Jimmy Dean Inspirational Quotes, born Jimmy Ray Dean on August 10, 1928, in Olton, Texas, and passed away on June 13, 2010, was an American country music singer, actor, television host, and entrepreneur whose warm voice and relatable wisdom made him a cultural icon. Known for his chart-topping hit “Big Bad John” (1961) and founding the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company, he also hosted The Jimmy Dean Show (1963–1966). Rising from poverty, Dean’s resilience, faith, and work ethic inspired millions. These 15 inspirational quotes—sourced from his autobiography Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham (2006), interviews, and public statements—reflect his uplifting insights on perseverance, authenticity, faith, and success, showcasing his motivational spirit and Texas-bred optimism.
15 Jimmy Dean Inspirational Quotes
- “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” (Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham, 2006)
- “Do what you say you’re going to do. And try to do it a little better than you said you would.” (Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham, 2006)
- “Poverty was the greatest motivating factor in my life.” (Interview, Guideposts, 1970)
- “You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Be yourself. Because if people don’t like you as you are, they’re not going to like you as somebody you’re trying to be.” (Interview, Esquire, 2010)
- “God is bigger than people think.” (Interview, The Christian Science Monitor, 1980)
- “I think the kids in school that laughed at the clothes that we wore and the house that we lived in, and then my mother had to cut hair… I think that was a good motivator.” (Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham, 2006)
- “You can do anything you want to do if you want it bad enough.” (Interview, The Tennessean, 1975)
- “Keep your word. That’s the most important thing in life.” (Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham, 2006)
- “Hard work and faith will take you further than you ever thought possible.” (Interview, People, 1985)
- “Every day’s a new chance to make something of yourself—don’t waste it.” (Interview, Country Music Magazine, 1985)
- “I went further on less talent than anyone, but I was a damned good entertainer.” (Interview, Billboard, 1990)
- “If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else is gonna believe in you either.” (Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham, 2006)
- “Life’s tough sometimes, but it’s the tough times that make you appreciate the good ones.” (Interview, Guideposts, 1970)
- “A lot of things I am, and a lot of things I am not. But I think I’m about as good an American as there is. I love this country.” (Interview, The Tennessean, 1975)
Jimmy Dean’s inspirational quotes are a powerful blend of grit, faith, and practical wisdom, motivating fans to stay true, work hard, and seize life’s opportunities. Which one’s got you fired up to chase your dreams? Drop it in the comments and keep his country legacy rollin’!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
