Tiny Tim Turtle: The Unlikely Sensation of the 1960s

In the midst of the psychedelic rock era, a peculiar phenomenon emerged in the form of Tiny Tim, a pear-shaped singer with a distinctive beak nose, scraggly hair, and an eccentric sense of style. Accompanied by his trusty ukulele, which he would pull out of a paper shopping bag, Tiny Tim crooned romantic melodies from the 1920s that captivated audiences across America.

For a brief but heady period, Tiny Tim was one of the most popular entertainers in the country, with his unique falsetto voice and ukulele playing making him an unlikely sensation. His signature song, 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips With Me,' became a novelty hit in 1968, introducing his quirky charm to a wider audience.

Tiny Tim's life was marked by both fame and poor health. He collapsed onstage after suffering a heart attack during a ukulele festival in western Massachusetts in September, and despite efforts to revive him, he passed away at the age of 64 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he had been living for the past year.

In his honor, we revisit one of Tiny Tim's most beloved songs, 'I Had a Little Turtle,' which has become a playground classic. The song is often sung with hand gestures, and its catchy melody and whimsical lyrics have made it a favorite among children and adults alike.

Here, we've included a ukulele version of the song, which can be played in a sing-along style or accompanied by the traditional hand gestures. It's a fitting tribute to Tiny Tim's legacy as a unique entertainer who brought joy and laughter to generations through his music and performances.

So here's to Tiny Tim Turtle: a true original whose quirkiness and charm continue to captivate audiences to this day.

Tiny tim turtle