He Didn't Die With Patsy Cline: Jimmy Haney | GPB Documentaries

Jimmy Haney grew up at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains with one dream-to play at the Grand Ole Opry. He made it with the help of Country great Patsy Cline, but it almost cost him his life.
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[@JamesAllmond]

I am sorry to report that we lost this treasure this weekend. His grandson let me know this morning. (April 2, 2023) RIP Mr Haney. Your wife, bandmates and friends have been waiting a long time for you. Thanks for sharing your life with us and with me personally. Haney family please accept the Allmond family's condolences.

[@brendabooher6683]

God Bless Him. Patsy Cline saved his life by telling him to go be with his family. I am happy that he is singing in churches and nursing home now . He will be blessed.

[@Lorretta28]

I met Jimmy Haney in person and it was really cool to meet apart of history still living from the Pasty Cline era. Love From Georgia, USA!!!!

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Seeing his heartfelt emotion makes it "real". What a humble man.

[@tinytrexarms9321]

Im glad i stumbled across this. So sad and so sweet at the same time. Bless him and of course the sweet patsy for sending him home.

[@PRR5406]

THis is the real story behind the music and the loss. Thank you for this piece of history.

[@humboldtharry4248]

I usually listen to blues based music but I have always loved Patsy’s voice. She makes such a beautifully resonant sound and her command of phrasing rivals Sinatra. Would have loved to have seen her live in concert.

[@gloriarider9688]

*"Nobody could take away your WONDERFUL memories of the phenomenal iconic *"Patsy Cline"*- Jimmy!! *"GOD BLESS YOU!!"*

[@sherrytatman9036]

Wow, Brother Haney, a family friend! Along with my parents, I loved to hear you and your Daughter sing!

[@albertedward4837]

This guy penned the song “ green green grass of home “ Yet hardly gets a mention !

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

That song was written by Claude "Curly" Putnam Jr.

[@lindavarnadore2686]

GOD had his loving hand on you !!!!!

[@briancouture6033]

And not the others ?

[@bonniebrown6960]

Bless his heart . You know I watch a video just yesterday . It was a man that had actually went to the actual plane crash . He gave very descriptive details of what he found at the plane crash . I never knew some of the things he told . Then I started reading some of the comments . Someone said in Patsy Cline's autobiography book , it tells a story about there was a tower that was near by where the plane crash happened . Someone heard a woman's voice on the radio . She was saying...Randy....Randy...oh my God ....Randy , we are flying upside down .....Randy.....!!! That gave me the chills . Someone said that Hughes had had vertigo , but he didn't tell no one . He thought he was gaining altitude , but he wasn't . He was going in the opposite direction . That might explain why they crashed . Now , keep in mind this came from a comment , so I don't know how true that is . They said , if he had vertigo , then he shouldn't have been flying in the first place . Not to mention the bad weather . That's​ what​ I read . It's so sad and it breaks your heart . Not only did Patsy died but those other guys too . I feet so sorry for all of these families and their friends . What they must have had to gone through was horrible and heart breaking . I'm glad the gentleman life was spared , thanks to Pasty Cline . She will always be young and beautiful . She'll always live on in our hearts .

[@Ron-jd4th]

