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http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/entertainment/george-jones-country-superstar-has-died-at-82/nXYdt/
George Jones, country superstar, has died at 81
April 26, 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — George Jones, the peerless, hard-living country singer who recorded dozens of hits about good times and regrets and peaked with the heartbreaking classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today," has died. He was 81.
Jones died Friday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, according to his publicist Kirt Webster. He was hospitalized with fever and irregular blood pressure, forcing him to postpone two shows.

With one of the most golden voices of any genre, a clenched, precise, profoundly expressive baritone, Jones had No. 1 songs in five separate decades, 1950s to 1990s. He was idolized not just by fellow country artists, but by Frank Sinatra, Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello, James Taylor and countless others. "If we all could sound like we wanted to, we'd all sound like George Jones," Waylon Jennings once sang.
In a career that lasted more than 50 years, "Possum" evolved from young honky-tonker to elder statesman as he recorded more than 150 albums and became the champion and symbol of traditional country music, a well-lined link to his hero, Hank Williams. Jones survived long battles with alcoholism and drug addiction, brawls, accidents and close encounters with death, including bypass surgery and a tour bus crash that he only avoided by deciding at the last moment to take a plane.

His failure to appear for concerts left him with the nickname "No Show Jones," and he later recorded a song by that name and often opened his shows by singing it. His wild life was revealed in song and in his handsome, troubled face, with its dark, deep-set eyes and dimpled chin.
In song, he was rowdy and regretful, tender and tragic. His hits included the sentimental "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes," the foot-tapping "The Race is On," the foot-stomping "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair," the melancholy "She Thinks I Still Care," the rockin' "White Lightning," and the barfly lament "Still Doing Time." Jones also recorded several duets with Tammy Wynette, his wife for six years, including "Golden Ring," ''Near You," ''Southern California" and "We're Gonna Hold On." He also sang with such peers as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard and with Costello and other rock performers.

But his signature song was "He Stopped Loving Her Today," a weeper among weepers about a man who carries his love for a woman to his grave. The 1980 ballad, which Jones was sure would never be a hit, often appears on surveys as the most popular country song of all time.
Jones won Grammy awards in 1981 for "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and in 1999 for "Choices." He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and in 2008 was among the artists honored in Washington at the Kennedy Center.
Jones continued to make appearances and put out records, though his hit records declined.
More...

He Stopped Loving Her Today
George Jones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqsRHE5cvU

I am so sad.  George Jones is and always will be my favorite singer.  I am beating myself up because I didn't make it to his concert here in February.  My last chance to see him in person :(  Bless him and his family.

http://www.findagrave.com/php/famous.php

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7225751


(http://image1.findagrave.com/photos250/photos/2009/141/7225751_124305634144.jpg)

added by Kathy Sue Adkins[/img]

George Jones

Birth:  Sep. 12, 1931
Death:  Apr. 26, 2013

Country Music Singer and Actor. Born in Saratoga, Texas, he was the eighth child born to George Sr. and Clara Jones. At age nine his parents encouraged him to start singing and playing the guitar. He soon began to perform at various events and church functions in the Saratoga area. A few years later his family would move to Beaumont, Texas, where George Jones began to play on street corners for tips. In 1947, he got his first paying gig at Beaumont's Playgrounds. After playing at dance halls and clubs in Southeast Texas Houston record producer H.W "Pappy Dailey" saw one of his shows and signed him. He then recorded George's first hit, "Why Baby Why" in 1955. He would go on to record his most famous and admired song "He Stopped Loving Her Today," which influenced many contempory country stars,
more...

 ::MonkeyAngel::

George Jones words were crystal clear, you could wrap your head and heart around his songs. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/nashvilles-grand-ole-opry-house-to-hold-public-funeral-for-country-star-george-jones/2013/04/28/efdc582a-b053-11e2-9fb1-62de9581c946_story.html
Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House to hold public funeral for country star George Jones
April 28, 2013

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://tasteofcountry.com/george-jones-funeral-westboro-baptist-church/
Westboro Baptist Church to Picket George Jones’ Funeral
May 1, 2013

http://www.nashvillegab.com/2013/05/george-jones-funeral-to-be-televised-.html
May 01, 2013
George Jones' funeral to be televised


George Jones’ funeral will take place on Thursday, May 2nd at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, starting at 10 am (Central) and will be open to the public. Doors will open at 9 am.

