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Jimmy Hart
Jimmy Hart
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James Ray Hart (born January 1, 1944) is an American professional wrestling manager, executive, composer, and musician. He is signed to WWE in a Legends deal.[1] He is best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF; renamed WWE in 2002) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He once used the nickname "the Mouth of the South" (also given to Ted Turner). He was the AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion for 5 days in 1981.

Key Information

Hart has managed numerous prominent wrestlers, including Andy Kaufman, The Honky Tonk Man, Greg "the Hammer" Valentine, Jerry "the King" Lawler, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Irwin R. Schyster, The Mountie, The Natural Disasters, Dino Bravo, The Nasty Boys, The Giant, Hulk Hogan, and Hart Foundation members Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart.

Before becoming involved with professional wrestling, Hart was a member of the rock band the Gentrys. He also composed theme songs for multiple WWE wrestlers and released his own album, Outrageous Conduct, in 1985.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Music

[edit]
Hart, pictured on the left in the middle row, during his time in the Gentrys

Hart was a vocalist in The Gentrys, who found success with the release of "Keep on Dancing" in 1965, which sold over a million copies.[2] When Hart took over after the group's former leader left, they had a few minor hits, most notably "Why Should I Cry" and a cover of Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl", but they were never able to match the success of "Keep on Dancing". Hart and the band were successful in the Memphis area nightclub circuit. The group was under contract to Stax Records at the time of its bankruptcy, and Stax could not properly promote them.[3][additional citation(s) needed]

Memphis Wrestling (1978–1985)

[edit]
Hart receiving a Manager of the Year Award in 1984

Jimmy Hart was born in Jackson, Mississippi. He was brought into wrestling by Jerry "the King" Lawler, who knew of Hart because both had attended Memphis Treadwell High School. Having been asked to be a backup singer for Lawler, Hart later became his manager.

After splitting from Lawler, Hart created a stable known as the First Family to attack Lawler, which among others included Hulk Hogan, King Kong Bundy, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart, Ox Baker, Kamala, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, The Iron Sheik, and Kevin Sullivan.

In 1982, Hart earned national headlines doing a match with comedian and television star Andy Kaufman. Hart, Lawler, and Kaufman would continue this feud for over a year. Hart became known as "the Wimp", a nickname given to him by Lawler and chanted by fans, and was the subject of the song "Wimpbusters", which was sung by Lawler to the tune of "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. A music video was also made featuring Lawler, announcer Lance Russell, and wrestlers such as Randy Savage, Jimmy Valiant, Dutch Mantel, Tommy Rich, and Rufus R. Jones, along with footage of Lawler beating Hart and the First Family. In 1981 through 1984, Hart led Austin Idol, Masao Ito, and Gilbert to NWA/AWA International titles.

World Wrestling Federation (1985–1993)

[edit]
Hart during his time as manager of Greg "the Hammer" Valentine
Hart's jackets and megaphone at WrestleMania Axxess

In 1985, Hart's friend, Hillbilly Jim, recommended him to World Wrestling Federation (WWF) owner Vince McMahon, who hired him. He was nicknamed "the Mouth of the South" due to his loose-lipped style, often augmented by his trademark megaphone, which he used as a weapon, and to instruct and encourage his protégés to discourage and annoy opponents and announcers, especially Gorilla Monsoon. Hart's first acquisition in the WWF was Greg "the Hammer" Valentine, then the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion, whom Hart managed at WrestleMania I. After Valentine lost the Intercontinental Heavyweight Title to Tito Santana, Hart briefly co-managed the Dream Team (Valentine and Beefcake), until he was phased out and gave full control to "Luscious" Johnny Valiant. At WrestleMania, Hart also managed King Kong Bundy as he defeated S. D. Jones. Hart later traded Bundy's contract to Bobby "the Brain" Heenan for The Missing Link and Adrian Adonis. He helped the latter to establish his "Adorable Adrian" gimmick.

Hart also managed Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart. 1985 also marked the appearance of Bret "Hitman" Hart. Jimmy Hart teamed him up with Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart to form the Hart Foundation. On January 26, 1987, Hart guided the Hart Foundation to the WWF World Tag Team Championship, which they won from the British Bulldogs. Disgraced-referee-turned-wrestler Danny Davis was also managed by Jimmy Hart.

In 1985, Hart took the Funk Family under his wing. The Funks included Terry Funk and Hoss Funk, as well as their kayfabe brother Jimmy Jack Funk. Hart wrestled on house shows with the Funks. On July 12, 1986, Hart won a battle royal to receive $50,000 at Madison Square Garden. When The Honky Tonk Man turned heel, Hart became his manager. In this position, Hart was nicknamed "the Colonel" in reference to Colonel Tom Parker, the manager of Elvis Presley. With Hart in his corner, the Honky Tonk Man captured the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship from Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat on June 2, 1987, and held it until August 1988. During that time, the Honky Tonk Man feuded with Randy Savage and his manager Miss Elizabeth. "The Colonel" moniker stuck with him for years, even after the Honky Tonk Man departed the company in early 1991. At WrestleMania III, Hart was involved in three matches and took some bumps during the show. His first appearance was with "Adorable" Adrian Adonis, who fought Rowdy Roddy Piper. Then came the six-man tag match, pitting the Hart Foundation and Danny Davis against the Bulldogs and Tito Santana. Jimmy Hart's third appearance on the show was when the Honky Tonk Man fought Jake "the Snake" Roberts, who had rock legend Alice Cooper in his corner. Following that match, Hart was left alone in the ring, where Roberts and Cooper teamed up to terrorize him with Roberts' pet snake Damien. Also in 1987, Hart managed the WWF Women's Tag Team Champions The Glamour Girls. Martin and Kai mostly feuded with the Jumping Bomb Angels.

