Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2005, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from George Jones, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 19 May 2005.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to George Jones who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
George Jones
This quote was submitted on Thursday 19 May 2005.
‘Gene Watson is one of my all time favourite country singers.
I love the way he belts out a ballad and I would have to say, the one I always think of when someone says Gene Watson, is ‘Farewell Party’, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007).
It just doesn’t get any better than that!’
Thank you, George Jones, for your support of Gene Watson.
About George Jones…
George Jones was born George Glenn Jones in Saratoga, east Texas on Saturday 12 September 1931, and is considered by many to be one of the finest singers in country music. George Jones, who had a voice that was recognised instantly, was known as ‘The Rolls Royce’ of country music.
George Jones has won two Grammy Awards, separated by eighteen years; the first was in 1981 for his performance of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ (No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1980) and the second was in 1999 for his performance of ‘Choices’, which was written by Billy Yates.
George Jones has also won numerous awards throughout his career, beginning in 1956 as Billboard Magazine’s ‘Most Promising New Country Vocalist’, to country music’s ultimate recognition: his 1992 induction into The Country Music Hall of Fame.
Webb Pierce (Monday 8 August 1921 – Sunday 24 February 1991) and Red Sovine (Wednesday 17 July 1918 – Friday 4 April 1980) recorded George Jones’ ‘Why Baby Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) in 1956; the track, which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in February 1956, was included on Webb Pierce’s ‘Webb Pierce’s Golden Favourites’ (Decca Records, 1961) and Red Sovine’s ‘The One & Only Red Sovine’ (Starday Records, 1961).
George Jones also received the prestigious 2002 ‘National Medal of Arts’ Honour from President George W. Bush, a Medal which ‘honours individuals for the singular distinction of their artistic careers’. The National Medal of Arts is the United States’ highest honour for artistic excellence.
In 1955, George Jones first charted on the Billboard country music singles chart with ‘Why Baby Why’ (written by George Jones and Darrell Edwards); the track, which reached No.4 in 1955, was subsequently included on George Jones’ debut album, ‘Grand Ole Opry’s New Star George Jones: Country Song Hits’ (Starday Records, 1957), which was released on Tuesday 1 October 1957.
In 2004, George Jones celebrated his 50th anniversary as a recording artist with the release of ‘George Jones: 50 Years of Hits’ (Bandit Records, 2004), a 3-CD set which featured one hit for each year of his career.
Jimmy Dean (Friday 10 August 1928 – Sunday 13 June 2010) recorded George Jones’ ‘Nothing Can Stop My Loving You’, which was co-written with Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Jimmy Dean Sings His Television Favourites’ (Mercury Records, 1957).
Jimmy Dean (Friday 10 August 1928 – Sunday 13 June 2010) recorded George Jones’ ‘Hello Mister Blues’ (co-written with Pete Graves and Jimmy Dean) and included the track on ‘Jimmy Dean Sings His Television Favourites’ (Mercury Records, 1957).
Webb Pierce (Monday 8 August 1921 – Sunday 24 February 1991) recorded George Jones’ ‘Life To Go’ and included the track on ‘Webb’ (Decca Records, 1958).
Stonewall Jackson (Sunday 6 November 1932 – Saturday 4 December 2021) recorded George Jones’ ‘Life To Go’ and included the track on ‘The Dynamic Stonewall Jackson’ (Columbia Records, 1959); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1958, and No.1 on the Cash Box Singles Chart in 1958.
Kitty Wells (Saturday 30 August 1919 – Monday 16 July 2012) recorded George Jones’ ‘Seasons of My Heart’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Seasons of My Heart’ (Decca Records, 1960).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded George Jones’ ‘Seasons of My Heart’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Now There Was a Song’ (Columbia Records, 1960).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded George Jones’ ‘Just One More’ and included the track on ‘Now There Was a Song’ (Columbia Records, 1960).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded George Jones’ ‘Accidentally On Purpose’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘The Sound of Johnny Cash’ (Columbia Records, 1962).
Margie Singleton & George Jones recorded George Jones’ ‘Yearning (To Kiss You)’ (co-written with Eddie Eddings) and included the track on ‘Duets Country Style’ (Mercury Records, 1962).
Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009) recorded George Jones’ ‘Why Baby Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘This Song Is Just For You’ (RCA Camden Records, 1963); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1956.
Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009) recorded George Jones’ ‘I Gotta Talk To Your Heart’ and included the track on ‘This Song Is Just For You’ (RCA Camden Records, 1963).
Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded George Jones’ ‘Colour of The Blues’, which was co-written with Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), and included the track on ‘Loretta Lynn Sings’ (Decca Records, 1963).
