5 things to know about country legend George Jones
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Five things to know about country music superstar George Jones, who died Friday at 81:
1. THE VOICE: The only debate over the decades has been who has the second-best voice in country music. Or maybe just music. His voice could get your party rolling and end it by making you cry. Merle Haggard puts it best: "The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen."
2. THE SONG: Not only did he have The Voice, but Jones also recorded many archetypal country songs, including the one widely acknowledged as the best: "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Written by fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member Bobby Braddock and Curly Putnam, the blue-flame weeper won a Grammy and took the Country Music Association's song of the year — twice.
3. THE PROBLEMS: Jones was almost as famous for his problems as he was his music. Stories about epic alcohol and drug binges circulate around Nashville and his marital problems were titillating folks on Music Row long before tabloids trolled for content.
4. THE HUMOR: Jones had a devilish sense of humor and he was never afraid to turn it on himself. The singer famously hopped aboard a riding lawn mower a couple of times when in search of drink and parodied the moment in not only his own music video, but in those for Hank Williams Jr., Vince Gill and John Rich, too. Punch the words "George Jones lawn mower video" into your favorite search engine.
5. THE LEGACY: Jones reflected real life in his music and lived it as well. His troubles, made public with unsparing self analysis, only made his songs seem more real. As Brad Paisley wrote Friday, Jones helped us see "that it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again."
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Sunshine and 54 degrees right now with more rain on the way.
Have a peaceful weekend. Stay safe and be happy!!
Beth
Elvis Aaron Schwarz loves country music. He's probably sad about George Jones, too.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
He stopped loving her today makes me cry to just THINK about...much less hear the song.
ReplyDeleteHe was a favorite...as was his one=time wife, Tammy.
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy weekend. We have a mixture of sun rain and hailstones and it has turned much colder again.
Hugs Nita
I'm not a country music fan but I did note his passing. It seems the talents out there are not without terrible struggles...not sure why that is though I've my theories on it. It's a beautiful day here my friend, I hope your day is truly blessed.
ReplyDeletehow could you possibly get more rain?!?!
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend!!
I'm not a country fan, but it's so neat to hear about people. Always a good artist touches many and will be missed by many. I find the people who are the most creative and loved by so many are the ones that battle with demons and sadly more in a public eye.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend. Hope the rain goes away.
He did make some great music and will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteYes, he did do some great music. Had his share of problems, as is the case with most stars these days. May he rest in peace and his music linger on. Oh we hit 63 today!!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about you having a nice day.
Have a lovely good weather for all the time.
Michiko
I did not know he died - he was really good. sandie
ReplyDeleteI didn't know he died. He was a good musician and will be missed.
ReplyDeleteOk so now I know more about him well knowing anything would be something since I hadn't heard of him before your blog
ReplyDeleteHe Stopped Loving Her Today is classic country music.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about his lawn mower escapades! ;)
Reminds me of when John Lennon was killed.
ReplyDelete