Hart was named Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Manager of the Year in 1987, an award he won again in 1994. At WrestleMania IV, Hart received a haircut from Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake, after interfering in the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship match between Beefcake and the Honky Tonk Man, helping Honky Tonk Man retain the title by getting disqualified.

When the Hart Foundation fired Hart as manager (and turned face) in 1988, Hart managed the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers to feud with his former team; the angle was that Hart still retained the managerial rights to his former team and gave a portion of it to the Rougeaus, giving them the right to appear at ringside whenever the Hart Foundation wrestled. At SummerSlam 1988, Hart accompanied Demolition and Mr. Fuji to help retain their WWF Tag Team title against the Hart Foundation. Ax used Hart's megaphone as a foreign object to strike Bret in the head and secure the victory. In 1989, Hart brought Dino Bravo into his stable after the departure of Frenchy Martin. Then, at a push-up contest between the Ultimate Warrior and Bravo, Hart and Bravo invited a large 460-pound man from the audience – later known as Earthquake – into the ring to sit on the contestants' backs. Earthquake had been planted in the audience by Hart and Bravo, and they eventually teamed up against the Warrior. In 1990, Hart groomed Earthquake to be the man to beat Hulk Hogan. Hart continued his war with his former tag team, the Hart Foundation. In 1990, he combined his protégés Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine into the short-lived team of Rhythm and Blues, though they had teamed previously as themselves when facing the Hart Foundation at WrestleMania V. In 1991, he managed The Nasty Boys to defeat the Hart Foundation for the WWF World Tag Team title at WrestleMania VII, this time using a motorbike helmet as a weapon.

When the Nasty Boys lost the title to the Legion of Doom at SummerSlam 1991, Hart sent The Natural Disasters, a team formed out of Earthquake and his former opponent Typhoon (formerly known as Tugboat), to depose the new champions. The Natural Disasters failed to take the title, which led to Hart forming a new team in early 1992: Money Inc., composed of Hart's protégé I.R.S. and "the Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. Money, Inc. defeated the L.O.D. Their title win led to the split between Hart and The Natural Disasters, who, as faces, feuded with Money Inc. and exchanged the tag team titles twice in 1992. Their biggest match came at WrestleMania VIII when Money Inc. retained their titles by leaving the ring and forcing a count-out. In 1991, Hart had also brought in The Mountie, who had a short reign as Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in early 1992 after defeating Bret Hart on January 17, then losing it just two days later to Rowdy Roddy Piper at the Royal Rumble. A few months earlier, The Mountie feuded with the Big Boss Man over who was the "law and order" in the WWF. Their feud culminated in a match at SummerSlam 1991 where the loser (in this case The Mountie) had to spend the night in a New York City jail. Late in 1992, Money Inc. regained the tag team titles from the Natural Disasters, leading to the Nasty Boys turning on their manager, as he had repeatedly substituted them for Money Inc. in title matches.

Hart broke with Money Inc. on the February 15, 1993 episode of WWF Raw and turned face when the team attacked Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake.[4] In the storyline, Hart, conscious of Beefcake's extensive facial injuries from a real-life parasailing accident three years prior, which required extensive reconstructive surgery to Beefcake's face and all but ended his full-time career, felt that his team went too far and tried to stop them. Hart even went so far as to cover an unconscious Beefcake with his own body to stop them from doing more harm,. Beefcake's long-time friend Hulk Hogan came out the following week and expressed gratitude to Hart for his uncharacteristically heroic actions, declaring Hart to now be his manager.[5] He managed both Beefcake and Hogan, who at WrestleMania IX lost to Money Inc by disqualification. Later in the show, Hart for the first time would be the manager of the WWF World Heavyweight Champion when Hogan accepted an impromptu challenge by Mr. Fuji, the manager of the new champion Yokozuna, who had just defeated Bret Hart for the belt. Hogan would defeat the 505 lb (229 kg) new champion in a short match. At King of the Ring, Hart was in Hogan's corner as he lost the WWF World Heavyweight Title back to Yokozuna. This appearance was Hart's last in the WWF, as he, Beefcake, and Hogan all departed the company.

World Championship Wrestling (1994–2001)

[edit]
Hart with Hulk Hogan in 1994

Following their departure from the WWF, Hogan and Hart briefly toured Mexico. After their return, Hart wrote music and occasionally appeared on Hogan's television show, Thunder in Paradise. Hogan then had Hart manage him when they went to World Championship Wrestling (WCW). At Bash at the Beach in 1994, Hart managed Hogan to win his first WCW World Heavyweight Championship by defeating "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

At Halloween Havoc in 1995, Hart turned on Hogan to help The Giant. Hart also became the manager of the evil faction, the Dungeon of Doom, created by Kevin Sullivan. During that era, he managed Ric Flair to a 12th world title victory over Macho Man Randy Savage at Starrcade '95: World Cup of Wrestling. After the demise of the Dungeon of Doom in July 1997, Hart was written off television for a few months, and then Hart returned in November 1997 to manage the Faces of Fear.