The passages you've quoted here, came from the 1st book I ever saw written about Patsy. It has been rereleased and retitled a time or two, but it's original title, I believe, was: "Sweet Dreams: The Patsy Cline Story" In the early to mid '90's, I purchased what was a 2nd Pressing of that book, which I believe was entitled, simply: "Patsy Cline." By: Ellis Nassaur. If I recall correctly, the part you quoted about Pastsy yelling to Randy Hughes, that they were "flying upside down," was a part of the story that the author, Mr. Nassour, wrote as conjecture, (meaning: Speculation as to what Patsy & a few of the others MAY HAVE uttered in the fusilage of that plane, in the final moments). In the "Preface" (or "Forward"), of that edition of the book I had, Mr. Nassaur stated, that for passages within that book, concerning anything that occurred, or was said inside the plane, between Dyersburg & the scene of the crash, near Camden; he would in fact, have to insert dialog based on speculation, in regards to the words & actions of Patsy, Randy, "Hawk," and Cowboy Copas; during those final moments, otherwise; it would leave holes in the story. In recalling how Mr. Nassaur wrote it, he never said that Patsy's voice had been heard by anyone, via the airplane's radio. In fact, it has been stated by Mr. Bill Brease, (owner of the Dyersburg airport), (in many articles, subsequent books, and video documentaries), that neither he, nor anyone else; ever heard any radio transmissions at all from Randy Hughes, except for a brief one, (I think), just after he "lifted off." Also, there seems to be a bit of confusion, concerning another part that you wrote. The author did not state, that Randy Hughes had the medical condition, known as "Vertigo." What the author actually said, was that it is speculated that Randy Hughes "contracted vertigo," and if I recall correctly, he went on to explain, that "Vertigo" as he meant it, is a condition that pilots who are not flight instrument rated, rather "fall into," especially when in very bad weather conditions, where they cannot visibly see the ground, nor the sky above them. Many have ended up rolling their airplanes upside down, without ever realizing it, and become unaware that they are no longer flying "right side up!" That situation in the flight industry, is known as: "Vertigo!" It could be that the medical condition called: "Vertigo" got it's name from that! I dunno. One last thing I wish to relate, is that according to all accounts I've read, Randy Hughes, unfortunately; was NOT an "Instrument Rated" pilot, (meaning he had not learned how to totally read and rely on all the gauges and such, in the cockpit, in order to navigate his airplane safely, if ever, he was to lose visual contact with the ground, (which tragically, he did, on the evening of that fatal crash), and therefore; he had no business attempting to fly that evening! But as was also stated in that book and others, (as well as in many documentaries); Randy was "road weary," and wanted to get home to his wife and family as quickly as possible, and stubbornly ignored suggestions that he SHOULD NOT attempt to fly the rest of the way from Dyersburg to Nashville, on that fateful evening! He even declined the offer of using one of the Dyersburg Airport cars, (a '61 Plymouth Station Wagon), to drive the remaining 90 miles or so, home to Nashville! So sad, when as many have commented here, Randy was warned, and options were offered, which if accepted; could have prevented this awful tragedy from happening at all!

[@katluann]

Ron 2745 I was like two when this crash happened so I would have no way of knowing Randy but he’s a arrogant ass as a lot of men are when offered options and it killed Patsy and the others when he knew he was not skilled enough to be in a storm but he attempted it anyway. I would never have gotten on a plane with him.

[@agirlwholovesjesus]

Ron 2745: Yes, an even more recent plane crash believed caused by Vertigo was JFK,Jr. He wasn't flight instrument trained, and shouldn't have been flying at night over water.

[@BajaBushPilots]

As a long time experienced instrument-rated commercial pilot. I do not believe these comments about vertigo. This is a clear case of a non-instrument rated pilot flying into IFR weather. Without the skills necessary to operate the aircraft in adverse conditions the pilot flew into the clouds and became disoriented because he no longer had a visual reference to the horizon. This caused him to lose control of the aircraft and his spatial disorientation resulted in the crash. In this kind of condition, one frequently experiences vertigo as the changing pressure differential in the ear canals produces a vertigo effect.