Kitty Wells (Saturday 30 August 1919 – Monday 16 July 2012) recorded George Jones’ ‘Window Up Above’ and included the track on ‘Especially For You’ (Decca Records, 1964).
In 1964, Benjamin Milam ‘Benny’ Barnes Jr. (Monday 1 January 1934 – Thursday 8 August 1985) recorded George Jones’ ‘No Fault of Mine’; the track was subsequently included on ‘Poor Man’s Riches’ (Bear Family Records, 2007).
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded George Jones’ ‘Forgive Me Dear’ (co-written with Faron Young) and included the track on ‘Falling in Love’ (Capitol Records, 1965); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1965.
Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) recorded George Jones’ ‘That’s The Way It’s Always Been’ (co-written with Roger Miller) and included the track on ‘The Return of Roger Miller’ (Smash Records, 1965).
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded George Jones’ ‘Forgive Me Dear’ (co-written with Faron Young) and included the track on ‘It’s a Great Life’ (Tower Records, 1966); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1965.
Willie Nelson recorded George Jones’ ‘Seasons of My Heart’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Country Favorites – Willie Nelson Style’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded George Jones’ ‘I Made Her That Way’ (co-written with Dale Ward) and included the track on ‘Look into My Teardrops’ (Decca Records, 1966).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded George Jones’ ‘Take Me’, which was co-written with Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969), and included the track on ‘Look into My Teardrops’ (Decca Records, 1966).
Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009) recorded George Jones’ ‘Why Baby Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘The Girls Get Prettier’ (RCA Victor Records, 1966).
Skeets McDonald (Friday 1 October 1915 – Sunday 31 March 1968) recorded George Jones’ ‘You Gotta Be My Baby’ and included the track on ‘Skeets’ (Sears Records, 1966); the track was subsequently included on ‘Skeets McDonald: Volume 2, You Gotta Be My Baby’ (British Archive of Country Music, 2008).
Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984) & Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded George Jones’ ‘Yearning (To Kiss You)’ (co-written with Eddie Eddings) and included the track on ‘Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn Singing Again’ (Decca Records, 1967).
Red Sovine (Wednesday 17 July 1918 – Friday 4 April 1980) recorded George Jones’ ‘Seasons of My Heart’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘The Nashville Sound of Red Sovine’ (Starday Records, 1967).
Red Sovine (Wednesday 17 July 1918 – Friday 4 April 1980) recorded George Jones’ ‘Accidentially On Purpose’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘The Nashville Sound of Red Sovine’ (Starday Records, 1967).
Val Doonican (Thursday 3 February 1927 – Wednesday 1 July 2015) recorded George Jones’ ‘Take Me’, which was co-written with Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969), and included the track on ‘Val Doonican Rocks, But Gently’ (Pye Records, 1967).
The Everly Brothers – Don Everly (Monday 1 February 1937 – Saturday 21 August 2021) and Phil Everly (Thursday 19 January 1939 – Friday 3 January 2014) – recorded George Jones’ ‘You Done Me Wrong’, which was co-written with Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), and included the track on ‘Roots’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1968).
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded George Jones’ ‘That’s The Way I Feel’, which was co-written with Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), and included the track on ‘The World of Faron Young’ (Tower Records, 1968); the track reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1968.
Tom Jones recorded George Jones’ ‘Take Me’, which was co-written with Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969), and included the track on ‘Delilah’ (Decca Records, 1968).
Charlie Louvin (Thursday 7 July 1927 – Wednesday 26 January 2011) recorded George Jones’ ‘Life To Go’ and included the track on ‘The Kind of Man I Am’ (Capitol Records, 1969).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded George Jones’ ‘I Know’ (co-written with Tammy Wynette) and included the track on ‘The Ways To Love A Man’ (Epic Records, 1970).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded George Jones’ ‘Yearning (To Kiss You)’ (co-written with Eddie Eddings) and included the track on ‘The Ways To Love A Man’ (Epic Records, 1970).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded George Jones’ ‘These Two’ (co-written with Tammy Wynette) and included the track on ‘The Ways To Love A Man’ (Epic Records, 1970).
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 14 March 2013) & Jeannie Seely recorded George Jones’ ‘Yearning (To Kiss You)’ (co-written with Eddie Eddings) and included the track on ‘Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely’ (Decca Records, 1970).
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 14 March 2013) & Jeannie Seely recorded George Jones’ ‘You’re Mine’ (co-written with Jack Ripley) and included the track on ‘Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely’ (Decca Records, 1970).
Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) recorded George Jones’ ‘Tall, Tall Trees’ (co-written with Roger Miller) and included the track on ‘A Trip in The Country’ (Mercury Records, 1970).
Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) recorded George Jones’ ‘Nothing Can Stop My Love’ (co-written with Roger Miller) and included the track on ‘A Trip in The Country’ (Mercury Records, 1970).
Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992) recorded George Jones’ ‘That’s The Way I Feel’ (co-written with Roger Miller) and included the track on ‘A Trip in The Country’ (Mercury Records, 1970).
Dolly Parton recorded George Jones’ ‘You Gotta Be My Baby’ and included the track on ‘A Real Live Dolly’ (RCA Records, 1970).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded George Jones’ ‘Accidentally On Purpose’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘The World of Johnny Cash’ (Columbia Records, 1970).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded George Jones’ ‘Lonely Christmas Call’, which was co-written with George Riddle (Sunday 1 September 1935 – Saturday 19 July 2014), and included the track on ‘Christmas With Tammy’ (Epic Records, 1970).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded George Jones’ ‘Ragged But Right’ and included the track on ‘Singer of Sad Songs’ (RCA Records, 1970).
Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) & Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded George Jones’ ‘Take Me’, which was co-written with Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969), and included the track on ‘We Only Make Believe’ (Decca Records, 1971).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) & George Jones recorded George Jones’ ‘It’s So Sweet’ (co-written with Tammy Wynette) and included the track on ‘We Go Together’ (Epic Records, 1971).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) & George Jones recorded George Jones’ ‘Never Grow Cold’ (co-written with Tammy Wynette) and included the track on ‘We Go Together’ (Epic Records, 1971).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) & George Jones recorded George Jones’ ‘Take Me’, which was co-written with Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969), and included the track on ‘We Go Together’ (Epic Records, 1971).
Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) recorded George Jones’ ‘Seasons of My Heart’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘You’ve Never Been This Far Before’ (MCA Records, 1973).
Gram Parsons (Tuesday 5 November 1946 – Wednesday 19 September 1973) recorded George Jones’ ‘That’s All It Took’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards and Charlotte Grier) and included the track on ‘GP’ (Reprise Records, 1973); the track was a duet with Emmylou Harris, and the album was Gram Parsons’ debut solo album and was originally released in a gatefold sleeve.
Barbara Mandrell recorded George Jones’ ‘We’re Gonna Hold On’ (co-written with Earl Montgomery) and included the track on ‘The Midnight Oil’ (Columbia Records, 1973).
Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984) recorded George Jones’ ‘What My Woman Can’t Do’, which was co-written with Earl Montgomery and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included the track on ‘I’ve Got All The Heartaches I Can Handle’ (Decca Records, 1973).
Connie Smith recorded George Jones’ ‘We’re Gonna Hold On’ (co-written with Earl Montgomery) and included the track on ‘That’s The Way Love Goes’ (Columbia Records, 1974).
Patsy Sledd recorded George Jones’ ‘Nothing Can Stop My Loving You’, which was co-written with Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Chip, Chip’ (Mega Records, 1974).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded George Jones’ ‘The Woman I Am’ (co-written with Carl Montgomery, Earl Montgomery and Tammy Wynette) and included the track on ‘Woman To Woman’ (Epic Records, 1974).
Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded George Jones’ ‘I’ve Been Loved Before (But Not Like This)’ (co-written with Earl Montgomery) and included the track on ‘Woman To Woman’ (Epic Records, 1974).
Mickey Gilley (Monday 9 March 1936 – Saturday 7 May 2022) recorded George Jones’ ‘Window Up Above’ and included the track on ‘Mickey’s Movin’ On’ (Playboy Records, 1975); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June 1975.
Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded George Jones’ ‘Window Up Above’ and included the track on ‘Home’ (MCA Records, 1975).
Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995) recorded George Jones’ ‘Take Me’, which was co-written with Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 – Thursday 11 September 1969), and included the track on ‘Take Me’ (Epic Records, 1977).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded George Jones’ ‘You Done Me Wrong’ (co-written with Ray Price) and included the track on ‘Reunited’ (Dot Records, 1977).
Rosanne Cash recorded George Jones’ ‘I’m Ragged, But I’m Right’ and included the track on ‘Rosanne Cash’ (Ariola Records, 1978).
David Allan Coe recorded George Jones’ ‘Whole Lot of Lonesome’ (co-written with David Allan Coe) and included the track on ‘Family Album’ (Columbia Records, 1978).
Elvis Costello & The Attractions recorded George Jones’ ‘Brown To Blue’, which was co-written with Virginia Franks and Country Johnny Mathis (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 27 September 2011), and included the track on ‘Almost Blue’ (United Kingdom: F-Beat Records, 1981 / United States: Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015).