In 1998, Hart recreated First Family. After the demise of the First Family, Hart was placed in charge of booking TBS's WCW Saturday Night show prior to the program's cancellation. Hart wrestled on April 18, 1999, defeating Bubba the Love Sponge by disqualification at a house show. On November 15, he wrestled on WCW Monday Nitro, losing to Norman Smiley in a Hardcore match. At Spring Stampede 2000, Hart faced radio personality Mancow Muller. The two had a rematch later in the year at Mayhem 2000. In February 2001, Hart joined WCW's booking committee.

Independent circuit; Wrestlicious (2002–present)

[edit]
Hart posing with Lance Hoyt

After the sale of WCW to the then rival WWF, Hart and a close consortium of wrestlers and investors decided to create a wrestling organization called the Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF), which would replace WCW as well as take wrestling back to the early 1990s style of fun, family-oriented entertainment with minimal story lines and more solid wrestling.[citation needed] In 2002, Hart restarted his feud with Jerry Lawler by buying, for the XWF, part of the upstart Memphis Wrestling promotion. Hart would wrestle for Memphis Wrestling from 2003 to 2005. He lost to Jimmy Valiant in a Loser Eats Dog Food match on August 2, 2003. In 2007, Hart appeared at the PMG Clash of Legends. On November 7, 2008, Hart appeared at the Jerry "The King" Lawler 35th anniversary event. He also made a few appearances with Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE's developmental territory, as a color commentator in 2008. He made multiple appearances for WrestleMania Axxess during the week leading up to The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania.

In May 2006, Hart traveled to The Funking Conservatory, owned by Dory Funk Jr and Marti Funk, to shoot promos with the students. His most notable ones were with Studio Sar Ah, in which he discusses his move from World Wrestling Entertainment to TNA Wrestling, as well as Wrestlicious. Both promos can be found on the Studio Sar Ah fan page on Facebook and as well as YouTube. Hart continues to work at the school and shoot promos. On January 19, 2010, Hart announced that his all-female wrestling promotion Wrestlicious would be premiering on MavTV and BiteTV on March 1, 2010.[6] He wrestled at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla's Kurt RussellReunion II: The Reunioning in a battle royale won by Roddy Piper. On January 12, 2012, he wrestled at PWS WrestleReunion VI in a battle royale won by The Godfather. Hart currently appears at various professional wrestling conventions and autograph signings around the United States. He has appeared at many of the WrestleReunion shows, and also does various appearances as part of the VOC Nation wrestling radio program in Philadelphia on 1360 WNJC. Hart is a regular guest on the VOC Wrestling Nation radio program on WNJC.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2003–2011)

[edit]

In October 2003 Hart made his debut for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), hyping a match between Hulk Hogan and Jeff Jarrett, which was eventually scrapped as Hogan decided to return to WWE instead.[1] On June 19, 2005, at Slammiversary pay-per-view, The Naturals were assisted in a title defense against Team Canada by Hart, who ran to ringside and threw his megaphone to Chase Stevens, who hit Petey Williams with it and pinned him.[1] Hart acted as the manager of The Naturals until October 3, 2005. On February 14, 2010, at Against All Odds, Hart made his return to TNA as a heel by helping The Nasty Boys defeat Team 3D in a tag team match.[7] The alliance, however, was short-lived, as on March 29, 2010, news broke that the Nasty Boys had been released by TNA following an incident at a TNA function with Spike executives present.[8][9] Hart stayed with the company following the incident, but his role was unknown. Hart was seen on the January 20, 2011, edition of Impact!, when Kurt Angle yelled at him to play his entrance music upon entering the Impact! Zone.[10]

Return to WWE (2011–present)

[edit]
Hart, with his signature megaphone, in April 2014

On March 1, 2011, it was reported that Jimmy Hart had left Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and re-signed with WWE to work on WrestleMania-related projects.[11] Hart has since hosted various house shows. On August 14, 2011, Hart made an appearance at SummerSlam, teasing a managerial position with R-Truth during a backstage segment.[12] On April 10, 2012, Hart made an appearance on SmackDown: Blast from the Past, where he managed the team of Heath Slater and Tyson Kidd, but ended up getting the mandible claw from Mick Foley.

As of April 30, 2014, Hart was part-owner of "Hogan's Beach", a wrestling-themed tiki-bar in Tampa, Florida. As of April 2014, Hart was a regular cast member on the WWE Network original reality show Legends' House.