[@geenal360]

Ron 2745 Every interesting - thank you

[@beeallen-hine1421]

Who are the 14 that have this a thumbs down? Really? Wow

[@Col_MULLY]

The thumbs down could be for Patsy Dying

[@JamesAllmond]

Jimmy is 98 now, have known him for decades, from GEICO. Late at night, back when GEICO started the 24 hour foolishness, he and Mr Gray would sometimes put on a show. Mr Gray played fiddle unbelievably well, Mr Haney (I've never called him Jimmy) playing guitar and singing... had no idea what I was seeing back then. Wish we had recorded any of it, didn;'t even have the ability back then. He is not doing really well now, pray for him. Still sings and plays though... I go to church with one of his grand children, when he first walked in with his then girl friend, no one had to tell me who his grandfather was...and yes, he is a musician too, pretty much the entire family plays something. And it is a big family! One thing he failed to mention or was just ot covered here, he also put Loretta Lynn on TV for the 1st time...he had a TV show in DC back then... He was on his way to the big time, but put it down for family. Good man is an understatement.

[@paulsimmons5726]

This gentleman and Waylon Jennings were both lucky about getting bumped from a fatal flight.

[@MrOystein1977]

I thought of him too when i saw this...

[@davidmc1489]

My cousin died of diabetis on the same day as waylon...dont remember the date but it was a wednesday

[@charlaville7658]

My grandfather died in a fatal plane crash too. I had nightmares as a kid it would happen to me - then I nearly did. You know when you're going down. Thank God I'm here to tell the Tale...

[@libertyann439]

Wow! What a story!! His wife thought he'd died in the crash!

[@carolestrasburg5876]

That thought makes me want to cry knowing she was distraught and did not know her Jim was spared.

[@sandraoshea3237]

thank you for sharing your story. i love Patsy Cline. my heart filled with tears. bless you.

[@judyadams4071]

I've ALways Loved Patsy Cline.She was Really Something Special.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

this is a great sweet man.....why would anyone put a thumbs down? God Bless you Sir

[@ladylydia762]

GOD bless you. You are a Survivor.

[@dbutler9743]

Wow what a story-faith works in strange ways sometimes-I knew Waylon Jennings gave his seat to someone in holly's flight but this is even more amazing. His wife sitting on bed believing he was dead.

[@HondoSauce]

From Idaho. Thank you for this piece of history and God Bless.

[@carolestrasburg5876]

I am Soo glad this popped up on my feed. I have been a Patsy Cline Fan from the age of 3 as my mother played her albums regularly. I do recall reading about you Jim. You were the lucky one. This same thing happened to me but it was a car wreck that killed my best friend. Something inside me said to not go. I do not know if you believe in guardian angels but I do and I feel it was an intervention for both you and me.

[@kerryschlegel1317]

Praying that God would be with you in a very special way, dear Jimmy Haney! Amen!

[@eds1994fatboy]

And just to think....if the pilot of Patsys plane would have just stayed put........they would probably age into their 90s like this guy.........call it fate.....call it what you want.....it wasn't his time......Great story Jim

[@louiscaruso4167]

So true...and if only Mama Cass would have shared that ham sandwich with Karen Carpenter, maybe they would be alive today.

[@lisag18]

@@louiscaruso4167 Cass Elliott had a heart attack. Check the autopsy report. She was a hopeless drug addict

[@louiscaruso4167]

@@lisag18 At the time of her death, the autopsy report determined she died of a heart attack and there were no drugs found in her system, there was a ham sandwich at her night table....kindly check your facts before you call anyone a drug addict.

[@ronniebishop2496]

He just wasn’t good pitot and 90% of the crash’s are pilot era and everyone of the entertainers planes crashed that I know of because of it. Lynard Skynard ran out of gas, how stupid.

[@conniebarnes9274]

Wow. You're so very talented. I love your stories too. God Bless.

[@leighc2715]

God bless him!! What a man. And those rose tinted glasses are amazing!!

[@MrWoodMan23]

I believe with all of my heart that Patsy and her band went straight to our amazing Lord and Savior the moment that plane crashed.

[@jimmyonus5478]

They would only be with the Lord if they were saved.

