Harrowing last moments of of Tiptoe Through the Tulips singer who died on-stage

Tiny Tim was an musician, best known for his unique falsetto vocals and novelty rendition of Al Dubin and Joe Burke's 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips'. The late star, whose real name was Herbert Khaury, was born in 1932 and died in 1996, hours after telling his wife he was feeling rather unwell.

The -born star's fascination with sound began when he was five years old. His father, Butros Khaury, a textile worker from present-day Lebanon, gifted him a vintage wind-up gramophone for his birthday. A record of Henry Burr's 'Beautiful Ohio' was included with the lavish present, setting Tiny Tim on the path to stardom. It wasn't until 1968 that the singer got his big break by releasing his cover of 1929's 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips'.

The American's track peaked at number 17 on the Billboard charts and was included on his debut album, God Bless Tiny Tim. However, his success was hindered in 1973 when he was struck by a car, leaving him with a collapsed lung and several broken ribs.

In the years that followed, the ukulele hero's star began to wane. However, he continued performing right up to his death in 1996. In September of the same year, Tiny Tim suffered a heart attack at a festival in Montague, Massachusetts. He was rushed to hospital where he was admitted under precaution. He stayed a patient of the Franklin County Medical Centre in Greenfield for three weeks before being discharged by medical staff.

It's understood the icon was suffering from various diabetic and heart conditions at the time. Due to his ill health, doctors warned the star to quit performing. Unfortunately, Tiny Tim ignored expert advice and suffered another heart attack on stage while performing his hit song.

On November 30, 1996, he was set to perform at a gala benefit hosted by the Women's Club of Minneapolis. The 6'1" entertainer, who at the time was married to his third wife and University of Harvard graduate Susan Marie Gardner, reportedly told his spouse he was feeling unwell before the show.

Despite not feeling like himself, the star made good on his vow to perform at the event. However, while performing a cutdown rendition of his signature 'Tulip' song, the crooner suffered another heart attack on stage.

According to his widow, Susan, she was trying to help him back to his table when he collapsed. "I don't think he had time to feel pain," she told the Associated Press. "He died singing 'Tiptoe Through the Tulips,' and the last thing he heard was the applause, and the last thing he saw was me."

After being taken to Minneapolis Hospital and multiple CRP attempts, officials confirmed the -nominated artists had died. His remains are entombed in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.