In April 2017, Hart purchased a beachfront property in Daytona Beach, Florida, and opened "Jimmy Hart's Hall of Fame Bar and Tiki Deck", a beach-themed bar.[citation needed]

On January 4, 2021, he made an appearance on the RAW Legends Night, where he was involved in a segment with Hulk Hogan, Drew McIntyre, and Sheamus.[citation needed]

On January 23, 2023, Hart appeared on WWE Raw is XXX, the 30th anniversary edition of Monday Night Raw, accompanying Hulk Hogan to open the show.[13] On January 6, 2025, Hart once again accompanied Hogan during the Raw debut on Netflix.[14] On May 24, 2025, he was shown alongside Bushwhacker Luke in the crowd during Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIX.[15]

On July 25, 2025, Hart made an appearance on SmackDown during the tribute to Hulk Hogan,[16] who he remained a very close friend to even in his final days.[17] He was also in attendance at the first ever Real American Freestyle event which was held on August 30, 2025.[18][19] Since Hulk Hogan's death, Hart has also continued to make stops to promote Hogan's Real American Beer brand products, including at the 7 Cuz Beer Store in Lebanon, Pennsylvania and Glenn Miller Beer & Soda in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania on December 15, 2025.[20] In January 2026, Family Brand Tradition referred to Hart as Real American Beer's "ambassador."[21]

Other media

[edit]

His book, The Mouth of the South, was released on November 18, 2004.[citation needed]

Music

[edit]

During his years in the professional wrestling business, Hart composed many theme songs for wrestlers in the WWF and WCW. Some of the wrestlers for whom he composed music were Honky Tonk Man, Jimmy Snuka, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, The Rockers, The Hart Foundation, Crush, the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, Dusty Rhodes, the Legion of Doom, the Nasty Boys, Ted DiBiase, the Mountie, Hulk Hogan, Sting, the nWo Wolfpac, 3 Count and Big Boss Man. He also composed the themes for SummerSlam '88 (which was later reused as the theme for many early Royal Rumble events) and WrestleMania VI (which was later used for the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth events).[22]

In the late 1980s, Hart released a music album titled Outrageous Conduct. The release consisted of comical songs done in character, such as "Barbra Streisand's Nose" and "Eat Your Heart Out Rick Springfield" (the latter of which would become Hart's solo theme song in WWE). In 1995, Hulk Hogan released the album "Hulk Rules, on Select Records."[23] Hart, as well as Hogan's wife, were a part of the band The Wrestling Boot Band and helped write and sing many of the album's songs.[23]

Television appearances

[edit]

In September 2007, Hart appeared on an episode of The People's Court as a witness for a defendant. Hart is a close friend of Hulk Hogan and is featured on many episodes of Hogan's VH1 reality series, Hogan Knows Best. Hart was also a judge on Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling. Hart also appears in hair restoration advertisements for Medical Hair Restoration, as a client. He also does a comedic women's wrestling show called Wrestlicious, which can be viewed at Wrestlicious.com. Hart appeared on the WWE Legends' House. Hart has appeared a few times in Hulk Hogan's TV show Thunder in Paradise. He also sang the intro music for the episode "Deadly Lessons, Pt. 1".[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Album:

Single:

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
James Ray "Jimmy" Hart (born January 1, 1944), better known by his ring name "The Mouth of the South," is an American manager, executive, composer, and musician currently signed to under a Legends contract. Hart first gained prominence in the 1960s as a teen vocalist and songwriter with the Memphis-based rock band , whose 1965 single "Keep On Dancing" peaked at number four on the chart. After the band's success waned, he transitioned into in the late 1970s through his friendship with wrestler Jerry "The King" Lawler, starting as a promoter and occasional in-ring performer in the Memphis territory before becoming a full-time manager. Throughout his four-decade career, Hart managed numerous high-profile wrestlers and tag teams across promotions like the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), including icons such as Hulk Hogan, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, The Honky Tonk Man, The Hart Foundation, and The Nasty Boys, often using his signature megaphone to hype crowds and interfere in matches. He notably guided The Honky Tonk Man to a record 15-month reign as WWF Intercontinental Champion from 1987 to 1988 and Hulk Hogan to the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in 1994, earning him Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Manager of the Year award in 1987. In addition to management, Hart composed entrance themes for wrestlers like Shawn Michaels ("Sexy Boy") and contributed to WWF and WCW storylines as an on-screen executive. His contributions were recognized with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, and he continues to make occasional appearances at WWE events and conventions.

Early life and background

Childhood and education

James Ray Hart, known professionally as Jimmy Hart, was born on January 1, 1944, in . He grew up in a musical household in , where his mother, Sadie Hart (writing under the pseudonym Sadie Sallas), was a songwriter who contributed to the industry by penning tracks such as "Enclosed, One Broken Heart" for country artist . This environment provided Hart with early exposure to the local music scene, fostering his initial interest in performance and entertainment from a young age. Hart attended Treadwell High School in Memphis, graduating in the early 1960s. It was during his time at Treadwell that he first connected with future collaborators, including wrestler , laying the groundwork for his later entry into and wrestling circles. While in high school, Hart's passion for deepened through informal opportunities, such as receiving an invitation from local musician Larry Raspberry to join an emerging band, which sparked his hands-on involvement in performances. These formative years in Memphis, influenced by his family's artistic background and the vibrant regional music culture, shaped Hart's trajectory toward a career in entertainment, eventually leading him to pursue opportunities in the music industry.