Elvis Costello & The Attractions recorded George Jones’ ‘Colour of The Blues’, which was co-written with Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), and included the track on ‘Almost Blue’ (United Kingdom: F-Beat Records, 1981 / United States: Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015).
Elvis Costello & The Attractions’ ‘Almost Blue’ (United Kingdom: F-Beat Records, 1981 / United States: Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), also included ‘A Good Year For The Roses’, which was written by Jerry Donald Chesnut (Thursday 7 May 1931 – Saturday 15 December 2018).
The original version of ‘A Good Year For The Roses’, which was written by Jerry Donald Chesnut (Thursday 7 May 1931 – Saturday 15 December 2018) was recorded by George Jones and included on ‘George Jones With Love’ (Musicor Records, 1971); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1970.
A re-issue, on Rhino Records, on Tuesday 3 August 2004, of Elvis Costello & The Attractions’ ‘Almost Blue’ (United Kingdom: F-Beat Records, 1981 / United States: Columbia Records, 1981) included ‘Stranger In The House’ (written by Elvia Costello), which was a duet with George Jones, and ‘We Ought To Be Ashamed’ (written by George Jones and Earl Montgomery), which was a duet with Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003).
Dave Edmunds, in collaboration with The Stray Cats, recorded George Jones’ ‘The Race Is On’ (co-written with Don Rollins) and included the track on ‘Twangin’ (Swan Song Records, 1981); the track reached No.34 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1981.
In 1982, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) & George Jones recorded George Jones’ ‘No Show Jones’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019); the track was included on Merle Haggard & George Jones’ duet album ‘A Taste of Yesterday’s Wine’ (Epic Records, 1982).
Although ‘No Show Jones’, which was written by George Jones and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), was not released as a single, it did gain a significant amount of album airplay.
In 1982, Peter Rowan recorded George Jones’ ‘Old, Old House’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022); the track was included on the 1993 re-issue of ‘The Walls of Time’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1993), an album which was originally released by Sugar Hill Records in November 1982.
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) recorded George Jones’ ‘I’m Ragged, But I’m Right’ and included the track on ‘Johnny 99’ (Columbia Records, 1983).
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded George Jones’ ‘Why, Baby, Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Country Classics’ (RCA Records, 1983); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February / March 1983.
Ricky Skaggs recorded George Jones’ ‘Window Up Above’ and included the track on ‘Country Boy’ (Epic Records, 1984).
Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded George Jones’ ‘I Made Her That Way’ (co-written with Dale Ward) and included the track on ‘Your Wife is Cheating’ (Atlantic Records, 1984).
In 1984,George Jones & Lacy J. Dalton recorded ‘Size Seven Round (Made of Gold)’; the track was included on George Jones’ ‘Ladies Choice’ (Epic Records, 1984).
In the early 1960s, George Jones has had numerous duet partners, beginning with Melba Montgomery and (pop music star) Gene Pitney (Saturday 17 February 1940 – Wednesday 5 April 2006), in the early 1960s.
George Jones’ most famous partner was his ex-wife, Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998), who was known as ‘The First Lady of Country Music’.
George Jones had also recorded duets with everyone from Ray Charles (Tuesday 23 September 1930 – Thursday 10 June 2004) to Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), and Keith Richards and Shelby Lynne.
In August 1984, George Jones & Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001) were guest duet partners on the track, ‘We Didn’t See A Thing’, which was included on Ray Charles’ ‘Friendship’ (Columbia Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Columbia Records / Legacy Records in 2005.
In 1986, there were plans for Gene Watson and George Jones to record a duet album together. Studio time was booked, a producer – George Jones’ producer Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) – was selected for the project, and a list of possible tracks drawn up, but this album did not happen.
Gene Watson, however, went on to record the album alone, as ‘Honk Tonk Crazy‘ (Epic Records, 1987), with producer Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) at the helm.
Gene Watson and George Jones did, however, record the Christmas standard, ‘Silver Bells’, in the mid-1980s.
Del McCoury recorded George Jones’ ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ and included the track on ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ (Rounder Records, 1988).
In 1989, George Jones recorded ‘Pyramid of Cans’ (written by Buddy Cannon, Jimmy Darrell and Robert Corbin); the track, which was produced by Steve Buckingham and Ricky Skaggs, was included on the various artists original soundtrack of the movie, ‘Next of Kin’ (Columbia Records, 1989), which starred Patrick (Wayne) Swayze (Monday 18 August 1952 – Monday 14 September 2009).