In addition, national television networks CMT, GAC, RFD, and FamilyNet, as well as local Nashville stations WKRN 2, WSMV 4, WTVF 5, WZTV 17 will broadcast the funeral service “LIVE”, with radio partners WSM 650AM and SiriusXM Willie's Roadhouse (Ch. 56) broadcasting the service.

Fans around the world can listen online at wsmonline.com or watch online at opry.com.
:)

http://www.opry.com/georgejones/
 ::MonkeyHeart::

(http://www.georgejonessausage.com/images/geoandguitar.jpg)

http://us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=att&hsimp=yhs-att_001&type=att_lego_portal_trending&p=George%20Jones%20sausage

Beautiful slide photo's of George Jones.

Thank you seahorse. 

http://tasteofcountry.com/keith-richards-on-george-jones/
Keith Richards on George Jones: ‘He Was Pure American Music’
May 6, 2013

Of all of the accolades and remembrances that have poured in about George Jones since the singer’s passing on (April 26), none is more unexpected — or genuinely touching — than that of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, the musician praised Jones as “pure American music.”

Though the Stones are known primarily for their R&B-drenched rock, the group has essayed country many times in their career. Richards was a fan who became a collaborator and friend after he participated in Jones’ 1994 album ‘The Bradley Barn Sessions,’ according to ABC News Radio. The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville reported last week that Richards had recently confirmed his participation in Jones’ farewell concert, which was scheduled to take place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in November.
 ::snipping3::
(see full text of his statement)

http://tasteofcountry.com/george-jones-monument/
George Jones to Be Honored Through Future Monument, His Wife Announces
June 8, 2013

(http://i.imgur.com/13zRUzn.jpg)
GeorgeJones.com


The late George Jones was a legend in country music, and his impact on the genre will live on in more ways than one. Soon, a monument will be constructed for Jones at Woodlawn Cemetery, where he is buried.

In anticipation of devoted fans who will be paying their respects at his graveside — especially those who are in his Nashville hometown for the CMA eMusic Festival — a plaque has been placed at the cemetery temporarily by the singer’s late wife, Nancy Jones. It alerts mourners to the anticipated Jones monument, even including a mockup of what the tribute may look like.

“This is a rendering of the monument that is being prepared and will be placed in the coming weeks,” she writes. “Thank you for all your love and support shown to George and to me.”

The words “He stopped loving her today” will run across the top of the monument — a nod to perhaps Jones’ most famous hit. It’s likely to be extremely large and ornate, also including a guitar.
More...

BBM

That would be country music & George Jones was larger than life. A fitting tribute.   JMHO   :smt034 :smt035

http://theboot.com/randy-travis-george-jones-tribute/
Randy Travis Says He and George Jones Had a Lot in Common
June 28, 2013

Randy Travis delivered one of the standout performances at George Jones‘ funeral, and he’s just released a new single, ‘Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum,’ as a tribute to the iconic singer. In a new interview, Travis says he had a lot in common with Jones, both musically and otherwise.

“Both of us are obviously just country boys who came up through years of playing at nightclubs before actually having a record deal,’ Travis tells the Chicago Sun-Times. “We were both, no doubt, traditionalists all the way through. And I learned so much about singing from George Jones just by listening to him. There was a stretch of years where every hit he had, I was learning them to sing in clubs.”

That’s not all they had in common. Jones’ penchant for alcohol and erratic behavior was almost as much a part of his legend as his music, earning him headlines again and again over the course of decades. Travis has often admitted to a troubled youth that included drugs and alcohol, arrests and fights, and after decades of sobriety he slipped in recent years, resulting in a series of arrests and public embarrassments that trace back to alcohol.
 ::snipping3::
That journey back includes a new album that Travis will release later this year. ‘Tonight I’m Playin’ Possum’ is the advance single from that project.

