George Jones
As news of
George Jones’ passing hits audiences, the Nashville music industry takes time to share initial thoughts via social media.
MusicRow has gathered a sample of postings from artists and industry who have reflected on the tragedy, thus far. Among this morning’s reactions are postings of various YouTube performances from the Possum’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” including a
Keith Urban tribute (below).
An
email address has been set up to share your own thoughts, prayers, love and memories with Jones’ widow, Nancy and family.
Mayor Karl Dean: “Like me, I’m sure music fans around the world can’t get “He Stopped Loving Her Today” out of their head on this sad day. Nashville has lost a legend. When I moved to Nashville in 1978, one of the first places I visited was George’s Possum Holler nightclub. It was a great introduction to Nashville. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, his family and his dear friends.”
George Strait: RIP in George Jones THANK YOU for everything!!
Loretta Lynn: It’s a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It’s a sad, sad day
Barbara Mandrell: I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say ‘George Jones.’ He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend.
Kenny Rogers: “George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”
Dolly Parton: My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of his family.
Dierks Bentley: man….heartbroken. Nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. Love you Nancy. Long live the Possum. Gonna miss my buddy. As sad as I am, I know my friend Terry Eldredge @TheGrascals is devastated. No bigger fan. Many nights listening to Jones together. #thedoor
Trisha Yearwood: The Yearwood/Brooks household is sad today. Rest in peace, George Jones. Our hearts go out to Nancy and family. There are some shoes that just can’t be filled…
Vince Gill: There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.
Easton Corbin: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all time heroes, George Jones. Georges’ music was real and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you relate to every one of his songs, no matter who you are. He and his music will remain timeless in the world of country music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.”
Bill Anderson: So sad to hear the news about George Jones’ passing. He was the definitive country singer, and I was proud to call him a friend. Who’s gonna fill his shoes? Nobody….at least not for a long, long time. Rest in peace, my friend.
Reba: My prayers go out to Nancy Jones today. Her partner and husband George Jones passed this morning. We’ll miss George very much. RIP.
Blake Shelton: Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…
Little Big Town: There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones
Faith Hill: We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away…Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and all of the family.
Luke Bryan: George. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the beautiful memories.
Carrie Underwood: Prayers going to George Jones’ family today. Rest in piece, George. You are loved and will be missed greatly.
Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts: “He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes.”
Brad Paisley: My friend, the greatest singer of all time, has passed. To those who knew him, our lives were full. To those of you who don’t: discover him now. George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things; How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know and one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, George.
Jo Dee Messina: Ugh! Thoughts and prayers go out to the jones family. Such sad news to wake up to. Heavy heart today.
Alan Jackson: Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he’ll always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.”
Martina McBride: So sad to hear about George Jones. His voice and music will be with us forever. I really think George Jones’s voice was country music. “I’ve spent so many hours listening to George, and he just knew his way around a country song,” said McBride to ABC News Radio. “There’s a lot of people that can sing country music, but there’s something about George, his voice, he just knew what to do with a country song. To make it come alive, and to have so much emotion, and just make you feel it. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans.”
The Henningsens: “We are saddened by the news of George Jones passing today. Like many artists, he was one of our all time heroes. This is truly a loss for country music.
Alabama: We’re very saddened to hear of the death of our amazing friend George Jones. George was an all time great in country music and it won’t be the same without him. We’re thankful for his life and we’ll miss him very much.
Ashley Monroe: Wow.. Sweet George SURE will be missed down here.. But I can only imagine the celebration Heaven is having today..
Blair Garner: RIP George Jones. Passed at 81. Your music, sir, will keep you alive forever. #timeless
Garth Brooks: The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die.
John Rich: The world will miss the great #georgejones A giant has passed on. Proud to say we were true friends. Who’s gonna fill his shoes? Nobody.
Shane McAnally: Thank you, George Jones, for…well…everything.
NotJakeOwen: As the riding mower approached the Pearly Gates, Hank, Keith and Waylon said ‘Don’t mind him St. Pete, he’s with us.’ RIP Possum
Kix Brooks: Possum, angels got a serious lead singer today – God bless Nancy his loving wife – what a guy- what a voice – that was one hell of a show!
Ronnie Dunn: The greatest country blues singer to ever live
LeAnn Rimes: So sad we lost “the possum” today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn’t stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts.