Robin & Linda Williams recorded George Jones’ ‘You Done Me Wrong’, which was co-written with Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), and included the track on ‘The Rhythm of Love’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1990); the original version of the track was recorded by Ray Price, who included it on ‘Ray Price’s Greatest Hits’ (Columbia Records, 1961), reaching No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1956.
Sammy Kershaw recorded George Jones’ ‘What Am I Worth’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Don’t Go Near The Water’ (Mercury Records, 1991).
On Tuesday 27 October 1992, George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) saw the release of ‘Walls Can Fall’ (MCA Nashville Records, 1992); one of the included tracks was ‘I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair’, which was written by Billy Yates, Frank Dycus (Tuesday 5 December 1939 – Friday 23 November 2012) and Kerry Kurt Phillips, and featured guest vocals from Alan Jackson, T. Graham Brown, Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless, Mark Chesnutt, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020), Clint Black and Garth Brooks, and won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for ‘Vocal Event of The Year’ in 1992.
Alan Jackson recorded George Jones’ ‘Tall, Tall Trees’, which was co-written with Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Greatest Hits Collection’ (Arista Records, 1995); the track was No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart for one week in December 1995.
The Whites recorded George Jones’ ‘I’d Jump The Mississippi’, which was co-written with Country Johnny Mathis (28 September 1930 – 27 September 2011), and included the track on ‘Give A Little Back’ (Step One Records, 1996).
The Larry Stephenson Band – Larry Stephenson (mandolin, lead vocals), Kristin Scott (banjo), Mickey Harris (acoustic bass, harmony vocals) and Booie Beach (guitar) – recorded George Jones’ ‘Nothing Can Stop My Loving You’, which was co-written with Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), and included the track on ‘On Fire’ (Pinecastle Records, 1998).
The Larry Stephenson Band recorded George Jones’ ‘That’s The Way I Feel’, which was co-written with Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), and included the track on ‘Two Hearts On The Borderline’ (Pinecastle Records, 2000).
Bobby Osborne (Monday 7 December 1931 – Tuesday 27 June 2023) recorded George Jones’ ‘Just One More’ and included the track on ‘The Selfishness In Man’ (OMS Records, 2000).
Garth Brooks recorded ‘Beer Run’, which was written by Kent Blazy, Kim Williams (Saturday 28 June 1947 – Thursday 11 February 2016), Amanda Williams, Keith Anderson and George Ducas, and included the track on ‘Scarecrow’ (Liberty Records, 2001); the track was a duet with George Jones.
IIIrd Tyme Out recorded George Jones’ ‘The Old, Old House’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘Back To The Mac’ (Rounder Records, 2001).
Justin Trevino recorded George Jones’ ‘Three’s A Crowd’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards and Herbie Treece) and included the track on ‘The Scene of The Crying’ (Lone Star Records, 2002).
James King (Tuesday 9 September 1958 – Thursday 19 May 2016) recorded George Jones’ ‘Colour of The Blues’, which was co-written with Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), and included the track on ‘Thirty Years of Farming’ (Rounder Records, 2002).
In 2003, George Jones entered the food business by introducing a variety of ‘George Jones Country Style Breakfast Sausage & Country Style Hamburger Patties’, as well as a line of Marinades and Barbecue Sauces, along with his own Tennessee Sipping Water called ‘George Jones White Lightning’.
On Tuesday 1 June 2004, Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) saw the release of ‘Tougher Than Nails’ (Broken Bow Records, 2004), which was produced by Joe Diffie, Lonnie Wilson and Buddy Cannon, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart:
‘Tougher Than Nails’ (written by Max T. Barnes, Kendell Marvel and Phil O’Donnell) (No.19, 2004)
‘If I Could Only Bring You Back’ (written by Chip Davis and Frank J. Myers) (No.50, 2004)
Joe Diffie’s ‘Tougher Than Nails’ (Broken Bow Records, 2004) also included the following tracks:
‘Nothin’ But The Radio’ (written by Frank J. Myers and George Teren)
‘Good News, Bad News’ (written by Danny Wells and Chris Wallin)
‘The More You Drink, The Better I Look’, which was written by Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) and Shawn Camp
‘Am I’, which was written by Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) and Billy Yates
‘Movin’ Train’, which was written by Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020)
‘What Would Waylon Do’ (written by Leslie Satcher and Wynn Varble) / this track was a duet with George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
‘Something I Do For Me’, which was written by Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) and Harley Allen (Monday 23 January 1956 – Wednesday 30 March 2011)
‘Daddy’s Home’, which was written by Joe Diffie (Sunday 28 December 1958 – Sunday 29 March 2020) and Jimmy Yeary
‘This Time Last Year’ (written by Gilles Godard, Bobby Tomberlin and Robbie Wittkowski)
‘My Redneck of The Woods’ (written by Phil O’Donnell and Craig Morgan)
Joe Diffie‘s ‘Tougher Than Nails’ (Broken Bow Records, 2004) reached No.42 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 2004, and No.16 on the Billboard Independent Albums Chart in 2004.
