Fred Imus
January 11, 1942 – August 6, 2011
Fred Imus was a songwriter, radio personality, younger brother, and frequent guest of controversial radio talk giant, Don Imus. In 1962, the Imus brothers co-wrote and recorded “I’m a Hot Rodder (and All That Jazz)” under the name Jay Jay Imus and Freddy Ford. Years later, while working on the railroad during the mid ’70s, the younger Imus and friend, Phil Sweet co-wrote “I Don’t Want To Have To Marry You” which shot to #1 on the country music charts as recorded by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. The tune was ultimately named Song of the Year by Music City News. During the ’90s, Imus began restoring vintage cars at his Auto Body Express which eventually became extremely successful for its branded clothing and food products thanks to publicity from his brother’s radio show. The shop, along with a second gift shop in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, closed in 2003. In recent years, Imus could be heard on his weekly Americana music program, Trailer Park Bash, which aired on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel. The program was literally broadcast from his trailer in the Arizona desert. On August 6, 2011, Fred Imus was found dead in his bed when he failed to report to the studio for his radio program. He reportedly died in his sleep at the age of 69.