Collin Raye: “Country music and the world will miss George Jones. He was someone who set a high standard in our industry for great music and lyrics that tapped into the emotions of the human heart at a very deep level. His music has touched the lives of country music lovers for over five decades. My prayers are with his family and I pray for the repose of his soul. May you rest in peace, brother.”
Tracy Lawrence: I am so saddened by the news of George Jones’s passing. He was a wonderful friend and I will always treasure the times we had together. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the entire family. George left a tremendous mark on Country music and inspired us all. I will miss him. God Bless you George.
Ricky Skaggs: THE Country Music singer of all time. The words ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’ has never been more true than today.
Larry Gatlin: Years ago someone asked Coach Bum Phillips if Earl Campbell was in a class by himself. Bum replied, ‘Well if he ain’t, it sure don’t take long to check roll.’ I say the same of the late great George Jones. Rest in peace POSSUM. You were always kind to me… THANKS.
Sammy Kershaw: George Jones has been a major part of my personal and professional life for a long time. I have been inspired by his music for the last 50 years and for 42 of those, I had the pleasure of knowing him personally and professionally. He was IT to me. George was and will always be my guy. I am luckier than a lot of people on this Earth because God let me be a part of George’s life and him a part of mine. And on this day, his song couldn’t be more true: ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’
Mel Tillis: I met George when he came to Nashville and we became good friends. I’m really going to miss him. The world has lost the greatest singer to have ever lived.
Ray Stevens: George Jones may be gone but his music will live on forever. What a great voice and a great friend.
Pam Tillis: Country music as we know it would be vastly different if it weren’t for George Jones. He’s in our musical DNA. All country artists will have to figure out how to even begin to live up to his kind of legacy. ‘Honky Tonk Heaven,’ here he comes… though we’re not ready to let go.
Restless Heart: The greatest most soulful voice in history is gone. RIP George Jones… the guys of Restless Heart will miss you greatly.
The Marshall Tucker Band (Doug Gray): We met George many times over the past 50 years. This is a terrible loss for his family, friends, the country music industry and the world. He’s the most identifiable and inspirational country artist that has ever lived.
Billy Dean: George Jones was a mentor and a giant to my generation of country singers. He was there for my first Ralph Emery Show appearance. Backstage I was so nervous and expressed concern to George that if Ralph Emery didn’t like me, my career may never get off the ground. The first thing George said to Ralph when they went on air was how nice of guy he thought I was. George Jones was our country music soul singer, no doubt. Who’s gonna fill those shoes?
The Bellamy Brothers: We’ve lost one of the greatest voices in history. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Sweethearts of the Rodeo: Sharing the same vocal booth with George Jones on ‘Traveller’s Prayer’ was without a doubt THE highlight of our career. He was a true legend, generous and supportive and he will live on and on in our hearts.
Trace Adkins: George Jones was my friend, and I loved him.
Thompson Square: Such a sad say today. We lost one of the greatest country singers to ever live. Rest in peace George…
Charlie Daniels: Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we’ll miss you a bunch Buddy.
Billy Ray Cyrus: I’m stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones. The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers.
Manuel: We at Manuel American Designs are very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary George Jones! A very sad day for country music fans across the world. R.I. P Possum, you will be missed by many. Love to his family in this difficult time.
Keith Urban: If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!
Alan Mayor Archives: George Jones Through the Years
/by Caitlin Rantala[slide]
AOL Music Shuts Down
/by Jessica NicholsonRock news site Spinner, a website under the AOL Music umbrella, tweeted earlier today: “Hey guys. Just found out from AOL that we’re shutting down. Today is our last day. Seriously.” The post was then taken down.
Spinner editor Dan Reilly said via Twitter, “Well, we all just got laid off. AOL Music is finished.”
According to reports, AOL Radio will continue its services. Attempts to reach out to AOL staff were not immediately returned.
Nashville-based country news site The Boot is also under the AOL Music umbrella.
Ashley Monroe To Appear On 'A Prairie Home Companion'
/by Jessica NicholsonFans can also tune in Monday (April 29) at 7 p.m. CST when Monroe will be featured on Warner Music Nashville’s new monthly interactive live concert stream, “Live from Music Square,” via StageIt. The live concert will be broadcast from Studio B on Music Row in Nashville and the stream can be accessed at livefrommusicsquare.com
Like A Rose, produced by 20-time GRAMMY award-winner Vince Gill and Justin Niebank, features songs she co-wrote with Hall of Fame songwriter Guy Clark as well as many of Nashville’s songwriters.
