George Jones
George Jones
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
George Glenn Jones was an American country music singer and musician. He is also known as "The Possum."
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 12, 1931, in Saratoga, Texas, USA; passed away on April 26, 2013, at the age of 81.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American singer, songwriter, musician (piano, guitar), record producer, and actor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Jones was exposed to music from an early age. His mother, Clara Eldridge, played piano and sang gospel songs with her children. Jones' love for music deepened when he began performing on local radio stations as a teenager. He eventually moved to Nashville to pursue a career in country music.
Major Accomplishments
Jones is widely regarded as one of the most influential country musicians of all time. With over 150 charted singles, he holds the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. His unique voice and style have been emulated by numerous artists.
Some of his notable achievements include:
Being inducted into multiple music halls of fame (Country Music Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, etc.)
Winning two Grammy Awards
Holding the record for the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chartNotable Works or Actions
Jones' remarkable career spans over five decades. Some of his most notable works include:
"White Lightning" (1959) – a song that reached the top of the country charts and remains one of Jones' signature tunes
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980) – a duet with Tammy Wynette that became one of their biggest hits together
Collaborations with other notable country artists, such as Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash
Impact and Legacy
George Jones has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. His distinctive voice, emotive delivery, and poignant songwriting have inspired countless musicians. He is remembered for his tireless work ethic, unwavering dedication to his craft, and generosity towards fellow artists.
Jones' impact extends beyond the music industry as well. His personal struggles with addiction and marriage have been an open book, helping pave the way for more honest discussions about mental health and relationships in country music.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
George Jones is widely quoted and remembered for his timeless songs, iconic performances, and commitment to preserving traditional country music. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Quotes by George Jones
George Jones's insights on:
After the first couple of years recording, I did a lot of praying. I said, 'Lord, please give me a hit.' I want one so bad.
There's nothing prettier in the world than a melody. I can get lost in a song with a melody. A lot of times I have, and the song wasn't that good, but I would get lost in that melody, and I'd want to do the song.
A new artist today has to get their teeth fixed, has to tighten their jeans up, and they have to get ’em the right kind of hat, and if anything’s wrong with their nose, if it’s a little crooked, it’s got to be straightened up.
After the first couple of years recording I did a lot of praying. I said, ‘Lord, please give me a hit.’ I want one so bad.
I’ve always said that if I could have made a living someway in gospel music, I would have loved to had that break, but it never was offered to me, a job in that field, so naturally, I got lost on that other road.
Anybody who loves country music loves gospel. Even they are competing with the same type of problem that I’m competing with. We older artists are competing with the new style of country, with their new modern style of gospel, with the young people.
Everybody knows in the business how I feel about country music. I’m an old traditionalist. Then they just call me an old man and stuck in my old ways, but with all the fans I’ve got out there, I can’t be all that wrong. I do love traditional country music. I love the good stuff.
There’s nothing prettier in the world than a melody. I can get lost in a song with a melody.
Me and the bottle have always been friends, we’ve had a few old nasty fights but the bottle would always win, so when I go to answer that final curtain call, I can hear these words being whispered by all... Ol’ George stopped drinking today.
Different people have their ways of measuring success, maybe it’s not the right way but wrong’s what I do best.