“I had a request through Warner Brothers to record the song as a tribute to George Jones, and after listening to it, I wanted to very much,” Travis says. “It’s just a wonderful piece of writing. And what I wanted to accomplish by doing it is simply what it is — a tribute to George. Many people in this business will say that he’s the greatest country singer that ever lived, and I agree. I thought a lot of him.”

http://theboot.com/george-jones-gospel-album-release-date/
George Jones’ Gospel Album Gets Release Date
July 31, 2013

(http://i.imgur.com/e6C3Aem.jpg)
Bandit Records

A gospel album George Jones recorded years before his death is finally going to be released to the public. ‘Amazing Grace’ is slated to drop later this year.

The bulk of the album is made up of tracks Jones recorded in 2002 with his longtime producer, Billy Sherrill. The tracks mark the last recording sessions between them, which only took place after Jones convinced a reluctant Sherrill to come out of retirement specifically for that project. The project also represents the only album of entirely gospel material Jones ever recorded.
 ::snipping3::
The track features an all-star lineup including Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, Travis Tritt, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith.

 ::snipping3::

Amazing Grace’ is set for release via Bandit Records on Sept. 10, just two days before Jones would have turned 82. Jones was a partner in the label, and his widow, Nancy Jones, continues that involvement. According to a press release, the commercial release of ‘Amazing Grace’ was already planned prior to Jones’ passing, with the singer’s full knowledge and blessing.

http://tasteofcountry.com/randy-travis-tonight-im-playing-possum/
Randy Travis, ‘Tonight I’m Playing Possum’ – Song Review
July 30, 2013

(http://i.imgur.com/XA0ugLB.jpg)
Warner Brothers Records

It’s possible the context in which Randy Travis releases his new single ‘Tonight I’m Playing Possum’ could cause fans and critics to overstate its impact. Then again, maybe not. There are, after all, only so many words available to heap effusive praise on this brilliantly composed and performed traditional ballad.

You’re not alive if Travis’ deep bellow doesn’t touch every raw nerve on your body. In a world of musical snack food, his song (written by Keith Gattis) is a 16-ounce T-bone. He’s talking about George Jones, of course — a man Travis called a friend and idol. “So find a drink or find a road, I’m ’bout to drop a needle on some ol’ No Show,” he sings to begin each chorus of ‘Tonight I’m Playing Possum.’ A better lyric likely won’t come in 2013.

“You’re gonna want an ashtray and a bottle / I’m going deep, I’m going long ’til I run that needle through every last song, he ever sung / So pour ‘em strong and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em / Boys, tonight I’m playing Possum.”

Jones died on April 26, about 10 weeks before Travis entered the hospital with heart troubles. Joe Nichols recorded the song as a duet with Travis, but his voice is left off this new version, as often happens when artists from different labels collaborate. While the Nichols version is special, it’s a new experience listening to Travis pour his heart out across the full three minutes and forty seconds. And he truly does pour everything he has into the track.
 ::snipping3::
With so many questions about Travis’ health, it’s fair to wonder if ‘Tonight I’m Playing Possum’ will be his final recording. The song will either prove to be a fitting end for one of country’s all-time vocalists, or the start of a very exciting chapter.

Click on icon at bottom of article at link to Listen to Randy Travis, ‘Tonight I’m Playing Possum’

A giantic guitar is the only thing they need for a momument. 
This stupid cement wall is a junky piece of junk :)., IMO.

So sweet! 

http://tasteofcountry.com/george-jones-twin-grandbabies/
George Jones’ Great-Grandchildren Born, Receive Sealed Letter From Singer
August 19, 2013

(http://i.imgur.com/xzGEoyH.jpg)
GeorgeJones.com

Had George Jones not passed away nearly four months ago, he’d be gushing over his new great-grandchildren this week. The dark-haired boy and girl twins were born to the legend’s granddaughter, Jennifer Stultz, on Aug. 9, and they received a special present from the Possum.