Miss Mary Ann & The Ragtime Wranglers recorded George Jones’ ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ and included the track on ‘Rock It On Down To My House’ (Home Brew / Sonic Rendezvous Records, 2006); the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones, who included it on ‘George Jones Singing 14 Top Country Song Favourites’ (Starday Records / Mercury Records, 1957), and reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1957.
On Monday 17 July 2006, Billy Ray Cyrus saw the release of ‘Wanna Be Your Joe’ (New Door Records / Universal Music Enterprises, 2006); one of the included tracks was ‘Country Music Has The Blues’ (written by Trace Dempsey Cyrus), which featured guest vocals from George Jones and Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022).
Solomon Burke (Thursday 21 March 1940 – Sunday 10 October 2010) recorded George Jones’ ‘We’re Gonna Hold On’ (co-written with Earl Montgomery) and included the track on ‘Nashville’ (Shout! Factory, 2006); this track featured guest vocals from Emmylou Harris.
Daryle Singletary (Wednesday 10 March 1971 – Monday 12 February 2018) recorded George Jones’ ‘These Days I Barely Get By’, which was co-written with Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998), and included the track on ‘Straight From The Heart’ (Shanachie Records, 2007).
Daryle Singletary (Wednesday 10 March 1971 – Monday 12 February 2018) recorded George Jones’ ‘We’re Gonna Hold On’ (co-written with Earl Montgomery) and included the track on ‘Straight From The Heart’ (Shanachie Records, 2007); the track was a duet with Rhonda Vincent.
On Tuesday 25 September 2007, Kevin Fowler saw the release of ‘Bring It On’ (Equity Music Group, 2007); one of the included tracks was ‘Me & The Boys’ (written by Kevin Fowler and Thom Shepherd), which featured guest vocals from George Jones.
Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives recorded George Jones’ ‘Old, Old House’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘Cool Country Favourites’ (Superlatone Records, 2008).
James Taylor recorded George Jones’ ‘Why Baby Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Covers’ (Hear Music Records, 2008).
Patty Loveless recorded George Jones’ ‘Colour of The Blues’, which was co-written with Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), and included the track on ‘Sleepless Nights’ (Saguaro Records, 2008).
Patty Loveless recorded George Jones’ ‘Why Baby Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Sleepless Nights’ (Saguaro Records, 2008).
Patty Loveless recorded George Jones’ ‘That’s All It Took’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards and Carlos Grier) and included the track on ‘Sleepless Nights’ (Saguaro Records, 2008).
The Secret Sisters (Laura Rogers and Lydia Rogers) recorded George Jones’ ‘Why Baby Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘The Secret Sisters’ (Beladroit / Universal Republic Records, 2010).
Amber Digby recorded George Jones’ ‘Wrong Number’, which was co-written with Dickey Overbey (Monday 11 May 1942 – Saturday 4 October 2014), and included the track on ‘Another Way To Live’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2010).
Amber Digby & Justin Trevino recorded George Jones’ ‘Flame in My Heart’ (co-written with Bernard Spurlock) and included the track on ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2010).
Willie Nelson recorded George Jones’ ‘You Done Me Wrong’, which was co-written with Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), and included the track on ‘Country Music’ (Rounder Records, 2010).
In 2011, Garry Ash paid tribute to both George Jones and Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) with the track ‘Possum & Price’ (written by Jim Massey), which was included on ‘Man in The Moon’ (Garry Ash Independent Release, 2011).
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Randy Travis saw the release of ’25th Anniversary Celebration’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2011), which was produced by Kyle Lehning; one of the included tracks on the album, which was released to celebrate 25 years since the release of Randy Travis‘ debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was ‘A Few Ole Country Boys’, which was written by Troy Seals and Mentor Williams (Tuesday 11 June 1946 – Wednesday 16 November 2016).
This version of the track featured guest vocals from Jamey Johnson; the original version of this track, which was included on Randy Travis’ ‘Heroes & Friends’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1990), was a duet with George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), and reached No.8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1990.
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Randy Travis saw the release of ’25th Anniversary Celebration’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2011), which was produced by Kyle Lehning; one of the included tracks on the album, which was released to celebrate 25 years since the release of Randy Travis‘ debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was ‘Didn’t We Shine’, which was written by Don Schlitz and Jesse Winchester (Wednesday 17 May 1944 – Friday 11 April 2014), which featured guest vocals from George Jones, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Price(Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), Connie Smith, Joe Stampleyand Gene Watson.
