Tiny Tim, born Herbert Buckingham Khaury was a well-known American musician who captivated audiences with his unique voice and ukulele skills. Despite his unconventional style, Tiny Tim left a lasting mark on the music world.
He is best remembered for hits like Tiptoe Through the Tulips, a cover of the 1929 classic “Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Me” from the musical Gold Diggers of Broadway. But what set Tiny Tim apart from other artists was his far-reaching falsetto, which nobody could match.
Although Tiny Tim had a quirky personality, he was fully dedicated to performing and archiving vintage music from early 20th-century America. This made him a cherished figure in the history of American music.
Early Life
Tiny Tim was born on 12th April 1932, in New York City, and grew up in a multi-ethnic household. His mother, Tillie, was a garment worker of Polish-Jewish ethnicity, whereas his father, Butros Khaury was of Lebanese origin. Tiny Tim was raised in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighbourhood, where he developed his passion for music at an early age.
When Tiny Tim was five, he received an old wind-up gramophone from his father. By the time he was six, he started learning to play the guitar, all by himself. As a teenager, he collected old records, especially those from the early 1900s and 1930s.
In 1945, he had his appendix removed and listened to the radio during his recovery. Being an average student, he chose to drop out after his sophomore year and worked various odd jobs. During this time, he discovered his ability to sing in a high voice.
Career
In the 1950s, Tiny Tim performed under various stage names, including Dary Dover and Larry Love. However, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that he adopted the stage name Tiny Tim. His big break came in 1968 when he appeared on the popular TV variety show, Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In. With his long hair, falsetto voice, and ukulele-playing style, he managed to grab people’s attention.
He became even more famous after his hit song “Tiptoe Through the Tulips.” His debut album God Bless Tiny Tim turned out to be a commercial success, solidifying his position in the music industry.
Following his success, Tiny Tim appeared on major talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In addition to his performances, Tiny Tim was also a passionate musical archivist and spent hours collecting rare recordings, and sheet music from the early 20th century.
Personal Life
Tiny Tim’s personal life was as colourful as his music career. After his marriage with Miss Vicki ended in divorce, he married two more times. His second wife was Jan Alweiss and his third wife was Susan Marie Gardner.
Throughout his life, Tiny Tim faced numerous health issues, including heart problems. His final performance came in November 1996 during a ukulele festival in Minneapolis, where he collapsed on stage. He passed away from a heart attack at the age of 64.
Net Worth
Tiny Tim’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $30 million. While he had experienced great financial success in the 1960s, his earnings declined in later years. Much of his income was generated through album sales, TV show appearances, performances, and live shows.