Prior to his death, Jones wrote and sealed a letter for the babies, whose names have not yet been announced. Stultz told Nashville television station WZTV that she thinks the singer knew he wouldn’t live to see August, so he asked wife Nancy for a legal pad and wrote them a letter.

“It’s like having a voice from Heaven,” Stultz said prior to the birth. “You get a letter from Heaven.”
More...

2013 CMA AWARDS ALAN JACKSON & GEORGE STRAIT DEDICATION TO GEORGE JONES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtddN5-2DGg

http://theboot.com/george-jones-burial-monument/
George Jones’ Burial Monument Revealed
November 20, 2013

It’s been almost seven months since George Jones passed away, and now his widow, Nancy Jones, has unveiled a monument in the late singer’s honor.

Jones revealed the monument during an emotional graveside ceremony on Monday (Nov. 18), at Nashville’s Woodlawn Cemetery. The large structure has the words “He Stopped Loving Her Today” inscribed on top, underneath the name “Jones.” The structure also features a guitar and an etched photo of the couple, who were married for 30 years at the time of his death.
More...


Photo of monument in article.

http://theboot.com/george-jones-scholarship/
George Jones Family Establishes MTSU Scholarship
November 21, 2013

Nancy Jones, wife of country music legend George Jones, announced Monday (Nov. 18) that the Jones family has established a scholarship fund at Middle Tennessee State University in the hopes of creating a “living memorial” to the icon, who died in Nashville earlier this year.

“George would have liked the fact that MTSU attracts so many first-generation college students, as well as students who face financial challenges,” Nancy says in a press release. “Like George, they are hard-working folks who are determined to make their dreams a reality.”

The scholarship was announced in Nashville at the unveiling of a monument to the late singer. Nancy made the first donation to the fund, which will be overseen by MTSU Recording Industry Department Chair Beverly Keel. The pair were married for 30 years before his passing.
 ::snipping3::
Donations to the fund can be made at MTSU’s website or by mail at George Jones Scholarship Fund, MTSU, Office of Development, Box 109, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. For more information, call 615-898-5595 or email devofc@mtsu.edu.

MTSU's website:  http://mtsunews.com/centennialcampaign/

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/stars-honor-george-jones-at-nashville-tribute-concert-20131123
Stars Honor George Jones at Massive Nashville Tribute ConcertAlan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock and more than a hundred others turn out for the Possum's final 'no show'
November 23, 2013

Music giants from George Strait and Garth Brooks to Sam Moore and Megadeth were among a whopping 112 artists who turned out to honor the late, great George Jones last night at a concert co-host Charlie Chase called "the largest tribute event in music history."

Clocking in a few minutes shy of the four-hour mark and boasting a set list spanning nearly 50 songs, the Opry-style marathon of duets, touching tributes and all-star jams – cleverly billed as Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show – was originally announced over a year ago as Jones’ star-studded farewell concert. But that changed in April, when the country legend died at the age of 81.
Though Jones was there at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in spirit only – his rocking chair sat empty on stage, in front of his longtime backing band and last night’s house band, the Jones Boys – Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Kid Rock, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Charlie Daniels and Jamey Johnson were among the artists on hand to sing for him.

"I think I was named after George," country icon, Jones footstep-follower and current CMA Entertainer of the Year winner George Strait joked near the night’s end, before bringing the house down with a faithful rendition of the 1974 Number One "The Grand Tour" – an obvious influence on Strait’s own butter-voiced classic "The Chair." It was just one highlight among many in a show overloaded with emotional moments.

Much more...