[Updated] Nashville Reacts to George Jones' Passing
/by Eric T. ParkerGeorge Jones
As news of George Jones’ passing hits audiences, the Nashville music industry takes time to share initial thoughts via social media.
MusicRow has gathered a sample of postings from artists and industry who have reflected on the tragedy, thus far. Among this morning’s reactions are postings of various YouTube performances from the Possum’s “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” including a Keith Urban tribute (below).
An email address has been set up to share your own thoughts, prayers, love and memories with Jones’ widow, Nancy and family.
Mayor Karl Dean: “Like me, I’m sure music fans around the world can’t get “He Stopped Loving Her Today” out of their head on this sad day. Nashville has lost a legend. When I moved to Nashville in 1978, one of the first places I visited was George’s Possum Holler nightclub. It was a great introduction to Nashville. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, his family and his dear friends.”
George Strait: RIP in George Jones THANK YOU for everything!!
Loretta Lynn: It’s a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It’s a sad, sad day
Barbara Mandrell: I believe if you ask any singer who was the greatest country music singer of all time, they would say ‘George Jones.’ He was without question and by far the BEST! I first met and worked with him when I was 13 years old; I am so very grateful that he was my friend.
Kenny Rogers: “George Jones will always be one of the most amazing singers who ever lived. He was a true Country Music legend who made music very personal to the listener – I think more than anyone else. He will be dearly missed, but always remembered.”
Dolly Parton: My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of his family.
Dierks Bentley: man….heartbroken. Nancy and @gjpossum had a beautiful marriage and special relationship. Love you Nancy. Long live the Possum. Gonna miss my buddy. As sad as I am, I know my friend Terry Eldredge @TheGrascals is devastated. No bigger fan. Many nights listening to Jones together. #thedoor
Trisha Yearwood: The Yearwood/Brooks household is sad today. Rest in peace, George Jones. Our hearts go out to Nancy and family. There are some shoes that just can’t be filled…
Vince Gill: There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.
Easton Corbin: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all time heroes, George Jones. Georges’ music was real and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you relate to every one of his songs, no matter who you are. He and his music will remain timeless in the world of country music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.”
Bill Anderson: So sad to hear the news about George Jones’ passing. He was the definitive country singer, and I was proud to call him a friend. Who’s gonna fill his shoes? Nobody….at least not for a long, long time. Rest in peace, my friend.
Reba: My prayers go out to Nancy Jones today. Her partner and husband George Jones passed this morning. We’ll miss George very much. RIP.
Blake Shelton: Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…
Little Big Town: There will never be another George Jones. You are and always will be country music. Rest in peace. #GeorgeJones
Faith Hill: We lost one of the best voices God created this morning. Our hearts are saddened to hear that George Jones has passed away…Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and all of the family.
Luke Bryan: George. You will be deeply missed. Thanks for the beautiful memories.
Carrie Underwood: Prayers going to George Jones’ family today. Rest in piece, George. You are loved and will be missed greatly.
Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts: “He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes.”
Brad Paisley: My friend, the greatest singer of all time, has passed. To those who knew him, our lives were full. To those of you who don’t: discover him now. George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things; How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know and one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, George.
Jo Dee Messina: Ugh! Thoughts and prayers go out to the jones family. Such sad news to wake up to. Heavy heart today.
Alan Jackson: Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he’ll always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.”
Martina McBride: So sad to hear about George Jones. His voice and music will be with us forever. I really think George Jones’s voice was country music. “I’ve spent so many hours listening to George, and he just knew his way around a country song,” said McBride to ABC News Radio. “There’s a lot of people that can sing country music, but there’s something about George, his voice, he just knew what to do with a country song. To make it come alive, and to have so much emotion, and just make you feel it. Thoughts go out to all his family, friends and fans.”
The Henningsens: “We are saddened by the news of George Jones passing today. Like many artists, he was one of our all time heroes. This is truly a loss for country music.
Alabama: We’re very saddened to hear of the death of our amazing friend George Jones. George was an all time great in country music and it won’t be the same without him. We’re thankful for his life and we’ll miss him very much.
Ashley Monroe: Wow.. Sweet George SURE will be missed down here.. But I can only imagine the celebration Heaven is having today..