[@jackieann6588]

Bless You’re Heart ❤️

[@QUEENofHEARTZ1973]

Thank You Sir, For sharing this heart felt story 🙏🏻✝️

[@proudbirther1998]

It's one thing if the Pilot wants to risk his life but when you are responsible for other lives you need to err on the side of caution. He was not rated to fly by instruments into conditions were all visual references are obscured. The worst part was he probably didn't tell the passengers that destination airport warned them not to fly or they may have opted to sit it out. Oh Well you can't undo what was done!

[@paulsimmons5726]

Sadly, you are 100% correct. Same thing with Buddy, Richie, and the Big Bopper.

[@aaaht3810]

I have to agree. I am not a pilot but know many. I believe that when it comes to flying there is no substitute for good judgement no matter what your experience.

[@edwardlopezlopez5289]

No

[@edwardlopezlopez5289]

On

[@sda9995]

What about Kobe then

[@geenal360]

Your wife saw a ghost! What a story! God bless.

[@shirleyharrison2580]

Amazing story. Loved it !

[@itsme2365]

God bless him.

[@WhispersFromTheDark]

Bless his heart. I would love to send him a letter and a card.

[@babsfocker7751]

I hold Randy hughes responsible for the 3 deaths. He messed up so many people's lives.

[@sexychick9541]

Good music by good people!!

[@awpianoboom]

Patsy would probably be alive today if she taking Dottie West up on her offer & rode back in the car with her & her husband Bill. Patsy was very anxious to get back home to her kids. Patsy thought it would be best if she flew back with her manager Randy Hughes, Hawkshaw Hawkins, & Cowboy Copas. Dottie told Patsy she said: Patsy I'm really going be worry about you flying in this kind of weather. Patsy said: Don't worry about me Hoss, When it's my time to go it's my time.

[@hanslodder6158]

May be thats an indication that her marriage was in bad weather...

[@hanslodder6158]

Maybe thats an indication that her marriage was in bad weather...

[@lyon406]

@Stephanie : two car crashes, some of the videos of her show drawn on eyebrows when her head went through the windshield and the other when she broke her arm and leg. There is a video of her leaning on a crutch singing.

[@joejohnston2035]

Yep, that's what Ronnie Van Zant said too...of Lynyrd Skynyrd 10/20/77

[@ronniebishop2496]

Priceless, information for us country music historians.

[@charlaville7658]

What a beautiful man - Bless his dear sweet heart - I wish I had've met him in my lifetime. One of my favourite songs to sing is "Walking After Midnight"...My grandfather died in a fatal plane crash too. I had nightmares as a kid it would happen to me - then it nearly did. You know when you're going down. Thank God I'm here to tell the tale...but you never, ever, ever go up in a single engined aircraft in bad weather :-( It was a Skyhawk Cessna that nearly took my life. We'd hit an air pocket & the engine cut out - then we dropped out of the sky. In the plane's defence & the pilot's - the engine kicked back in at the bottom of the air pocket before we hit the ground. It was a moment in my life that I will never forget.

[@collistiadove4515]

God Bless You

[@250txc]

What a story .. Stuff like this is what the internet was made for.

[@adrianotero7963]

Its like the story told by Walon that he missed out on the airplane ride that took Buddy Holly.....Valens and the Big Bopper.

[@leablev5250]

God bless you 🙏, and for those that gave a thumbs down, are cold hearted and should be ashamed of yourselves,

[@glenm5034]

Walking after midnight, what a song

[@carlcleary548]

I saw that show back in my day ❤

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

watching this again, love listening to this wonderful man's stories.

[@thomashulsey97]

Thank you Mr. Haney. Best wishes.

[@audrey_playzblox921oofnoob9]

It wasn’t his time. He realized that God and knew He had a plan for the rest of his life. Not doing what he was doing.

[@lindaallen7058]

BEAUTIFUL 😍

[@francesjones9265]

What a lovely gentleman sad but sweet

[@reidx512]

Jesus, her passing is still all over him, wow and what a special person she was.

