Arts & Entertainment
Vassallo: George Jones – An American Legend
George Jones, courtesy of Facebook/TheGeorgeJones
It’s been more than two years since we lost one of the greatest singer/songwriters in the history of American music. What this vocalist accomplished remains mind boggling.
“The Possum” (nicknamed for his facial features) placed 143 hits on Billboard’s Country Singles Chart…more than anyone! George was born in 1931(September 12th) in Saratoga, Texas and departed us in 2013 from my hometown of Nashville.
Speaking of Nashville, listed among George’s greatest (Top Twenty) hits is included my favorite, “She Thinks I Still Care”, written by my close friend, Dickey Lee, in collaboration with Steve Duffy. This song reached such fame that Elvis and Anne Murray covered it among a host of others. Dickey and Steve drafted it way back in 1962.
George was married several times including once to Tammy Wynette. He had quite a life experience including service as a Marine being discharged in 1953. The last 20 years of his life he was recognized as “The Greatest Living Country Singer.”
Some of his other memorable classics included “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “White Lightning,” “Near You,” “I Always Get Lucky With You,” “Yesterday’s Wine,” “Tennessee Whiskey” and “A Good Year for the Roses” just to name a handful.
George left a legacy that demonstrates how one individual can leave this world so much better than he or she found it. True, we all don’t possess this talent level, but what we do possess (when utilized to our maximum positive heights) has the potential to inspire others in such a way that would rename the above classic with the title “She Knows I Did Care.”
Special credit to Wikipedia.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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Ivan Foster
December 11, 2015 at 3:33 pm
I saw George at Casino Rama, in Ontario Canada, about a year before he passed. I felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see him. He had been one of my favourite singers for years. I still listen to his songs.
rob
December 12, 2015 at 8:39 am
What’s sad is the radio stations never play his music as often as they should. There are some incredible songs this man did.