Inside Tiny Tim's Painful Final Days

Tiny Tim suffered a heart attack while playing at the ukulele festival at Montague Grange Hall in September 1996. He went to Franklin County Medical Center in Greenfield for 3 weeks.

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Despite strong warnings to not perform due to his serious diabetes and heart conditions, Tim loved music too much to not continue to play. He had also stopped taking his medication by November 28th of 1996, telling his wife that “one day it won’t matter.”

Susan’s stepmother booked Tim to perform at a benefit dinner for the Women’s Club of Minneapolis on November 30th. She’d purchased hundreds of copies of his latest album Prisoners of Love to give as gifts.

Tim insisted he had to perform despite his failing health. He didn’t want the public to think he wasn’t doing the event because no one was paying him for it.

The last known recording of Tiny Tim’s voice was left on his friend Jim Foley’s answering machine. He congratulated him and his wife on the recent birth of their daughter.

Tim was already weak and struggling to walk when he got into the limousine to drive to the event. Sue had reservations about him performing but felt there was nothing she could do to stop him.

Tim received a rushed introduction from the event coordinator. He took the stage to a nearly empty room and performed 5 songs instead of the 2 or 3 he promised. The final one, a rendition of Tip-Toe Though’ the Tulips, was the last time he used his falsetto voice.

Inside Tiny Tim's Painful Final Days

[sandypowell]

I met Tiny Tim in person. He lived on Cooper River in New Jersey. My father who was a weekend wedding singer introduced me in 1975. He was a very sweet, kind man.

[cthulhukcsixsix]

Tiny Tim is one of once in a lifetime artist. In his unique way he will touch, entertain and inspire so many lives to come. Rest in peace Tim

[ProudDad]

He is yet another example of a kind good soul who (as far as I know) never had any evil or mean side and never had anyone say he treated them wrong. I never met him but my uncle was a fan, that is how I heard of him

[ryanking]

I love Tiny Tim. He was so wonderfully eccentric. What I find fascinating are the interviews He. Made in the late 60s and early 70s. I was born in 1971 and seeing what life looked like just before and around the time I was born enthralls me. Another reason I feel close to Him was because my best School buddy Jason Hingston was the spitting image of Tiny Tim. Jason was one of the most wonderfully charismatic people I have ever met and when I watch Tiny Tim it is like my best buddy Jason who Sadly passed away from Cancer in 2016 is sitting right next to me. So all that is left to say is Merry Christmas and God bless Tiny Tim

[cynthiadianecarey]

I always liked Tiny Tim. Your video shows the amazing amount of recordings, performances, movies, and appearances he made. I had no idea. I'm happy for him he finally found a relationship in which he was happy.
It seems like he did what he liked, being a well loved troubadour, for his whole life. A much loved, awesome entertainer!

[AgefMusic]

This man loved music more than himself. Thank you Tiny Tim.

[adriencarver]

I feel like this guy would've been a mainstream sensation if he'd existed during the Internet and social media.

[cuttinupthecarpet]

I was shocked to find out Frank Sinatra actually got Tiny Tim to perform at a private birthday bash for Sam Giancana in the 70s.

[stratocastergirl]

I was one of the millions of people who first saw Tiny Tim on Laugh-In, and followed his TV appearances for a few years afterward. I love Justin Martell’s bio, and have the God Bless Tiny Tim album. He was one of a kind, a genuinely nice person. ♥️

[Rose]

I met him! He called me Miss Rose! He was very sweet

[MirodahROVANIIK]

I was born in the early 2000s but ngl when my parents showed me tiny tim's music it always made me smile :) And I'm thankfull for that
It's sad to hear this man's backstory but I have huge respect for him cuz he continued his music till he died

[ouradoptedmilitary]

Dear Tiny. I had the honor of seeing him perform four times and each time we chatted. He was so kind and sweet and appreciative that people were there. Each time the venue was full. To quote his album title, God Bless Tiny Tim. <3 Thank you for the positive video about him. :)

[chrismurfet]

I saw Tiny Tim at The Isle of Wight Pop Festival 1970 and will never forget his great performance. He knew how to get an audience on his side R.I.P.

[mysteryneophyte]

I really do like tiny Tim I think he’s very unique and really took a lot of courage for him to be so different and I think it’s really cool and his music is genuinely fun to listen to

[enriquemendez]

I just discovered tiny tim but am intrigued and fascinated by him. R.i.p you legend

[digupstuff]

I got to meet him once through my older brother, but I don't remember when. He was so nice!!! ♥️🦋🌼🥀💋

[thesatanicmajesty]

I first heard Living In The Sunlight when I was a child and was immediately fascinated with his voice control and persona. Very interesting artist! Rest easy, Tim

[freyaljones]

Rest in peace tiny tim 😔😔 your music is good

[KOMMANDERZ]

just seen his face on a video of him singing the song tiptoe through the tulips never knew it was a man who sung it he really had a beautiful voice and was a beautiful soul sent from God I pray his soul is at peace ☮️ ✝️

[donatodalrymple]

I was a kid in the 60s, this man had a kind soul underneath his performances I give two thumbs up. Original, one of a kind. Two things touched me about tiny Tim, his humble heart and his love for Jesus