One of the most successful duos in country music history is Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius. Helen Lorene Johnson was born December 6, 1941 in Monroe City, Missouri. We know her as Helen Cornelius. She's a singer, songwriter and actress, best known for a series of duets with Jim Ed Brown. Brown was born April 1, 1934 in Sparkman, Arkansas. He achieved fame in the 1950's with his two sister as a member if the Browns. Then had a successful solo career from 1965 to 1974.

Brown  had his greatest success in the 1970's when he regularly performed duets with Helen Cornelius. They had six top ten hits between 1976 and 1980, "I Don't Want To Have To Marry You," "If It Ain't Love By Now," "If The World Ran Out of Love Tonight," "Fools" and more. In five years together singing country music duets, Brown and Cornelius emerged as one of Nashville's hottest acts.

Helen grew up a Southern Baptist, married when she was 18 and had three children by age 21. Brown currently hosts two nationally syndicated country shows. Brown remains a member of the Grand Ole Opry and occasionally reunites with Helen on stage.

Join me Sunday June 16th when I play some great duets by Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius, that will bring back some great memories.  It's the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight at 11 a.m.  We get started at 9 a.m. with the Country Classic Show 98.1 FM 98 Country.

More From 98.1 Minnesota's New Country