Tiny Tim, born Herbert Butros Khury, is an American musician and performer known for his high falsetto voice, eccentric personality, and ukulele playing Famous for old school songs.
He rose to fame in the late 1960s with “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” on his debut album, God Bless Tiny Tim.
The novelty hit and his appearances on shows like Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In cemented his status as a unique figure in pop culture.
Tiny Tim’s unusual style and his deep appreciation for early 20th century music make him an unforgettable and unconventional entertainer.
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- Full name: Herbert Boutros Cowrie
- Nickname: Tiny Tim
- Date of birth: April 12, 1932
- Age: 92 years old
- Gender: Male
- Birthplace: United States, New York City, Manhattan
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: Singer, ukulele player, music archivist
- Height: 183 cm (6 ft)
- Parents: Butros Hanna Khury (father), Tillie Staff (mother)
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Miss Vicki (Victoria Budinger, married in 1969, divorced), Jan Alweiss (married in 1984, divorced), Susan Marie Gardner (married in 1995)
- Children: Tulip Victoria Cowrie
- Relationship status: Deceased
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: Lebanese-American (father) and Polish-Jewish (mother)
- Net worth: $250,000
early life and education
Herbert Butros Khury, later known as Tiny Tim, was born on April 12, 1932, in Manhattan, New York City.
He grew up in Washington Heights, the son of a Lebanese textile worker and Maronite Christian father and a Polish Jewish immigrant and garment worker mother.
Little Tim was introduced to music at an early age, when his father gave him a gramophone and a record of Henry Burr’s “Beautiful Ohio.” At the age of six, he began experimenting with guitar and violin, and became adept at the ukulele.
Tiny Tim, who would now be 92 if he were alive in 2024, left high school after struggling academically.
His formative years were marked by a deep fascination with early 20th century music, which he explored through extensive research at the New York Public Library. This passion for preserving musical history defined much of his artistic career.
personal life
Tiny Tim’s personal life has attracted as much attention as his career. His 1969 wedding to Miss Vicky was broadcast live on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and watched by millions, making it one of the most watched events in television history.
The couple had a daughter, Tulip Victoria, but their marriage ended in divorce after eight years. Tim Jr. later married Jan Alweiss in 1984, but this marriage also ended in divorce.
His third and final marriage was to Susan Marie Gardner in 1995, with whom he remained together until his death.
Profession
Tiny Tim began his musical journey performing at amateur nights in New York City under various stage names.
In 1959, at the suggestion of his manager, he adopted the nickname “Tiny Tim.” His breakthrough came in the late 1960s when he appeared on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In show, where his unusual voice and ukulele playing attracted widespread attention.
His debut album, God Bless Tiny Tim, was released in 1968. It featured his hit single “Tiptoe Through the Tulips,” which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard charts.
The success of this album was followed by several others, including Tiny Tim’s second album, For All My Little Friends, which earned him a 1970 Grammy nomination.
Throughout his career, Tiny Tim performed in a variety of venues, from intimate clubs to major festivals, and collaborated with such notables as Martin Sharp.
His unique style and dedication to retro music remained his trademark until his final days.
Awards
- “For All My Little Friends” was nominated for a Grammy Award (1970)
- Guinness World Records for longest non-stop professional singing marathon (1979)
net worth
At the time of Tiny Tim’s death in 1996, his net worth was estimated at $250,000.
His income comes primarily from album sales, live performances, and television appearances.
Although his earnings fluctuated widely throughout his career, he maintained a loyal fan base and continued to perform into his later years.
die
Tiny Tim died of a heart attack on November 30, 1996 at the age of 64 during a performance in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He died doing what he loved – entertaining audiences with his music.
social media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: N/A
film chronology
- You Are What You Eat (1968)
- Ordinary Love(1963)
discography
- God Bless Tiny Tim (1968)
- Tiny Tim’s second album (1969)
- To All My Children(1969)
