film was made in 1926 in the Phonofilm sound-on-film process with music hall comedian Dick Henderson singing it....
, recorded in 1976. The album was a collection of rare recordings of some of Tiny Tim's favorite songs from 1878 through the 1930s, along with some of his own compositions.
In 2009, it was reported that independent journalist Justin Martell was preparing a biography of Tiny Tim. Called one of America's "foremost experts" on Tiny Tim, Martell contributed liner notes to "I've Never Seen a Straight Banana
I've Never Seen a Straight Banana
"I've Never Seen a Straight Banana" is a novelty song from 1926, written by Ted Waite. A short film was made in 1926 in the Phonofilm sound-on-film process with music hall comedian Dick Henderson singing it....
" and the 2011 Tiny Tim compilation LP, "Tiny Tim: Lost & Found 1963-1974 (Rare & Unreleased)," released on Secret Seven Records.
Discography
- God Bless Tiny TimGod Bless Tiny TimGod Bless Tiny Tim was the first album by Tiny Tim. Released in 1968 on the Reprise label, it included "Tip-Toe Thru' The Tulips With Me" , a version of "I Got You Babe", and a collection of more obscure songs. Many of the songs have humorous lyrics, are sung for humorous effect, or have an...
(Reprise RecordsReprise RecordsReprise Records is an American record label, founded in 1960 by Frank Sinatra. It is owned by Warner Music Group, and operated through Warner Bros. Records.-Beginnings:...
, 1968) - With Love And Kisses From Tiny Tim: Concert In Fairyland (Bouquet SLP 711) recorded 1962. "Unauthorized" recording.
- Tiny Tim's 2nd Album (Reprise Records, 1968)
- The Beatles' 1968 Christmas Record (Lyntone, LYN 1743/4, 1968)
- For All My Little Friends (Reprise Records, 1969)- This album was nominated for a Grammy Award.
- Tip Toe To The Gas Pumps / The Hickey (On Your Neck) (Clouds Records, 1979)- 45 rpm single; a-side refers to long gas lines during OPEC oil crisis.
- Wonderful World Of Romance (Street Of Dreams YPRX 1724) 1980) Recorded at EMI Australia, only 200 pressed, no cover printed.
- Chameleon (TTCH 1206, 1980)- Only 1000 copies pressed.
- Tiny Tim: The Eternal Troubadour (Playback PBL 123441, 1986)
- Tip-Toe Thru The Tulips/ Resurrection (Bear Family BCD 15409, 1987)
- Leave Me Satisfied (NLT 1993) 1989 (unreleased country album)
- The Heart Album (Ca-Song CA 1369), 1991 - (Tiny Tim has six songs on this album)
- Tiny Tim Rock (Regular Records, 1993)
- I Love Me (Yucca Tree Records, 1993)
- Songs of an Impotent Troubadour (Durtro, 1994)
- Tiny Tim's Christmas Album 1994 (Rounder RecordsRounder RecordsRounder Records, originally of Cambridge, Massachusetts, but now based in Burlington, Massachusetts, is a record label founded in 1970 by Ken Irwin, Bill Nowlin and Marian Leighton-Levy, while all three were still university students...
, 1994) - Live in Chicago with the New Duncan Imperials (1995, Pravda Records)
- Prisoner of Love: A Tribute to Russ Columbo (Vinyl Retentive Productions, 1995)
- Girl (with Brave ComboBrave ComboBrave Combo is a polka/rock band based in Denton, Texas. Founded in 1979 by guitarist/keyboardist/accordionist Carl Finch, they have been a prominent fixture in the Texas music scene for more than twenty-five years...
) (Rounder Records, 1996) - Tiny Tim Unplugged (Tomanna 51295, 1996) - Recorded live in Birmingham, Alabama
- The Eternal Troubadour: Tiny Tim Live in London (Durtro, 1997, recorded in 1995)
- Tiny Tim Live at the Royal Albert HallTiny Tim Live at the Royal Albert HallTiny Tim's performance at The Royal Albert Hall was recorded live to a 4-track master in 1968. The Archivists have used this original 4-track master to create this release...
(Rhino HandmadeRhino EntertainmentRhino Entertainment Company is an American specialty record label and production company. It is owned by Warner Music Group.-History:Rhino was originally a novelty song and reissue company during the 1970s and 1980s, releasing compilation albums of pop, rock & roll, and rhythm & blues successes...
, 2000, recorded in 1968) - Chameleon (Zero Communications, TTCH 12061, 2006, re-issue)
- Wonderful World Of Romance (Zero Communications, TTWW 12062, 2006, recorded in 1979)
- Stardust (Zero Communications, TTST 12063, 2006)
- I've Never Seen a Straight Banana - Rare Moments Vol. 1 (Collectors Choice Music WWCCM 20582) (2009)
- Tiny Tim: Lost & Found (Rare & Unreleased 1963-1974) (Secret Seven Records, 2011, compilation)