Jimmy Hart at Squared Circle Expo IV

How does Jimmy Hart do it? "The Mouth of the South" never seems to age nor does he lose energy. 

Hart turned 80 on January 1. Look at him in the picture (okay, he was "only" 78 in that pic). That was after a few hours or a meet-and-greet at Blizzard Brawl. I think Hart signed more autographs than anyone. I am pretty sure he was out there longer than anyone.

Hart had success in the 60s with The Gentrys music band. From there he crossed over into wrestling. He worked with so many legends, like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Bret Hart and of course, Jerry Lawler and Andy Kaufman during that famous angle.

If you have any doubt about his energy or youthful looks, come to Squared Circle Expo IV March 29-30 in Indianapolis. Hart is one of about 70 legends and current wrestling stars attending. Hart will be there, with iconic megaphone in hand, ready to meet the thousands of fans in attendance. 

SCX is a fantastic two day event, full of meet-and-greets, panels, Q&A's, photo ops, a full wrestling card and much more. I have gone every year and it keeps getting better, which seems as impossible as Hart being so youthful. Again, if you don't trust my word, come to SCX IVC and see all of it.

Go to SquaredCircleX.com for more info. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Jimmy Hart and me in Waukesha WI-December 2022.

Friend Encounters: Jimmy Hart and Charlie Kruel

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

While helping spread the word about Girl Fight Wrestling, I had the pleasure of interviewing wrestler Charlie Kruel. I had heard of Charlie prior to the interview and liked what I saw from her, but I didn't know a lot. Actually, as only a three year or so veteran of the ring, there isn't a ton to learn yet, but there will be.

The purple haired maniac is talented in the ring, on the mic and with fans. Along with her best friend (or best mask) Masuku, Charlie is winning over fans big time. Whether wrestling as a fan favorite or a heel, Charlie is getting thunderous cheers.

As I learned in our interview, Charlie's wrestling heroes are AJ Lee, Jeff Hardy and Jon Moxley, but in 2016, she was very happy to meet the legendary wrestling manager Jimmy "The Mouth of the South" Hart. Charlie met Hart at Indy Pop Con and was "beyond happy" because he was so nice. I have not met Charlie in person, although many of my friends have (like Troy Babbs!), but I am sure her legion of fans feel the same way about meeting her.

Charlie is definitely on my radar for upcoming wrestling shows. I hope a Chicago area promoter brings in Charlie. I'll be there and hope to get an update interview if it happens.

Check out our interview at On the Beat With Charlie Kruel. You can also learn more about Charlie at On the Beat With Charlie Kruel on Global Women's Sports Radio.

Also, go to Girl Fight Wrestling on Facebook to get more info and updates on this fun night.

Jimmy Hart and Charlie Kruel in Indianapolis, IN-June 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Jimmy Hart and Jim Strong

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

I've known Jim Strong for many years.  In one of our first encounters, he saved me by taking a few pictures of me with a couple celebrities, after my camera crapped out.  Jim doesn't even remember that, which goes to show you how nice the guy is.  He doesn't keep track of stuff like that.  He just helps out when he can.

Since then, I have hung out with Jim at several wrestling events or other celebrity appearances.  He is one of the most positive people I know.

Recently, he has undergone a transformation on several levels.  He joined ItWorks and losy aboit 40 pounds in a few months.  He genuinely want to help others lose weight and feel better.  You can check out his progress and get updates at Wrap It With Strong on Facebook.

On a recent trip to Florida for an It Works conference, Jim had some free time and visited Hulk Hogan's Beach Shop in Clearwater.  It was Jim's lucky day, too.  He met "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart.  The longtime wrestling personality never seems to age.

Music fans might now Hart as the lead singer of The Gentrys on their hit song "Keep On Dancing."  Hart has had a long, successful and quite varied career.

Hart and Strong kind of sounds like a good tag team name.  They might be a bit too old to get in the ring, but they are both great guys either way.

Jimmy Hart and Jim Strong in Clearwater Beach, FL-February 2017.

The Mouth of the South Jimmy Hart

Even a casual wrestling fan of the 1980's would recognize Jimmy Hart.  I first saw him as an annoying manager of several "heel" tag teams.  In that pre-internet era, behind the scenes stuff was unseen in the world of wrestling.
I had no idea Hart was an excellent musician.  In fact, he wrote many of the theme songs used by wrestlers back then.  Even more impressive, he was in the Gentrys, a band from the 1960's.  Their big hit was "Keep On Dancing" (although Hart was not the lead singer on it).
Hart has been a tireless and creative force in wrestling for decades.  He is also one of the nicest people around.  I have seen him pose for pictures and sign autographs long after his scheduled sessions were to end.  I have talked to him several times about a multitude of subjects and he always gives full attention during each chat.  The guy must have an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.

Jimmy Hart and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

The Mouth of the South

Back in the 60's, Jimmy Hart was a member of the Gentrys, who had one big hit with "Keep On Dancin". This song originally clocked in at just over 1 minute, which was viewed as too short for a hit. A fade, a drum roll and a repeat of the song was added and it became amillion seller, climbing to #4 on the charts.
After the group disbanded, Hart tried to reform the Gentrys with himself as lead singer. This incarnation had a few minor singles, but Hart's real success started when he did some backup singing for Jerry 'the King' Lawler, a professional wrestler.
Once Hart got involved in wrestling, his career blossomed. Hart has done it all in wrestling, including writing hundreds of the entrance themes of the wrestlers. Hart is known for his colorful jackets as well as his megaphone. He is also known as one of the most brilliant and dedicated wrestling personalities.
Hart appeared in Lerner Newspapers' NIE ad series. Upon meeting him for the first time in Tampa (FL) in 2005, I introduced myself, mentioning the NIE ad. Hart grabbed the attention of several wrestlers near us and recited his quote. Then he thanked me for letting him be a part it.
I have met him several times since and he alwways remembers me. This is just the kind of guy he is. At many signing appearances, I have seen him tirelessly pose and sign stuff well beyond his announced time slot. Hart never seems to stop until every last fan is satisfied. He is a credit to wrestling.

Jimmy Hart and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2006.