Early music career with

Jimmy Hart began his professional music career as a vocalist with , a rock band formed in 1963 at Treadwell High School in , by a group of classmates that included Hart, Larry Raspberry on guitar and lead vocals, Bruce Bowles on vocals, Bobby Fisher on and keyboards, Jimmy Johnson on , Pat Neal on bass, and Larry Wall on , with Larry Butler later joining on keyboards. The band built a strong local following through high school dances and won the 1964 Memphis Battle of the Bands, leading to a recording contract with Youngstown Records under producer ; their debut single "Sometimes" gained regional airplay, and soon picked it up for national distribution. Their major breakthrough arrived with the upbeat cover of "Keep on Dancing" in , which sold over a million copies and peaked at No. 4 on the , marking one of the era's notable hits. Buoyed by their success, The Gentrys toured nationally, opening for major acts like the Beach Boys and Sonny & Cher, and made television appearances on programs such as Hullabaloo, Where the Action Is, and Shindig!, while also featuring in the 1967 film It's a Bikini World. They followed "Keep on Dancing" with several singles on MGM, including "Spread It on Thick" in 1966, which reached No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Every Day I Have to Cry," peaking at No. 77 that same year, though subsequent releases failed to match their initial chart impact. The original incarnation of disbanded in 1970 amid waning commercial success. Hart briefly reformed the group that year with a new lineup but soon shifted to solo pursuits, performing in Memphis nightclubs and working as a local into the mid-1970s.

Professional wrestling career

Memphis Wrestling (1978–1985)

Jimmy Hart transitioned into in 1978, debuting as a manager in the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA), a Memphis-based promotion co-founded by and . Recruited by his longtime friend Lawler, Hart initially managed the popular babyface of Lawler and , using his background in music to deliver energetic promos that hyped their matches against regional heels. As Hart's role expanded, he became deeply involved in key storylines, managing wrestlers who feuded intensely with established stars like . Hart's clients, including Kevin Sullivan and the Dream Machine, frequently clashed with Mantel in heated bouts broadcast on local television, where Hart's interference often escalated the rivalries into chaotic brawls. Similarly, Hart guided teams against the high-flying duo (Tommy Rogers and ), contributing to multi-man matches that highlighted the promotion's division and drew strong crowds to the . In a surprising turn, Hart stepped into the ring himself on June 22, 1981, defeating to capture the in . This "dream match" victory, orchestrated as part of an ongoing angle, marked a rare in-ring accomplishment for Hart, though he held the title for only five days before losing it to on June 27, 1981, in Memphis. Lawler then regained the title from Donovan on July 4, 1981, in . The short reign underscored Hart's primary strength as a non-wrestling performer while amplifying his on-screen presence. By the early 1980s, Hart fully embraced a manager role, breaking from his initial alliances to form the known as The First Family, which included wrestlers like the Dream Machine and . This shift solidified his antagonistic character, as he schemed to undermine top babyfaces, particularly Lawler, through constant verbal taunts and ringside meddling. Hart's transformation laid the groundwork for his enduring "Mouth of the South" persona, characterized by relentless, high-pitched tirades that disrupted matches and engaged audiences, later amplified by his signature in national promotions.

World Wrestling Federation (1985–1993)

In 1985, Jimmy Hart joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) after being recommended to owner by wrestler , debuting as a manager at events leading up to . He quickly established himself by managing several prominent wrestlers, including Greg "The Hammer" Valentine during his Intercontinental Championship reign and in high-profile matches. Hart's bombastic style, amplified by his signature —a tool carried over from his Memphis wrestling days—made him a fixture on WWF television, where he hyped his clients with loud, energetic promos. One of Hart's earliest major alliances was with The Hart Foundation, consisting of and , whom he guided to the WWF Tag Team in by defeating at . He also managed , showcasing the powerhouse's strength in feats like a publicized push-up contest against , and contributed to storylines involving interference in matches against top babyfaces. Perhaps his most iconic partnership during this period was with , whom Hart billed as "Colonel Jimmy Hart" while steering him to a record-setting 454-day Intercontinental reign from to 1988, the longest in title history at the time. Under Hart's guidance, defended the belt against challengers like Jake "The Snake" Roberts and , often with Hart's distractions securing victories. Hart's managerial role extended to intense feuds against WWF's top star, , where he orchestrated attacks and interferences to undermine Hogan's championship pursuits, including during Bundy's main event challenge at 2. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he briefly managed other heels like and The Missing Link before aligning with —Earthquake and Typhoon—in 1991, leading them to the WWF Tag Team Championship by defeating The Nasty Boys at . This partnership dissolved amid tensions, paving the way for Hart to take on , the team of and IRS, whom he managed to multiple tag title wins, including a controversial victory over in 1992 after Hart's interference cost his former clients the belts. As WWF navigated the early 1990s steroid scandal, which led to increased scrutiny and roster changes, Hart experienced a brief face turn on the February 15, 1993, episode of Monday Night Raw, aligning with Hogan and Brutus Beefcake to feud against Money Inc. at WrestleMania IX. This shift highlighted his versatility but was short-lived; following Hogan's title loss at the King of the Ring event later that year, Hart departed WWF amid the company's ongoing controversies and internal shifts.