[@carthagedye6291]

Am I missing something here? The books, news reports, and several folks involved have said that the plane was flying back from a concert in Kansas City, headed to Nashville that night. They stopped at 6 pm for fuel in Dyersburg, TN and were advised not to take off for Nashville because of bad weather. The plane crashed trying to make it to Nashville. Patsy Cline never had a concert scheduled in Camden, TN that night. The area had no airport in 1963. I'm having a hard time placing this gentleman's story into the situation.

[@BinkyTheElf1]

Carthage Dye - “to do a concert for a needy family” is what he says. Such charity events might be locally boosted, but not on the “official dates” concert list. Dunno, just guessing.

[@donaldewert2402]

I agree. They were doing a concert in Kansas City. The plane crashed near Camden, TN.

[@ranpo7857]

I wish I could find the songs he sung but they aren’t KZbin.

[@donaldewert2402]

The show Patsy and others were on was a show for a disc jockey who died in car crash. It was in Kansas City. The plane crashed near Camden,TN so some of his statements don't make sense. Dottie West begged Patsy to ride back with her & her husband in theire car. Like I said, the plane crashed near Camden there wasn't a show there!!

[@eleazararce5716]

It's not luck, it's God. When he calls us, we have to go to him. Bless Patsy and everyone involved in this tragedy!

[@ricksadler797]

God bless

[@MaryJohnson-bl8ej]

Wow how amazing most definitely wasn't your time God bless u

[@timnicholas6868]

I thought that Patsy was at the Dyersburg airport, near Camden, and on her way home from her last concert in Kansas City. This account is one that I have never heard -- of doing another show in someone's place.

[@Ron-jd4th]

Tim, I know what you mean. I think perhaps Mr. Haney's memory is a bit vague in spots. As he would've had to bid farewell to Patsy at Nashville. Because as we know, she, Hawkshaw Hawkins & Cowboy Copas; all flew out from Nashville together, to Kansas City, MO. with Randy; on Saturday, March 2nd, 1963; to what was to be their final performances. The trouble with that is, Mr. Haney makes it sound as though he drove all night, that same night; and arrived at his home in Virginia, at approximately 6:30 am, to hear the news from his wife, about the plane crash. This couldn't be right though, because, once they arrived at Kansas City, they stayed over at Hotel there, then I believe, played the concert, the next day; Sunday, March 3rd, 1963. They had intended to fly back home the next morning, Monday, March 4th, 1963, however; if all accounts I've heard and read about, are correct; the airport in Kansas City wouldn't allow any flight departures that day, as the rain, wind, and fog; was too severe! Due to that, Patsy & the guys had to lay - over in Kansas City, until Tuesday morning, March 5th, 1963, when they were able to take off sometime after having Breakfast, and then landing at Dyersburg, TN. later on that same day. They of course lifted off at Dyersburg sometime around 5:45 pm. CT; and the crash occurred @ about exactly 6:30 pm. CT. that evening, Tuesday, March 5th, 1963. So as I'm sure you can see, the only way his story could 'pan out' correctly, is if Mr. Haney stayed over in Nashville, or somewhere else; and didn't start for home until about 4:30 pm. or so, CT. on Tuesday, March 5th, and arrived at his home at approx. 6:30 am; on Wednesday morning, March 6th, 1963. Although; come to think of it, Mr. Haney would've had to have arrived at his home in VA; sometime later than 6:30 am ET; because the wreckage of the plane was not found until just before daybreak (ET), on March 6th, 1963;(which according to Google, Sunrise was at 6:20 am. that morning), and the official confirmation, and the first reports over the radio, we're not made until perhaps an hour or two, after that! So something isn't quite adding up here! It could be though, as I said earlier; maybe Mr. Haney DID stay over in Nashville for a few days more before heading home, (likely because of the Rain Storms & Fog), but with his present age and all, perhaps some of his memories are not entirely precise anymore. Bless his heart!

[@auerstadt06]

Yes, the show was in Kansas City. Camden is where the plane crashed.

