I've Been Listening to George Jones All Afternoon
You hear country singers say it all the time, so let me echo them: I'm a big fan of George Jones. Two of his early albums -- A Picture of Me (Without You) and Nothing Every Hurt Me (Half as Bad as Losing You) - have been reissued on one CD and that's what I keep playing this afternoon. Friends, this is my favorite kind of country music, smothered in steel guitar, booze and bad decisions. Released in the early 1970s, these albums were produced by Billy Sherrill, who magnificently captured that distinct yearning in Jones' rich baritone in songs like "She Loves Me (Right Out of My Mind)." You ought to hear how he phrases, "She brings out the DEHH-vil in me." I can't quite figure out if that's a good thing or a bad thing. The second half is more cheerful than the first, with some upbeat songs about his woman - at the time, Tammy Wynette. So I'm mostly sticking with the first half today and soaking up those sad, sad songs. Man, I love this stuff.
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Tom says:
I don’t know if it gets a whole lot better than George Jones for them sad songs, well Hank Williams is great too.
merlefan46 says:
1 sad thing most of the fans being brought to country these days have no idea who they are and probably never will.
RedMaZ says:
Speaking of George Jones…Craig, (and everyone else) you may want to do a search engine check on the name “Ken Alexander”, and then Click on “dicovered country music recordings prove to be a reel find” I think you will be pleasently surprised. Hundreds of Live recording tapes found in a barn of Country legends. Including George Jones. This is a different collection than the Leon Kagarise photos and tapes. This is a must for all real country music fans.
RedMaZ says:
Correction, do a search on…”Ken Alexander Tapes”. That will get you there.
CJ says:
I grew up listening to Georg Jones who was one of my favorites in Country Music. For Good old Country Music he one of the best. I wish we were still in those good times.
RedMaZ says:
Here’s the link…
http://www.hereandnow.org/stories/2009/04/a-reel-find/
I personally think this is great. I love country music.
tuck says:
George Jones is also my favorite. I have his Tender years album. I love “Choices” but you never hear that. WHY??? They wouldnt even let him sing it on cma awards years ago. Alan jackson did tho.
Darla Goodrich says:
Craig, I just popped on GJ’s site & read your article; so I had to write you. Believe it or not, I have been up for the past entire 2 days & nights, sitting in my George Jones Tribute Room, listening to “Possum”. I haven’t even attempted to put my head down. In fact, I just 5 minutes ago,finished writing him and wife, Nancy to invite them to stop by next month on their way to his show (which I too will be at), because the big radio station in MI. wants to do a broadcast from my GJ Room and discuss my huge collection. Guess you could say…..I know how you feel, just sitting there. Have a Great Day!!! Maybe we can chat soon…..share a couple pix.
Tom Hayes (UK) says:
For Craig,
I have also been listening to GJ all afternoon. Been doing this for years!!, ever since meeting the man in the early 70’s at Wembley, UK. Got his autograph, and witnessed one of the last duets with Tammy. Magic.
Tom