World Championship Wrestling (1994–2001)

Jimmy Hart debuted in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in June 1994, aligning with Hulk Hogan shortly after Hogan's arrival from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where the two had previously collaborated extensively. On July 17, 1994, at Bash at the Beach, Hart managed Hogan in his WCW debut match against Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, accompanying him to victory via pinfall after a leg drop, marking Hogan's first world title in the promotion. This partnership positioned Hart as a key face authority figure during WCW's early expansion efforts against WWF competition. In October 1995, Hart dramatically transitioned to a role by betraying at , interfering in Hogan's title defense against The Giant (Paul Wight) by attacking the referee, resulting in a disqualification loss for Hogan. The interference activated a pre-match contract stipulation drafted by Hart, stipulating that a Giant victory—regardless of method—would transfer the championship to him and install Hart as his manager. This betrayal integrated Hart into the , a monstrous faction led by Kevin Sullivan, where he managed a roster of intimidating performers including The Giant, Zodiac (), and . Under Hart's guidance, Flair captured the from at on December 27, 1995, in a career-defining 12th world title reign. As the Dungeon of Doom storyline waned by mid-1997, Hart shifted alignments, briefly managing talents like before WCW's intensifying New World Order (nWo) invasion narrative from 1996 to 1998. During this period, Hart contributed to on-screen segments amplifying Hollywood Hogan's persona as nWo leader, leveraging their shared history to heighten faction tensions and WCW's Monday Nitro-era chaos, though he remained outside the group itself. Later contract disputes arose in storylines, such as Luger's abrupt nWo defection that led to Hart's on-screen dismissal, mirroring real backstage negotiations amid WCW's turbulent management. By late 1999, Hart revived his signature First Family to capitalize on WCW's burgeoning hardcore division, enlisting wrestlers like Hugh Morrus, , and Jerry Flynn for tag team and multi-man bouts on and Nitro. The group emphasized chaotic brawls and promos, but internal conflicts and scripted contract loopholes culminated in on-screen firings and disbandment by early 2000, signaling the end of Hart's primary on-camera role as WCW declined toward its 2001 closure.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2003–2011)

Jimmy Hart made his debut in (TNA) in October 2003, appearing on weekly events to hype a proposed match between and . This angle stemmed from Jarrett's real-life attack on Hogan in earlier that year, positioning Hart as a key figure in building anticipation for the bout, which ultimately fell through when Hogan opted to return to . Hart's involvement drew on his prior WCW experience managing factions, allowing him to effectively promote Jarrett as the central antagonist in TNA's early storylines. During TNA's formative years from 2003 to 2004, Hart contributed significantly as a specialist, leveraging his extensive radio industry contacts to secure promotional spots for TNA talent across various markets. later described Hart's efforts as those of a "one-man machine," noting his frequent drives to Nashville and other areas to boost the promotion's visibility during its Orlando-based era. These contributions helped TNA establish a foothold amid competition from major promotions, though Hart's role remained sporadic and focused on promotional rather than full-time . Hart transitioned to more prominent on-screen appearances in 2005, serving as the manager for the The Naturals during their defenses. At on June 19, 2005, he guided The Naturals to a successful retention against Team Canada, using his signature to rally the team and interfere strategically. This stint highlighted Hart's enduring value as a manager, drawing from his history of leading stables to enhance mid-card rivalries. Hart's TNA tenure continued with intermittent returns, including a notable appearance at Against All Odds on February 14, 2010, where he managed The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) in a losing effort against Team 3D. This feud extended to TNA Impact episodes in February and March 2010, featuring tag team matches and tables stipulations that showcased Hart's provocative style to heat up the babyface Dudley Boyz (rebranded as Team 3D). By 2011, Hart's active involvement waned as he shifted focus to other independent and WWE Legends commitments, marking the end of his primary TNA association.

Independent circuit and WWE returns (2002–present)

Following his departure from major promotions, Jimmy Hart ventured into the independent wrestling scene, making sporadic appearances while leveraging his legendary status from earlier eras in WWF and WCW. In 2010, Hart served as a consultant and promoter for Wrestlicious, an all-female wrestling promotion that debuted with the event Wrestlicious Takedown, partnering with producer Johnny Cafarella to sign talent and hype the shows. Hart signed a WWE Legends contract in 2011, allowing him to make non-exclusive appearances for the company while pursuing other opportunities. Under this deal, he participated in key events, including the Hall of Fame ceremonies in 2012 and 2019, where he inducted during the latter. He also appeared at 30 in 2014, attending the main event alongside and engaging fans at WrestleMania Axxess. In recent years, Hart has balanced WWE Legend duties with engagements and personal milestones. On September 27, 2024, he was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame as the lead vocalist of , recognizing his pre-wrestling contributions to the city's music scene. He made a notable return on January 6, 2025, joining for a promo at the Monday Night Raw premiere in , though the appearance drew mixed crowd reactions. Following Hulk Hogan's death on July 24, 2025, Hart attended the tribute episode on July 25 in , where the show opened with a 10-bell salute and video package honoring Hogan's legacy; Hart, alongside other legends like and , participated in the on-air commemoration. Later that month, on August 30, 2025, Hart appeared at the debut event of Real American Freestyle Wrestling in , a promotion founded by Hogan, to help honor his late friend's vision during the show's tribute segment. Hart has continued active involvement on the independent circuit, including a debut appearance for Pro Wrestling Action's January Justice event on January 18, 2025, in , where he managed talent and hyped matches. He also promoted Mid-States Wrestling's show in , on June 21, 2025, and attended fan conventions like SlamFest 2025 in . In a June 2024 interview on WrestleRant Radio, Hart expressed enthusiasm for managing current stars, specifically voicing interest in handling and as a in the 2K24 video game, while noting he'd prefer guiding younger talents like in a real-world return.

Music contributions in wrestling

Composition of entrance themes

Jimmy Hart played a pivotal role in crafting entrance themes for professional wrestlers during his tenures with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and , often collaborating with songwriters like John James "Jim" Maguire (aka Hurricane JJ, aka Johnny Rocket) and Howard Helm to produce original rock and tracks tailored to performers' personas. By his own estimate, Hart composed entrance music for 23 wrestlers in the WWF and 101 in WCW, contributing to over 100 themes in total that became synonymous with key storylines and characters in the and . These compositions were typically developed in-house with the promotions' music production teams, where Hart would pitch ideas based on a wrestler's , refine and melodies in studio sessions, and ensure the tracks aligned with the high-energy atmosphere of live events. One of Hart's early and enduring WWF contributions was the theme for The Honky Tonk Man, "Cool, Cocky, Bad," released in 1987, which captured the wrestler's Elvis Presley-inspired persona with its upbeat flair and boastful lyrics. Co-written with John James "Jim" Maguire, the featured Hart's signature energetic production and became a staple during Honky Tonk Man's record-breaking Intercontinental Championship reign. Similarly, Hart co-composed "Hulkster in Heaven" in the mid-1990s for , a heartfelt rock ballad reflecting themes of heroism and legacy, later reissued and used in tributes around 2005 to evoke Hogan's enduring popularity, and again in 2025 following Hogan's on July 24. This track, performed by Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, highlighted Hart's ability to blend emotional depth with wrestling's bombastic style. In WCW, Hart's output expanded significantly, including the high-octane "Wolfpac Theme" for the nWo faction in 1998, co-written with Helm and featuring rapper , which incorporated heavy guitar riffs and aggressive beats to underscore the group's rebellious attitude. The theme's infectious chorus and sampling elements made it one of the era's most memorable, boosting the faction's cool-factor during WCW's Monday Nitro broadcasts. For Sting, Hart and Helm created an original rock instrumental theme in the late , adapting intense, atmospheric sounds reminiscent of ' "" to fit Sting's brooding persona without direct licensing, enhancing his mystique in WCW storylines. These WCW efforts often involved rapid production cycles, with Hart drawing from his pop-rock background to deliver tracks that could be remixed for television and events. Hart's compositions continue to generate royalties, with him receiving periodic checks from for enduring hits like those from his WWF catalog, though many WCW themes remain in legal limbo owned by , limiting their reuse and revenue potential. This ongoing income underscores the lasting commercial impact of his work, as select themes have been re-released on music albums and licensed for video games and merchandise.

Discography highlights

Jimmy Hart's solo musical debut came with the album Outrageous Conduct, released in 1985 on Rockin' Rasslin' Records. This rock album featured humorous, satirical tracks reflecting Hart's wrestling persona, including "Eat Your Heart Out, ," a playful jab at the pop singer, and "Hippo Hips," alongside others like "Barbra Streisand's Nose," "," "Juvenile Delinquents," "We Hate School," and "Handsome Jimmy." The lead single from Outrageous Conduct, "Eat Your Heart Out, ," was also issued separately as a vinyl single around the same time, capturing Hart's energetic, novelty style with lyrics mocking . In 1987, Hart contributed to the WWF's Piledriver: The Wrestling Album 2, performing the track "Crank It Up," a high-energy rock song that showcased his vocal and songwriting talents within the wrestling genre. Hart's involvement extended to Hulk Rules (1995), the sole album by Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, where he served as co-producer alongside John James "Jim" Maguire and co-wrote several tracks, including "Hulkster in Heaven" with Hogan, blending rock and rap elements for a wrestling-themed record that peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard children's charts. Following his primary wrestling career, Hart's music output shifted toward compilations and reissues of his entrance themes on WWE platforms. Notable releases include the 2011 singles "WWE: It's All About The Money (The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase)" and "WWE: Sexy Boy (Shawn Michaels)," both featured on WWE digital albums, and the 2013 single "Legends of Wrestling." These tracks, often collaborations with WWE artists, highlight his enduring legacy in wrestling soundtracks without new solo material up to 2025.

