Jimmy Dean Quotes

Powerful Jimmy Dean for Daily Growth

About Jimmy Dean

Jimmy Dean (September 1- June 13, 2010) was an American country singer, television personality, actor, and businessman best known for his number one hit "Big Bad John" and as a co-host of the popular morning talk show "The Today Show." Born James Dean Krienke on August 10, 1928, in Plainview, Texas, he was one of eight children raised by German immigrants. At a young age, Jimmy began singing in church and later performed with various local groups. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he returned to Texas and formed a band, Jimmy Dean and His Texas Wildcats. In 1957, his career took off when he was discovered by country music legend Eddy Arnold and signed with the label, RCA Victor. Dean's breakthrough came in 1961 with the release of "Big Bad John," a ballad about a tough miner who rescues a fallen comrade. The song spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and crossed over to the pop charts, earning him international fame. In addition to his music career, Jimmy Dean was also a successful businessman. In 1969, he founded Jimmy Dean Sausages, which became a household name with its popular "SAUSAGE: THE OTHER WHITE MEAT" campaign. Dean's television career began in the late 1950s as the host of his own variety show, "The Jimmy Dean Show." In 1976, he joined NBC's "The Today Show," where he co-hosted for ten years alongside Nancy Sloane and later Katie Couric. Throughout his life, Jimmy Dean remained dedicated to his Christian faith and philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to various charities and causes, including the Jimmy Dean Foundation and the National Kidney Foundation. His legacy continues to live on in music, sausages, and television.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

This quote by Jimmy Dean suggests that while we may not be able to control external circumstances or events (the direction of the wind), we do have the power to adapt and respond accordingly (adjusting our sails). In essence, it underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, as our ability to navigate challenges determines our ultimate destination.


"You can't make a pile out of what you don't control."

This quote emphasizes the importance of taking control over the aspects of one's life that they have influence over, as efforts to accumulate success or prosperity solely from factors beyond our control are unlikely to be successful. In essence, it encourages a proactive approach in managing one's own destiny and emphasizes personal responsibility for achieving one's goals.


"You're going to have ups and downs, rich periods and poor periods, feasts and famines. But if you stick with it, it will come right for you."

This quote suggests that life is a journey filled with various highs and lows, abundance and scarcity, successes and setbacks. However, the underlying message is one of resilience and perseverance. The ups and downs should not discourage us but are natural parts of the process. If we remain persistent and committed to our goals, eventually the favorable circumstances will come to us. In essence, the quote encourages patience, determination, and a positive attitude in the face of life's challenges.


"Every day I get up, I eat breakfast at my mother's table."

This quote emphasizes the importance of family connections and traditions, even as one grows older. Despite achieving success or venturing out into the world, Jimmy Dean finds value in maintaining a daily ritual of sharing a meal with his mother - a simple act that preserves their bond and underscores the comfort and familiarity found within the home and family.


"I was never a great athlete, but I could work hard, I could give people everything I had and more."

This quote by Jimmy Dean emphasizes his personal approach to success through dedication and effort, rather than inherent talent. He conveys that while he may not have been a great athlete naturally, his ability to work hard and consistently give more than expected are the qualities that led to his achievements. It suggests that anyone can achieve their goals with determination, hard work, and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations.


I was a hard-workin' little boy. Oh, I worked. Pullin' cotton, shockin' grain, cuttin' wheat, loadin' wheat, choppin' cotton, cleanin' chicken houses, milkin' cows, plowin'.

- Jimmy Dean

Chicken, Boy, Cotton, Cows

I made more money yesterday than I ever thought I'd make in an entire lifetime. But it's like somebody's going to take it all away from me and I'll be back in Texas, installing them damned irrigation wells. I didn't like that when I was sixteen. And I know I wouldn't like it when I'm eighty.

- Jimmy Dean

Thought, Lifetime, Away, Sixteen

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.

- Jimmy Dean

Inspirational, Sails, Always, Adjust

My favorite song? 'Amazing Grace.' Anybody singing it. But the best it'll ever be done is by the Scottish National Pipe band and their National Orchestra. It'll bring tears to your eyes.

- Jimmy Dean

Song, Singing, Tears, Scottish

Sausage is a great deal like life. You get out of it about what you put into it.

- Jimmy Dean

Deal, Like, Get, Great Deal

Love is an ice cream sundae, with all the marvelous coverings. Sex is the cherry on top.

- Jimmy Dean

Love, Cherry, Top, Marvelous

I used to help my granddaddy make sausage. He would mix it up in a cleaned-out washtub with his hands, no gloves. Man, if we did anything like that today, they would jack the jail up and throw us under it.

- Jimmy Dean

Hands, Sausage, Granddaddy, Gloves

When I was a kid, I used to think, 'Man, if I could ever afford all the ice cream I want to eat, that's as rich as I ever want to be.'

- Jimmy Dean

Think, Kid, Could, Ice Cream

Poverty was the greatest motivating factor in my life.

- Jimmy Dean

Motivational, My Life, Factor

I think the kids in school that laughed at the clothes that we wore and the house that we lived in, and then my mother had to cut hair... I think that was a good motivator. Every time they laughed at me, they just built a fire, and there was only one way to put it out - to try and show 'em I was as good as they were.

- Jimmy Dean

Show, I Think, Cut, Every Time

You know you're getting old when you go to more funerals than you do weddings.

- Jimmy Dean

Old, More, Getting, Funerals

I've seen so many people in this business that made a fortune. They get old and broke and can't make any money. I tell you something... no one's going to play a benefit for Jimmy Dean.

- Jimmy Dean

Play, Tell, Dean, Jimmy

I loved music since the Seth Ward Baptist Church outside of Plainview.

- Jimmy Dean

Music, Loved, Outside, Baptist

Being a Baptist won't keep you from sinning, but it'll sure as hell keep you from enjoying it.

- Jimmy Dean

Keep, Sure, Sinning, Baptist

Nobody, man or woman, has ever wrecked a good marriage.

- Jimmy Dean

Marriage, Woman, Ever, Good Marriage

I went further on less talent than anyone, but I was a damned good entertainer.

- Jimmy Dean

Talent, Entertainer, Anyone, Further

You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.

- Jimmy Dean

Lucky, Saint Patrick's Day, All Day

Do what you say you're going to do. And try to do it a little better than you said you would.

- Jimmy Dean

Better, Going, Would, Try

A lot of things I am, and a lot of things I am not. But I think I'm about as good an American as there is. I love this country. It's been very, very good to me. And it will be good to anybody if they are willing to give of themselves.

- Jimmy Dean

Love, Country, Very, Willing

God is bigger than people think.

- Jimmy Dean

God, Think, Than, Bigger

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