Biography

Outside of country fandom, Whitman is, arguably, best known for Tim Burton's use of a song of his in the 1996 sci-fi parody, Mars Attacks! (1996). Whitman's voice is discovered to be the secret weapon against the little green men.

Dapper, mustachioed country singer whose career has spanned almost six decades. Known for his phenomenal high notes and yodeling ability.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1709 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.

In the United States, by the 1970s, he had become almost forgotten. In 1979 the release of the album "All My Best," a collection of his old recordings, through direct mail sales backed up by a saturation television campaign turned him into an "overnight sensation." The campaign resulted in album sales of approximately 1.5 million copies and an explosion in his popularity. He became in high demand for personal appearances. The television promo became a popular target for parodies. Taking it all in good humor, he would serve as a judge for "Slim Whitman look-a-like" contests. Additional albums would follow. Tim Burton would pay tribute to Whitman in his film "Mars Attacks!" (1996) by having his yodeling from "Indian Love Call" saving the Earth by causing the Martian's heads to explode. Other performers, ranging from Boxcar Willie to Gheorghe Zamfir ("Zamfir: Master of the Pan Flute") would use the same sales tactics.

Recorded "Mockin' Bird Hill (Auf der Alm in Tirol".