Blair Garner: RIP George Jones. Passed at 81. Your music, sir, will keep you alive forever. #timeless
Garth Brooks: The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die.
John Rich: The world will miss the great #georgejones A giant has passed on. Proud to say we were true friends. Who’s gonna fill his shoes? Nobody.
Shane McAnally: Thank you, George Jones, for…well…everything.
NotJakeOwen: As the riding mower approached the Pearly Gates, Hank, Keith and Waylon said ‘Don’t mind him St. Pete, he’s with us.’ RIP Possum
Kix Brooks: Possum, angels got a serious lead singer today – God bless Nancy his loving wife – what a guy- what a voice – that was one hell of a show!
Ronnie Dunn: The greatest country blues singer to ever live
LeAnn Rimes: So sad we lost “the possum” today. R.I.P George Jones and know we didn’t stop loving you today. You will live on forever in our hearts.
Collin Raye: “Country music and the world will miss George Jones. He was someone who set a high standard in our industry for great music and lyrics that tapped into the emotions of the human heart at a very deep level. His music has touched the lives of country music lovers for over five decades. My prayers are with his family and I pray for the repose of his soul. May you rest in peace, brother.”
Tracy Lawrence: I am so saddened by the news of George Jones’s passing. He was a wonderful friend and I will always treasure the times we had together. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the entire family. George left a tremendous mark on Country music and inspired us all. I will miss him. God Bless you George.
Ricky Skaggs: THE Country Music singer of all time. The words ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’ has never been more true than today.
Larry Gatlin: Years ago someone asked Coach Bum Phillips if Earl Campbell was in a class by himself. Bum replied, ‘Well if he ain’t, it sure don’t take long to check roll.’ I say the same of the late great George Jones. Rest in peace POSSUM. You were always kind to me… THANKS.
Sammy Kershaw: George Jones has been a major part of my personal and professional life for a long time. I have been inspired by his music for the last 50 years and for 42 of those, I had the pleasure of knowing him personally and professionally. He was IT to me. George was and will always be my guy. I am luckier than a lot of people on this Earth because God let me be a part of George’s life and him a part of mine. And on this day, his song couldn’t be more true: ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’
Mel Tillis: I met George when he came to Nashville and we became good friends. I’m really going to miss him. The world has lost the greatest singer to have ever lived.
Ray Stevens: George Jones may be gone but his music will live on forever. What a great voice and a great friend.
Pam Tillis: Country music as we know it would be vastly different if it weren’t for George Jones. He’s in our musical DNA. All country artists will have to figure out how to even begin to live up to his kind of legacy. ‘Honky Tonk Heaven,’ here he comes… though we’re not ready to let go.
Restless Heart: The greatest most soulful voice in history is gone. RIP George Jones… the guys of Restless Heart will miss you greatly.
The Marshall Tucker Band (Doug Gray): We met George many times over the past 50 years. This is a terrible loss for his family, friends, the country music industry and the world. He’s the most identifiable and inspirational country artist that has ever lived.
Billy Dean: George Jones was a mentor and a giant to my generation of country singers. He was there for my first Ralph Emery Show appearance. Backstage I was so nervous and expressed concern to George that if Ralph Emery didn’t like me, my career may never get off the ground. The first thing George said to Ralph when they went on air was how nice of guy he thought I was. George Jones was our country music soul singer, no doubt. Who’s gonna fill those shoes?
The Bellamy Brothers: We’ve lost one of the greatest voices in history. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Sweethearts of the Rodeo: Sharing the same vocal booth with George Jones on ‘Traveller’s Prayer’ was without a doubt THE highlight of our career. He was a true legend, generous and supportive and he will live on and on in our hearts.
Trace Adkins: George Jones was my friend, and I loved him.
Thompson Square: Such a sad say today. We lost one of the greatest country singers to ever live. Rest in peace George…
Charlie Daniels: Rest in peace George Jones There will never be another one like you and we’ll miss you a bunch Buddy.
Billy Ray Cyrus: I’m stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend George Jones. The very definition of a legend. Thoughts and prayers.
Manuel: We at Manuel American Designs are very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary George Jones! A very sad day for country music fans across the world. R.I. P Possum, you will be missed by many. Love to his family in this difficult time.
Keith Urban: If I’m blessed enough to make it there, I look forward to you giving me the grand tour. