20 Facts About Jerry Clower

Howard Gerald "Jerry" Clower was an American stand-up comedian.

Jerry Clower was born in Liberty, Mississippi and began a two-year stint in the Navy after graduating from high school in 1944.

Jerry Clower studied agriculture at Mississippi State University, where he played college football and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.

Jerry Clower became a fertilizer salesman for Mississippi Chemical in 1954.

Tapes of Jerry Clower's speaking engagements wound up in the hands of Edwin "Big Ed" Wilkes and Bud Andrews in Lubbock, Texas, who had him make a better-quality recording which they promoted.

At first, Jerry Clower took orders at his speaking engagements, selling 8000 copies on the Lemon record label.

Rowland contacted Jerry Clower and offered him an airplane ticket and a few hundred dollars to come open for an upcoming tour Rowland had booked with Charley Pride.

Jerry Clower arrived back-stage for the Saturday night show at the Jacksonville Coliseum, but Pride's manager Jack Johnson refused to allow it because Jerry Clower was non-union.

Jerry Clower was a frequent face at Rowland's radio stations over the remaining years of his life, and the music was known to be interrupted with Jerry Clower's comedy recordings from time to time, especially at WQIK in Jacksonville, where his career can be said to have been launched in earnest.

Jerry Clower made 27 full-length recordings in his 27-year career as a professional entertainer.

The exception was Ain't God Good, which Jerry Clower recorded with MCA's blessing at a worship service.

Jerry Clower was well known for his faith and often makes references to God in his stories.

Jerry Clower said his faith kept him happy and able to make others laugh.

In 1973, Jerry Clower became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and continued to perform there regularly until his death.

Jerry Clower co-hosted a radio show called Country Crossroads with Bill Mack and Leroy Van Dyke, which has aired in syndication for 40 years and a television version of the program was produced, as well, starting in 1993.

Jerry Clower's involvement began in 1973 and lasted well over 20 years.

Jerry Clower taped segments of Nashville On the Road, which included comedic performances and interviews with other country artists featured on the show.

Jerry Clower died in August 1998 following heart bypass surgery; he was 71 years old.

Jerry Clower had been married to Homerline Clower since August 1947.

Jerry Clower had a son, Ray, and three daughters.