Willie Nelson recorded George Jones’ ‘Why, Baby, Why’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Remember Me, Volume 1’ (R&J Records, 2011).
Anthony Wilson recorded George Jones’ ‘Lonesome Life’, which was co-written with George Riddle (Sunday 1 September 1935 – Saturday 19 July 2014), and included the track on ‘My Friend The Jukebox’ (AH-HA Music Group, 2011).
Anthony Wilson recorded George Jones’ ‘Wine (You’ve Used Me Long Enough)’, which was co-written with Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998), and included the track on ‘My Friend The Jukebox’ (AH-HA Music Group, 2011).
Anthony Wilson recorded George Jones’ ‘Out of Control’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards and Herby Treece) and included the track on ‘My Friend The Jukebox’ (AH-HA Music Group, 2011).
On Tuesday 30 October 2012, Leona Williams saw the release of ‘By George, This is…Leona Williams’ (Ah Ha Entertainment, 2012), a tribute album to George Jones.
Leona Williams‘ ‘By George, This is…Leona Williams’ (Ah Ha Entertainment, 2012) included one brand new song, ‘Ole George’, which was written by Leona Williams, along with her renditions of classic country songs, which were originally recorded by George Jones (please note: Billboard chart positions refer to George Jones):
‘Window Up Above’ (written by George Jones) (No.2, 1960)
‘A Picture of Me, Without You’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017) and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010) (No.5, 1972)
‘He Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy) (No.1 for six weeks in Spring / Summer 1962)
‘I’ll Share My World With You’ (No.2, 1969)
‘Colour of The Blues’, which was written by Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007) and George Jones (No.7, 1958)
‘The Race is On / White Lightning / Why Baby Why’ (medley)
‘The Race is On’ (written by George Jones and Don Rollins) (No.3, 1964)
‘White Lightning’, which was written by J.P. Richardson (Friday 24 October 1930 – Tuesday 3 February 1959) (No.1 in April 1959)
‘Why Baby Why’ (written by Darrell Edwards and George Jones) (No.4, 1955)
‘I’m Not Ready Yet’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021) (No.2, 1980)
‘Walk Through This World With Me’, which was written by Sandra Noreen Seamons (Friday 31 May 1935 – Friday 22 August 2014) and Kaye Jeanne Savage (who passed away on Friday 18 December 2009) (No.1 for two weeks in early 1967)
‘Things Have Gone To Pieces’ (No.9, 1965) / this track was a duet with Gene Pitney (Monday 17 February 1941 – Wednesday 5 April 2006)
‘When The Grass Grows Over Me’ (No.2, 1968)
‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’, which was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) (No.1 for one week in July 1980)
‘You Comb Her Hair’ (No.5, 1963)
‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?’, which was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) (No.3, 1985)
More than one thousand different album titles have been released on George Jones, including many compilations, encompassing more than one thousand individual songs.
George Jones has charted more singles (166) than any artist in any format of music.
George Jones’ No.1 hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart include the following:
‘White Lightning’ (No.1, 1959)
‘Tender Years’ (No.1, 1961)
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy) (No.1 for six weeks in 1962)
‘We’re Gonna Hold On’ (No.1 for two weeks in October / November 1973) / this track was a duet with Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998)
‘The Grand Tour’ (No.1 for one week in August 1974)
‘The Door’ (No.1 for one week in January 1975)
‘Golden Ring’ (No.1 for one week in August 1976) / this track was a duet with Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998)
‘Near You’ (No.1 for two weeks in February 1977) / this track was a duet with Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998)
‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’, which was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) (No.1 for one week at in July 1980)
‘Still Doin’ Time’ (No.1 for one week in December 1981)
‘I Always Get Lucky With You’ (No.1 for one week in July 1983)
On Friday 26 April 2013, George Jones, who was known affectionately within country music circles as ‘The Possum’, passed away; George Jones was 81 years old.
George Jones
Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013
On Sunday 28 April 2013, it was announced that George Jones’ funeral would take place on Thursday 2 May 2013 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, starting at 10:00am and would be open to the public.
‘Thanks to George’s friends, fans and loved ones for the outpouring of love at this terrible time. I love you all’
Nancy Jones
On Thursday 2 May 2013, George Jones’ funeral took place at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, commencing at 10:00am and was open to the general public.
On Tuesday 1 October 2013, Randy Travis saw the release of ‘Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am’ (Warner Bros. Records Nashville, 2013); one of the included tracks was ‘Why, Baby, Why’, which was written by Darrell Edwards and George Jones.
