Herbert Butros Khaury

 Herbert Butros Khaury (April 12, 1932 – November 30, 1996), also known as Herbert Buckingham Khaury, and known professionally as Tiny Tim.

A native of New York City, Tim began singing in clubs and participating in talent shows hoping to be discovered. He used several stage names before deciding on "Tiny Tim" which was based on the character in Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol." His big break came when he was asked to appear on the American variety show, "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In." The public was enthralled with his unique act and soon he appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson as well as the "Ed Sullivan Show" and the "Jackie Gleason Show." In 1968 he released his first album, "God Bless Tiny Tim" which included his biggest hit "Tiptoe Through the Tulips." By the 1970s his popularity was declining. He did perform some in Las Vegas and even joined a circus for awhile but he never reached the popularity that he enjoyed in the 1960s. During the 1990s he was making a nostalgic comeback with appearances on the Conan O'Brien and Howard Stern shows. However, in 1996 he suffered a heart attack while performing at the Ukulele Hall of Fame. He was hospitalized at the nearby Franklin County Medical Center in Greenfield for approximately three weeks before being discharged with strong admonitions not to perform again because of his health, weight, and dietary needs for his diabetic and heart conditions. He ignored the advice.