George Jones

APPEARING AT THE UTV COUNTRY FEST

BIOGRAPHY OF... GEORGE JONES

NEW PROJECT: HITS I MISSED…AND ONE I DIDN’T Originally conceived as “songs I wished I had recorded,” Jones recorded eleven songs that included many he had passed on over the years that went on to became hits for other people. The one hit he didn’t miss is the first new version of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” in 25 years. Includes his first ever duet/video with Dolly Parton on the Hank Williams, Jr. penned “The Blues Man.” This song chronicles the life of a singer who “started drinkin’, took some things that messed up his thinkin’ … got cuffed on dirt roads, got sued over no shows” not unlike Jones himself. Jones had resisted rerecording “He Stopped Loving Her Today” for 25 years because he believed that the version he and Billy Sherrill created could never be topped. It has consistently been voted the “greatest country song of all time” and the hit will always be the definitive version. Now, not looking to top the original but instead to offer another interpretation: a starker, more mature take that forsakes strings for steel and Jones’ mournful delivery is slower and almost sadder. Jones would only trust Keith Stegall, whom he has often referred to as a “little Billy Sherrill” to touch his signature song. WHAT YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW Jones first hit the charts in 1955 with “Why, Baby, Why.” He just celebrated his 50th Anniversary as a recording artist in 2004 with the release of a 3-CD set entitled GEORGE JONES 50 YEARS OF HITS which featured one hit for each year of his career. Jones has won two Grammys – separated by 18 years. The first, in 1981 for his performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and the second, in 1999, for his performance of “Choices. Jones has 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. He also received the prestigious 2002 National Medal of Arts Honor from President George W. Bush. This Medal “honors individuals for the singular distinction of their artistic careers.” The National Medal of Arts is the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence. Jones has had numerous duet partners beginning with Melba Montgomery and, the unlikely pairing with pop star Gene Pitney, in the early 60s. His most famous partner was his ex-wife, the First Lady of Country Music, Tammy Wynette. Jones has also recorded duets with everyone from Ray Charles to Merle Haggard to Keith Richards and Shelby Lynne. More than 1,000 different album titles have been released on Jones, (includes many compilations) encompassing more than 1,000 individual songs. Jones has charted more singles (166) than any artist in any format of music. Jones has been the focus of numerous television specials including the HBO specials “With A Little Help From My Friends” in 1981 and 1991’s “Influences” as well as the 2004 50th Anniversary Tribute special on PBS. In 1996 Jones told his life story in “I Lived To Tell It All” which went to #6 on the New York Times Best Seller List. Some signature hits: He Stopped Loving Her Today; White Lightning; Window Up Above; She Thinks I Still Care; The Grand Tour; Why, Baby, Why; A Picture of Me Without You; Good Year For The Roses; The Race Is On, Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes and Choices. In 2003 Jones entered the food business. He introduced a variety of “George Jones Country Style Breakfast Sausage and Country Style Hamburger Patties,” as well as a line of Marinades and Barbecue Sauces and his own Tennessee Sipping Water: “George Jones White Lightning.” George Jones Foods are carried in more than 10,000 supermarkets located mainly in the southeast. Jones still headlines nearly 100 concerts a year. and his talent continues to amaze as he ages like fine wine. At long last, Jones seems comfortable in his own voice. HITS I MISSED probably features the most relaxed, confident vocals ever heard on Jones and his soulful, easy approach to these classics make them his own.