May 9

Johnny Gimble’s 3-year Death Anniversary and Western Swing

death anniversary western swing Johnny gimble

John Paul Gimble or better known as Johnny Gimble by many is an award-winning fiddler. He passed away 3 years ago on May 9, 2015, it was a huge loss since he was a very talented musician. However, his musical influence will always be remembered by many. Today, we remember him and his music that he shared with the world.

Johnny Gimble Beginnings

Born on May 30, 1926, Gimble began his passion for music at the age of 12. He started playing music with his brothers, calling themselves Rose City Swingsters. His first recording was after his service in the US Army during the World War II with Robert Bro.

Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys

Gimble joined Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, in 1949. He played a five-string fiddle and electric mandolin. He learned to hone his talent with the use of the fiddle from his bandmates the Texas Playboys. Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys were one of the pioneers of the western swing. Gimble left the band, however, returned in 1953.

His first solo album was Fiddlin’ Around . He also performed in shows with Marty Robbins, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty and Lefty Frizzell. He also formed a swing group with Ray Price.

Preserving Western Swing

Gimble wants the new generations to always preserve the beauty of the western swing music. Therefore he and his son Dick Gimble, a music professor, opened a fiddle camp. They teach the new generation to play the fiddle, develop their talent and preserve the art of western swing.


On May 9, 2015, Johnny Gimble died due to stroke. Although he has other episodes of stroke in the past, he still continued to play music.

Aside from his music that gave birth to another genre of country music, Gimble also had other accomplishments like winning two Grammy Awards and Best Country Instrumental Performance. Furthermore, he also won numerous times for Best Fiddle Player from the Academy of Country Music.

Gimble has been gone for two years but his influence on the world of the western country swing will always be remembered and passed down to the younger generations because it is worth preserving.



Death Anniversary, johnny gimble, Western swing


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