On Tuesday 22 July 2014, Sammy Kershaw saw the release of ‘Do You Know Me?: My Tribute to George Jones’ (Big Hit Records, 2014), which included the following tracks:
‘The Grand Tour’, which was written by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), Carmol Taylor (Saturday 5 September 1931 – Friday 5 December 1986) and George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 – Saturday 31 July 2010) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘The Grand Tour’ (Epic Records, 1974); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in August 1974
‘Once You’ve Had The Best’, which was written by Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 – Wednesday 19 February 2003) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘The Grand Tour’ (Epic Records, 1974); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1973
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘The New Favourites of George Jones’ (United Artists Records, 1962); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for six weeks in 1962
‘Why Baby Why’ (written by Darrell Edwards and George Jones) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘The Grand Ole Opry’s New Star’ (Starday Records, 1956); the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1955
‘Walk Through This World with Me’, which was written by Sandra Noreen Seamons (Friday 31 May 1935 – Friday 22 Aug 2014) and Kay Jeanne Savage (passed away on Friday 18 December 2009) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘Walk Through This World with Me’ (Musicor Records, 1967); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in early 1967
‘When The Grass Grows Over Me’, which was written by Don Chapel (1931 – Sunday 6 December 2015) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘I’ll Share My World with You’ (Musicor Records, 1969); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1969
‘Window Up Above’ (written by George Jones) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) and included on ‘George Jones Sings Country & Western Hits’ (Mercury Records, 1961); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in late 1960
‘White Lightning’, which was written by J.P. Richardson (Friday 24 October 1930 – Tuesday 3 February 1959) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones and included on ‘George Jones Sings White Lightning & Other Favourites’ (Mercury Records, 1959); George Jones‘ version of ‘White Lightning’ was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for four weeks in April / May 1959
‘Near You’, which was written by Francis Craig (10 September 1900 – Saturday 19 November 1966) and Kermit Goell (1915 – Thursday 4 December 1997) / this track featured guest vocals from Georgette Jones / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones & Tammy Wynette and was included on ‘Golden Ring’ (Epic Records, 1976); George Jones & Tammy Wynette’s version of ‘Near You’ was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in February 1977
‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’, which was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones and was included on ‘I Am What I Am’ (Epic Records, 1980); George Jones‘ version of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1980
‘The Race Is On’ (written by Don Rollins) / the original version of this track, which was recorded by George Jones in June 1963, but not released until November 1964 on the album ‘I Get Lonely in a Hurry’ (United Artists Records, 1964), reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart
‘The Race Is On’ (written by Don Rollins) also reached No.96 on the Billboard pop music singles chart, a rarity for a George Jones single, prompting United Artists Records to capitalize on its success by making it the title of a 1965 album release, ‘The Race is On’ (United Artists records, 1965).
‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’, which was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones and was included on ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’ (Epic Records, 1985); George Jones‘ version of ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’ reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in mid-1985
‘Do You Know Me?’ (written by Billy Lawson and Johnny Holland) / this track was written by Billy Lawson and Johnny Holland, specially for George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), to cut a few months before he passed away. George Jones never recorded the song.
‘The Route That I Took (My tribute To George Jones)’ (written by Sammy Kershaw)
Locust Honey String Band recorded George Jones’ ‘Just One More’ and included the track on ‘Never Let Me Cross Your Mind’ (Locust Honey String Band Independent Release, 2015).
Tommy Hooker recorded George Jones’ ‘Root Beer’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘It Should Be Easier Now…But It Ain’t’ (i2i Records, 2015).
On Friday 30 October 2015, T.G. Sheppard saw the release of ‘T.G. Sheppard: Duets With The Legends of Country Music’ (Cleopatra / Goldenlane, 2015);one of the included tracks was ‘It’s A Man Thing’ (written by Kelly Lang and Frank Solesby), which featured guest vocals from George Jones.
Courtney Granger recorded George Jones’ ‘Mr. Fool’ (co-written with Darrell Edwards) and included the track on ‘Beneath Still Waters’ (Valcour Records, 2016).
On Friday 16 September 2016, John Prine (Thursday 10 October 1946 – Tuesday 7 April 2020) saw the release of ‘For Better, Or Worse’ (Oh Boy Records, 2016); one of the included tracks was George Jones’ ‘Colour of The Blues’, which was co-written with Lawton Williams (Monday 24 July 1922 – Thursday 26 July 2007), and featured guest vocals from Susan Tedeschi.
• Visit George Jones’ official site at georgejones.com