In Memoriam
George Jones
September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013 · aged 81
Country
George Glenn Jones, affectionately known as 'The Possum,' possessed what is widely considered the greatest, most emotionally devastating voice in the history of country music. Born in Texas in 1931, Jones was a master of phrasing, able to stretch a single syllable into a heartbreaking portrait of agony and regret. Over a career spanning six decades, he charted an astonishing 168 times. His 1980 masterpiece, 'He Stopped Loving Her Today,' is frequently voted the greatest country song of all time—a sweeping, tragic ballad that perfectly encapsulated the sorrow he so brilliantly conveyed. His personal life was as dramatic as his songs, marked by a tumultuous marriage to fellow country star Tammy Wynette and legendary, highly publicized battles with severe alcoholism and substance abuse, which earned him the nickname 'No Show Jones.' He ultimately found sobriety in his later decades. Jones passed away on April 26, 2013, at the age of 81. When he died, the traditional heart and soul of country music wept.
Milestones
He Stopped Loving Her Today, The Grand Tour, White Lightning
Also remembered in 2013
- Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013)
- J.J. Cale (1938–2013)
- Lou Reed (1942–2013)
- Ray Manzarek (1939–2013)