[@billieford9683]

@@Ron-jd4th Sir, you did not listen to this gentleman. Mr. Haney had a concert to do in Camden but Patsy told him the she would go with her crew so that Mr. Haney could go home to his family. Unfortunately for her, but lucky for Mr. Haney the accident occurred and she died, otherwise this gentleman would be dead and that is why he said if it wasn’t for Patsy he would be dead.

[@floydbutler4241]

My mom was friends with patsy cline

[@Maxistavross]

Legend

[@lyon406]

Plus, she would have been singing "Blue"

[@Kpremo]

He realized that it wasn’t worth his life. Good call.

[@pumpupjam9648]

what got me was after the crash a couple of people went up there and stole material things off their bodies. someone stole Paty's watch and like he said years later these people or their kin (if they died) sold those things and made money off of the deceased. I find that disgusting. People like Jerry, can't find to many of them around in this wicked generation!

[@bobtrumpisongodssideandvic5156]

PATSY WAS QUIT A BEAUTIFULL WOMAN, THE GREATEST WOMAN SINGER OF THEM ALL. HOW DO I KNOW, JESUS PICKED HER FOR HEAVEN! GOD BLESS HER.

[@missigail93]

Poor Mr. Haney...!!! I Love 💕 when he calls Patsy, 'His Girl!!! " 💔💔💔💔💔 He has Survivor's Guilt!!!! So, basic.callyvPatsy saved his Life....!!!! 🤧😥😢😭😭😤😩😫😳😟😓 🛩️🌲🌳🌲🌳💥🔥🌲🌳🌲🛩️🛫💺🛬🌲🌳🌲💥🔥☮️✝️☮️✝️☮️✝️💟💟🇺🇸🦅🇺🇲 ⭐✨🌟💫☄️🌠

[@johnpierce2095]

same thing with buddy holly, to big a hurry to get somewhere and bad weather

[@cks57youto53]

Patsy had no idea by telling him they’d do the show that it would cost her an others lives . There’s no doubt that patsy saw within seconds that she was going to die ! The thoughts of what ran thru her mind was sheer horror ! Some say they feel her presence still at crash site ? Idk if spirits come back to visit but perhaps if they do it’s to comfort others that visit there ! I look at the many artists that died from plane crashes , and majority of the time I hear or read the peace others find there is without words to be a peace they can’t describe . You never know why people die so young yet we find peace wherw they did die ! Rip to Patsy and those that died with her may peace always be somewhere nearby !

[@suewalker3600]

@Rusty Shackelford Excuse me who's account is laughable???

[@suewalker3600]

@Rusty Shackelford sorry you got your drawers in a wad. however you made a public comment so that makes it my business and everyone else's .have a nice evening

[@suewalker3600]

@Rusty Shackelford BTW. You are the nasty one .not to mention childish. Grow Up. If you don't want people commenting on what you post.Maybe you should just think it and not post it on a public forum..once you do everyone owns it Dear.

[@flashy5150]

Isn't it just amazing how certain people try to do good for others and they themselves become the victim ? Why Jesus ?

[@michaelblocker3592]

OMG I know that house .wtf is going on

[@jessieblanton8871]

Patsy Cline could have faked her Death to get out of the life she had

[@michaelblocker3592]

It's me mutt

[@michaelblocker3592]

Fell out tree back yard broke hand

[@Pushyhog]

if they would of had a pilot, they would have not been in a plane crash. Poor girl had no management. He was a terrible pilot, he was not even instrument rated for the love of god sir. The plane didnt kill em.

[@kevykev38]

What is that all over his face?

[@hjkqwe7990]

mold??

[@Pfsif]

You'll find out if you live that long.

[@coryzachariasen8100]

Age spots....old people get them

[@neitajames6029]

Moles as you get older u will probably get them too but they can be removed my dad is 89. But he don't have any yet usually some people in their 70s and older get them.

[@moknives]

Jesus, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha