Singer/songwriter/comedian Jack Ripley of Mt. Morris, Michigan was born February 6, 1934 in Freeport, Ohio. His
first professional appearance was in Canton, Ohio. Jack appeared on the Grand Ole Opry August
22, 1977, where he was introduced by Little Jimmy
Dickens. Jack recorded for the Desiree label in Nashville, Tennessee. In the 1970s, he
appeared on television programs such as ”The Bill Anderson Show”; “Billy Walker Show”; “Del Reeves
Country Carnival”; “The Ozarkland Jamboree”; “Eddie Hill Show”; “Ralph Emery Show” and radio
programs with Judd Collins (WLAC) in Nashville.
Known as ”America’s Foremost Stuttering Comedian”, Jack lists Gene Watson, George Jones, Merle
Haggard and Sammy Kershaw as his favorites. He has the ability to impersonate such stars as Johnny
Cash, Edgar Buchanan, Jimmy Stewart, Waylon Jennings and others. Jack says ”I like to make people
laugh”.
Charted songs written by Jack are: ”She’s Mine” (George Jones); ”Son of a Saginaw Fisherman”
(Tex Ritter); “Gone Too Far” (Connie Smith); and ”Painted Girls and Wine” (Faron
Young).
Jack’s Songs have been recorded by Roy Rogers, Dick Curless, Lonzo and Oscar, Dottie Moore, Bobby
Helms and Kay Kemmer. These songs are included on Jack’s ”From the Pen of Jack Ripley”
cassette album.
Jack’s wife Judy is a ”story teller” and worked together with Jack. Both are born again Christians. Jack was in
music for 50 years. In 1975, he was inducted into the MICHIGAN COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF
FAME!. He is also an honorary Kentucky Colonel.
Jack passed away the evening of August 16th 2000 at his Mt. Morris Home.
Judy Ripley, 561 Morgan Dr., Mt. Morris, Mi. 48458