Other media and appearances

Television and film roles

Jimmy Hart has made several cameo appearances in television shows and films, often leveraging his distinctive wrestling persona as a loud, energetic manager to portray similar characters. These roles typically featured him as himself or in archetypal hype-man positions, drawing from his real-life bombastic style in professional wrestling. In 1994, Hart appeared on the popular action-drama series Baywatch in the episode "Western Exposure," playing a character named Jimmy who interacts with the lifeguards during a storyline involving a country singer's family search. He reprised a similar role in 1996 in the episode "Bash at the Beach," credited as Hulk Hogan's Coach, where his involvement tied into a beach-themed wrestling crossover event. These spots highlighted Hart's on-screen charisma and ability to ad-lib, as he later recalled improvising lines with stars like Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff during filming. That same year, Hart guest-starred in the adventure TV series , another Hulk Hogan-led production, portraying Jimmy in an episode that blended action and light-hearted antics. Additionally, Hart co-wrote the theme song for the series with his musical collaborator John James "Jim" Maguire (also known as Hurricane JJ or Johnny Rocket), who also secured a recurring role on the show. His emphasized his promotional flair, aligning with the show's episodic format of high-stakes rescues and celebrity crossovers. Hart's most notable film credit came in with the horror-comedy Monster Brawl, where he played himself as the for a fictional wrestling tournament pitting classic monsters against each other in a cursed graveyard. In this low-budget feature, Hart provided commentary and hype, contributing to the film's satirical take on wrestling tropes while appearing alongside actors like and . The movie received mixed reviews but showcased Hart's enduring appeal in genre entertainment. Beyond scripted roles, Hart has made guest appearances on wrestling-adjacent television programs, including segments on WCW's Saturday Night during the 1990s, where he served as a booker and on-air personality delivering promos and managing talent. More recently, in 2025, he appeared on WWE's SmackDown during a tribute to , marking a nostalgic TV cameo that reinforced his legacy in the industry. Additionally, Hart has featured in specials and content, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes clips from 2024–2025 events, extending his media presence into digital formats.

Books and interviews

Jimmy Hart authored his autobiography, The Mouth of the South: The Jimmy Hart Story, published in 2004 by , with a foreword by Jerry "The King" Lawler and an introduction by . The book provides a detailed account of Hart's transition from a successful music career with the 1960s The Gentrys—highlighted by their gold record for "Keep on Dancing"—to his entry into as a manager in Memphis. It covers key moments such as his involvement in Andy Kaufman's wrestling persona and his experiences managing iconic figures like and The First Family stable. Hart has also shared personal reflections through contributions to wrestling oral histories, offering insights into the industry's evolution during his decades-long involvement. In August 2024, Hart discussed his potential return to in an interview with ComicBook.com, revealing his desire to manage contemporary superstars including , the tag team , and , citing their charisma and in-ring prowess as ideal for his high-energy managerial style. A July 2025 interview with PEOPLE magazine featured Hart reflecting on his close friendship with Hulk Hogan, detailing the wrestler's sudden health decline that occurred overnight just before his death, emphasizing how Hogan appeared positive and engaged during a phone call the previous day. Hart has made notable podcast appearances, including episode 190 of Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard in December 2019, where he recounted his career highlights, from early Memphis wrestling to his WWF and WCW tenures, alongside host Bruce Prichard. These discussions, part of the podcast's ongoing series since 2017, allow Hart to provide firsthand anecdotes on managing legends like The Honky Tonk Man and the Nasty Boys.

Championships and legacy

Wrestling titles won

Although Jimmy Hart is best remembered as a prominent wrestling manager, he competed actively in the ring during the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly in the Memphis territory, where he secured his sole singles championship. On June 22, 1981, at a event in , Hart defeated to win the in a highly publicized "dream match." His reign was exceptionally short, lasting only five days before he intentionally laid down for a loss to —a member of his own stable, the First Family—on June 27, 1981. Donovan's subsequent reign lasted nine days before the title was vacated on July 6, 1981, due to the controversial circumstances. During his time in Memphis, Hart also participated in brief pursuits, including a notable partnership with amid a heated with Lawler, though these efforts did not yield any success. Following this period, Hart shifted focus to full-time , leveraging his charisma to guide numerous clients to their own victories without pursuing further personal in-ring accolades.

Awards and inductions

Jimmy Hart has received numerous accolades throughout his career, particularly recognizing his innovative management style and contributions to and music. He was named Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Manager of the Year in 1987 for his work guiding high-profile clients such as and during a pivotal era in the World Wrestling Federation. He earned the same honor again in 1994, reflecting his continued influence in alongside talents like . Additionally, the awarded him Manager of the Year in 1983 and Best on Interviews in 1984. In 2005, Hart was inducted into the as part of the class that included legends like and , honoring his role as "The Mouth of the South" in shaping memorable storylines and rivalries. He was later inducted into the World Class Wrestling Association Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2018, he entered the Hall of Fame. This induction underscored his legacy as a charismatic figure who elevated performers through his energetic promotions and strategic alliances. Hart's contributions to wrestling management were further acknowledged by the , which awarded him the Manager's Award in 2015 for his enduring impact on the industry, including his work with tag teams like and . His prominence is also evident in fan-driven recognitions; for instance, in an ESPN SportsNation poll ranking the best managers in pro wrestling history, Hart placed third overall with 796 votes, behind only and . More recently, in , Hart was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame as a member of , the 1960s pop group known for their hit "Keep on Dancing," celebrating his early musical roots that later influenced wrestling entrance themes. This honor highlights the intersection of his pre-wrestling career as a performer and his later achievements in .

References

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