Jimmy Hart, a renowned American professional wrestling manager, booker, composer, and promoter from Memphis, Tennessee, has had a storied career spanning over four decades. He initially gained fame as a member of the 1960s band The Gentrys, whose hit single "Keep On Dancing" remains a classic.
In 1974, Hart entered the world of professional wrestling after being introduced to the business by Jerry Lawler, a top star in Memphis. He quickly rose to prominence as a top heel manager, leading a stable known as the First Family, which boasted an ever-changing roster of talented wrestlers, including Kevin Sullivan, Randy Savage, the Iron Sheik, Kamala, King Kong Bundy, Rick Rude, Eddie Gilbert, Jim Neidhart, and many others.
In 1985, Hart made the transition to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF),now known as WWE, where he managed a diverse array of wrestlers, including Greg Valentine, Bundy, the Hart Foundation, the Honky Tonk Man, and numerous others. During this period, Hart turned face in 1993 after Ted DiBiase's ill-fated attempt to strike Brutus Beefcake with a briefcase.
In 1994, Hart followed Hulk Hogan to World Championship Wrestling (WCW),where he initially maintained a face persona. However, he turned heel in 1995, siding with Kevin Sullivan's stable, the Dungeon of Doom, and played a significant role in the group's collapse in 1997.
Hart continued to manage various wrestlers, including the Faces of Fear and Hugh Morrus, until the group disbanded. He later reunited the Faces of Fear and Morrus, only to have Meng, a member of the group, turn on Hart. Hart then formed a new group, which included Brian Knobbs and Jerry Flynn, before drifting between various promotions.
In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Hart has also worked behind the scenes, writing theme songs for wrestlers and serving as a promoter. After WCW's demise, Hart joined forces with Hogan to form the XWF, a short-lived promotion. He has since worked for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and numerous other promotions.
Throughout his illustrious career, Hart has achieved numerous accolades, including becoming a one-time Southern Heavyweight Champion, winning the "Manager of the Year" Award in 1983, and the "Best on Interviews" Award in 1984, as recognized by Dave Meltzer's "The Wrestling Observer Newsletter." He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and published his autobiography, "The Mouth of the South: The Jimmy Hart Story," in 2004.
