I’ve been so wrapped up in life’s ‘important things’ this
past week I’ve not seen the news or read the paper. So imagine the profound
sadness I felt when I saw an old headline from a week ago…George Jones, King of
the Honky Tonk, Dies at 81.
I am in no way able to put into words the influence this
giant of the 20th century has had on everyone from Merle Haggard to
Elvis Costello and Keith Richards.
Indeed, here is the Rolling Stones' living fossil’s statement issued
last Friday.
George Jones has left us.
We have lost one of the most individual singers of all time. I cannot express
the emptiness I feel.
George was as country as
it can get, but he was beyond any bag you want to put him in. He was pure
American music without ever waving a flag – you can hear a million imitations
on the radio every day – but there was, and ever will be, only one George
Jones.
He possessed the most
touching voice, the most expressive ways of projecting that beautiful
instrument of anyone I can call to mind. You heard his heart in every note he
sang. Sinatra called him the second best singer ever. (The number one obviously
being Frank!). I would contest that.
I truly loved 'the
possum.' He was a crazy as me, and just as free… and, oh boy, could he hang.
For a full obit on the man they called the
Frank Sinatra of country music, click here.
In a rush I’ve put together a mixtape of some
of my favorite George Jones gems.
Rest in bloody peace, George! You’ve touched us all!
Track Listing:
01 He Stopped Loving Her Today
02 You And Me And Time (With Georgette Jones)
03 Ain't Your Memory Got No Pride At All
04 If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)
05 Big Fool Of The Year
06 Cold Cold Heart
07 Relief Is Just A Swallow Away
08 Half A Mind
09 All Fall Down (feat. George Jones)
10 I Always Get It Right With You (With Shelby
Lynne)
11 The Race Is On
12 Yesterday's Wine
13 A Good Year For The Roses
14 The Old Rugged Cross
15 Accidently On Purpose
16 Once A Day
17 Why Baby Why
18 Developing My Pictures
19 In The Garden
20 Amazing Grace
21 She Knows What She's Crying About
2 comments:
he's so amazing!!! this has always been a favorite of mine, too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmRUV43zhTs
i've finally realized that the country lyrics are absolutely identical to the lyrics from various mexican songs, too. they simply reflect commonalities of the human condition, in my view
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVndOu9pEY4
I used to hate country music AND mexican music, haha, but once i grew up and left home, then after a while i started to crave them!!! and i realized how much i could relate to them, just by growing up where i did --- texas/mexico border....
;p
Yes it does take refined aesthetics to appreciate country music! Glad you've found a place for it in your life. I can't live without it after, like you, 'hating' it for years and years. thanks for the videos...they are indeed great ones!
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