Photos at above link

http://theboot.com/george-jones-final-performance/
Watch George Jones’ Final Performance of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ [VIDEO]
November 25, 2013

A video has emerged of George Jones performing the last song in his final show on April 6, 2013 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tenn. Jones finished the show with his epic hit, ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’

The 81-year-old was on what was supposed to be his farewell tour when he performed the concert. But unbeknownst to everyone else, the Possum had a feeling his health would prohibit him from continuing the multi-city trek.

“I just did my last show,” Jones told his wife, Nancy after he left the stage,. “And I gave ’em hell.”
 ::snipping3::

Video at link

Remember the Possum
Saturday marks the one year anniversary of George Jones' death. Remember him the way he'd want his fans to.


http://tasteofcountry.com/top-george-jones-songs/
Top 10 George Jones Songs

When George Jones was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, Reba McEntire introduced the legend by saying “there are many ways to describe Country Music, but I can do it in just two words: George Jones.” You’re about to take a journey through Country Music history with our list of the Top 10 George Jones songs. From 1964′s ‘The Race Is On’ to 1980′s ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ and the triumphant come-back of 1999′s ‘Choices,’ these are not only the greatest hits from the man known as “the Possum” — these are some of country music’s greatest hits overall.

Read More: Top 10 George Jones Songs | http://tasteofcountry.com/top-george-jones-songs/?trackback=tsmclip

http://theboot.com/george-jones-museum-grand-opening/
Details, Grand Opening Announced for George Jones Museum
January 13, 2015

The long-awaited George Jones Museum is nearing its opening day. Jones’ widow Nancy has revealed that the four-story building will officially open on April 24, to coincide with the second anniversary of her husband’s April 26 death.
“We are overjoyed to share George’s legacy and memory with the Nashville community,” Nancy Jones says. “We hope that this will draw George’s friends and fans worldwide to our great city. George and I made this our home, and he would be happy to know that we found a home to continue his legacy in the heart of Music City.”
The museum will cover all aspects of the country legend’s life, from his childhood in Saratoga, Texas, to his time in the Marines and as a radio announcer for KTXJ in Jasper, Texas, before he began his career in country music.
The 44,000-square-foot property will also show the different phases of Jones’ life in country music, from his first hit, ‘Why Baby Why,’ through his hits into the new millennium. An interactive booth will allow fans to sing with the Possum, as well as view many of his personally owned items, including awards, gold and platinum records and other memorabilia.
In addition, there will also be a theater that will show videos of his performances, a restaurant, an event space and a gift shop, plus a 75-foot rooftop bar overlooking the Cumberland River.
The opening weekend will include the official launch of White Lightning Moonshine,  which pays homage to Jones’ first hit of the same name, from 1959.
The George Jones Museum will be located at 128 2nd Ave. North in downtown Nashville. Browse through the gallery below to view artist renderings of the space.

(Slide show with 4 images)
Read More: Details, Grand Opening Announced for George Jones Museum | http://theboot.com/george-jones-museum-grand-opening/?trackback=tsmclip

http://tasteofcountry.com/george-jones-estate-sold/
George Jones’ Widow Sells Former Estate
July 10, 2015


The palatial home that George Jones shared with his wife, Nancy Jones, has been sold.
Nashville’s The Tennessean newspaper reports that Nancy Jones sold the 9,651-square-foot mansion and its surrounding 25 acres for $1.98 million to Nathan and Patricia Overton of Dickson, Tenn. The house features four bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, two garages and a swimming pool. The gated property on Nestledown Drive in the affluent Nashville suburb of Franklin includes two barns, an RV or tour bus garage, an office, a guest house and a large pond.
 ::snipping3::
Nancy Jones has devoted herself to keeping her late husband’s memory alive. She was on hand at the recent launch of the George Jones Museum in downtown Nashville, and she is also in talks to bring the turbulent life story of the country legend to the big screen. She says No Show Jones will chronicle her husband’s ups and downs, including his decades-long struggle with alcohol and substance abuse, and even his famously tempestuous marriage to Tammy Wynette.
“I don’t want any lies — I want it exactly the way George started the [script] when he started it six years ago,” she says. “It will be an honest, honest movie.”

Video clip