“The Greatest Living Country Singer” Saved By Family and Faith   

When Starday Records producer Pappey Dailey told him to quit singing like his idols and try singing like himself, the ex-marine and then 24 year-old country music hopeful, George Jones, mastered his first Top Five hit “Why Baby Why” and set the course for a career that would span more than 50 years and produce 150 chart-topping recordings.

One of seven children, Jones was first introduced to country music listening to The Grand Ole Opry every Saturday night on the family radio. The bellowing sounds of Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Roy Acuff and other artists turned his ear and embedded a deep love for a genre of music that became his life-long pursuit and passion.

After receiving a guitar as a gift at age nine, Jones developed his talent by performing for tips on the streets of Beaumont, TX. Leaving home at 16, Jones moved to Jasper, found a job performing on a local radio station and eventually transitioned to playing the Texas honky-tonk circuit.

Experiencing an explosive rise to stardom and considered the top male singer in country music, in 1969 Jones married Tammy Wynette, at the time country music’s hot new female artist. The stormy union introduced Jones to producer Billy Sherrill at Epic Records and formed a prolific 20-year relationship, resulting in more hits for Jones including, “The Grand Tour,” “A Picture of Me Without You,” and the duet with Wynette, “Golden Ring.”    

With the world at his fingertips, Jones eventually was faced with the harsh realities of the industry, the worldly influences of the road and multiple failed marriages. Swirling rumors of heavy drinking with stories of driving a riding lawnmower to bars, drug abuse and substantial debt impacted his ability to perform and labeled him as “No Show Jones.” Despite the looming demons that seemed to follow him, Jones surfaced with a very personal song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” that would etch his name into the country music history books and win several music industry awards.

Added success wasn’t the cure-all, as Jones was told by physicians that he only had days to live if his drinking continued. Jones’ fourth wife, Nancy Sepulvado, and his reaffirmed faith in Christ redirected Jones’ course of self-destruction and delivered him to a life of sobriety and renewed respect within the realm of country music. An added Grammy™ in 1999 for the release of “Cold Hard Truth” and the receipt of the 2002 Medal of Arts, the highest honor for artistic excellence, from President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony, confirmed the rebirth of his career.

A “Career” Song

LuanneByrd: “You’re known for contributing so many profound songs to the historical halls of country music, most notably “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” What personal connection do you have with this song and how pivotal was its success in developing/furthering your career?

George Jones: I think anyone who has ever lost a loved one can relate to this song. I fought recording the song for years because I thought it was just too sad but I was finally persuaded by my great producer Billy Sherrill and it was my biggest hit ever. It was definitely a boost to my career or as they say…a “career” song.

 The Old Nashville Sound

Byrd: You have been regarded as the “greatest living country singer” by Country Music Television (CMT). How do you feel about the new country sound coming out of Nashville today as opposed to the old Nashville sound that was reminiscent when you started your career?

Jones: I have been very vocal about how I feel about the majority of music that is being classified as “country” music. Most of it is not at all what I call country music. I know all genres of music change over time but not as drastically as the music I love has, and I don’t think it is for the better.

A Timeless Genre

Byrd: How does country music seem to remain so timeless between generations?

Jones: I think if you love country music it is timeless because as I said, people can relate to it. I perform all over the United States and I look out and see teenagers and 20 to 30-year-olds singing along to every song. Some of the songs date back to the 50s, so I know they have bought my albums and listened to them many times.

Favorite Collaborations

Jones: I did a duet album titled “Burn Your Playhouse Down” with many of my friends…Leon Russell, Ricky Skaggs, Dolly Parton, Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Vince Gill, Jim Lauderdale, Shelby Lynne, Mark Chesnutt, Mark Knopfler, Marty Stuart, Tammy Wynette and my daughter, Georgette Jones. That was definitely one of my favorites.

 An Award-Winning Career

Byrd: You’ve received so many awards throughout your career for your artistry – which award stands out the most?

Jones: I think being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was probably the one I am proudest of because that award is voted on by your peers.

 Saved By Family and Faith

Byrd: You often mention your wife, Nancy, for redirecting your course in life. Did your faith also play a role in this change?

Jones: Nancy was the catalyst to get me moving in the right direction, but faith in the Lord got me through some bad times.

 What Fans Don’t Know

 Byrd: Share something unusual that your fans don’t know about you.

 Jones: I love to mow grass at my farm. In the summer, I get on my big tractor and mow for hours. It is a stress reliever for me. People will pull up to the gates at the farm and wave to me.

 The Infamous Riding Lawnmower

 Byrd: What happened to the renowned riding lawnmower that you were rumored to have driven to the bars so many years ago?

 Jones: You know that story had a life of its own. People started saying it was when I was married to Tammy Wynette but that is not true. I couldn’t tell you where that lawnmower is…

 Remember Me

Byrd: What do you feel is your personal contribution to country music and what do you wish to be remembered for in your career?

Jones: I have sung a lot of great songs written by great writers, and toured all over the world to help promote country music. I hope I will be remembered for my music, and that I did it my way. 

Added Advice

Byrd: What advice would you pass onto a young person trying to pursue a career in country music?

Jones: Keep it country, work hard, never sacrifice, and be good to your fans…they can make you or break you.

When asked to share about his earlier touring days and some of the colorful stories that have surfaced throughout the years with other industry legends, Jones remarked that it wouldn’t be a good idea to bring those up.

Jones continues to tour across the United States with more than 100 shows each year. Jones has also entered into a venture to develop a music themed destination, “Country Crossings” in Dothan, AL featuring restaurants, music venues and retail stores.

 The Classic Center Theatre in Athens, GA. will host Jones in concert on Friday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m.

 “Athens is a great southern town that is known for its hospitality. I have appeared in and around Athens in years past,” said Jones. “They (concert-goers) can expect to hear the best of George Jones songs from over 50 years in the business and a great performance.”  

 Tickets for the George Jones concert on Feb. 5 are priced from $32 to $42. For tickets or information call 706.357.4444, visit www.ClassicCenter.com or stop by The Classic Center Box Office at 300 N. Thomas St. in downtown Athens. Located in Athens, Georgia, The Classic Center is a multi-use conference center and 2,100 seat theatre hosting conventions, conferences, meetings, weddings, concerts and special events.