Shortly after announcing the release of his first solo CD in 30 years, Jim Ed Brown was diagnosed with cancer. The CD, entitled “In Style Again,” features artists including Brown's sisters, Maxine and Bonnie and his old duet partner, Helen Cornelius, among others.

But it will be his friendliness and faith he'll be remembered for by his friends.

Nashville stars, friends and fans remembered longtime Grand Ole Opry member Jim Ed Brown for his faith and friendships at a music-filled memorial service Monday in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

Brown was known for his 1959 No. 1 hit “The Three Bells,” which he recorded with his sisters as part of the trio The Browns. He later had solo hits with “Pop-A-Top,” “Morning” and “Southern Loving.”

Fellow singer Brenda Lee, who in March announced that Brown and his sisters would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, called the group “true pioneering legends.”

“They were my road family early in my career and watched over me like I was their kid sister,” she said.

Lee was one of several speakers who talked about Brown's Christian faith, saying that when she visited him at the hospital, he showed no fear of death. Lee said Brown even told her he had a vision of Jesus in his hospital room.

Whatever he was known for, he will be remembered fondly by many.

If you are a fan of Jim Ed Brown's music check out one of his latest videos:

Go to The Olympian to find out more about this amazing legend of country music.