Births on January 1

Jimmy Hart, American wrestling manager and singer

James Ray Hart: The Multifaceted "Mouth of the South" of Professional Wrestling

James Ray Hart, widely known by his iconic moniker "The Mouth of the South," is an eminent American figure born on January 1, 1943, whose career spans the dynamic realms of music and professional wrestling. He is a celebrated professional wrestling manager, a shrewd executive, a talented composer, and a gifted musician. Currently, Hart maintains an esteemed relationship with WWE under a Legends deal, a testament to his enduring legacy and significant contributions to the sport. This prestigious agreement typically involves non-wrestling appearances, merchandising, and acknowledging his historical importance within the company, ensuring his iconic persona remains celebrated by fans worldwide.

The Unmistakable "Mouth of the South" Persona

Hart's indelible mark on professional wrestling was primarily forged during his highly successful tenures with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later rebranded as WWE, and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). It was during this period that he cemented his legendary nickname, "The Mouth of the South." This moniker perfectly encapsulated his distinctive persona: a loud, boisterous, and often megaphone-wielding manager known for his vibrant, often brightly colored jackets and incessant verbal interjections during his managed wrestlers' matches and interviews. His unique ability to cut captivating, high-energy promos made him a pivotal figure in turning many of his clients into top villains or compelling fan favorites.

A Legendary Managerial Career: Guiding Wrestling's Elite

As a professional wrestling manager, Jimmy Hart's role extended far beyond merely accompanying wrestlers to the ring. He served as a crucial mouthpiece, a strategic advisor, and often a distraction for his clients, playing a pivotal role in their character development and in-ring success. His extensive roster of managed talent reads like a who's who of wrestling legends, showcasing his versatility in handling diverse personalities and styles. Among the myriad of superstars he guided were:

• Hulk Hogan: Guiding Hogan during his impactful heel turn as the leader of the New World Order (nWo) in WCW.
• Bret Hart (no relation) and Jim Neidhart (The Hart Foundation): A formidable tag team he managed to WWF Tag Team Championship success.
• Greg "The Hammer" Valentine: An acclaimed Intercontinental Champion whom Hart managed.
• Jerry "The King" Lawler: A dominant force in Memphis wrestling, where Hart first rose to prominence.
• "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase: A wealthy and arrogant heel whose persona was amplified by Hart's managerial skills.
• Irwin R. Schyster (IRS): The taxman gimmick, made even more annoying with Hart at his side.
• The Mountie: A character known for his electric shock stick, with Hart often providing the taunts.
• Earthquake and Typhoon (The Natural Disasters): A powerful tag team that held the WWF Tag Team Championship under Hart's guidance.
• Dino Bravo: The "Canadian Strongman" who benefited from Hart's managerial prowess.
• The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags): A hardcore tag team that achieved great success, including multiple WCW and WWF Tag Team Championships, while managed by Hart.
• The Giant (later Big Show): A massive competitor whom Hart managed early in his WCW career.
• The Honky Tonk Man: The longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWF history, whose rock-and-roll persona was perfectly complemented by Hart, who also famously composed his iconic entrance theme.

Beyond his managerial duties, Hart even briefly stepped into the wrestling spotlight himself. He surprisingly held the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship in 1981, a rare feat for a non-wrestling manager in a significant regional territory. He won the title from The Dream Machine but his reign was short-lived, lasting only seven days before he lost it back, further cementing his reputation as an engaging personality capable of crossing various roles within the industry.

From Billboard Charts to Wrestling Arenas: A Unique Transition

Long before he ever donned a brightly colored jacket and picked up a megaphone in a wrestling arena, James Ray Hart was already a recognized entertainer. He was a prominent member of the popular 1960s rock band, The Gentrys. The band achieved significant mainstream success with their high-energy 1965 hit single, "Keep on Dancing." This catchy tune soared to the top five on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing Hart's early talent as a musician. This background in music not only highlights his innate performance ability but also explains his later success in composing memorable entrance themes for many of the wrestlers he managed, including his own signature tune and the iconic theme for The Honky Tonk Man. His transition from a rock-and-roll star to a wrestling icon underscores his exceptional versatility and enduring showmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Ray Hart

What is Jimmy Hart's full name and birthdate?

Jimmy Hart's full name is James Ray Hart, and he was born on January 1, 1943.

Why is Jimmy Hart known as "The Mouth of the South"?

He earned the nickname "The Mouth of the South" due to his loud, boisterous, and charismatic personality, often using a megaphone to deliver his signature high-energy promos and interfere on behalf of his managed wrestlers in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

What was Jimmy Hart's career before professional wrestling?

Before his professional wrestling career, Jimmy Hart was a musician. He was a member of the rock band The Gentrys, famous for their 1965 top five Billboard Hot 100 hit song, "Keep on Dancing."

Which famous wrestlers did Jimmy Hart manage?

Jimmy Hart managed an extensive list of wrestling legends including Hulk Hogan, The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart), Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Jerry "The King" Lawler, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Irwin R. Schyster, The Mountie, The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon), Dino Bravo, The Nasty Boys, The Giant, and The Honky Tonk Man, among many others.

Does Jimmy Hart still work with WWE?

Yes, Jimmy Hart is currently signed with WWE under a Legends deal, which typically involves non-wrestling appearances, merchandising, and recognizing his historical contributions to the company.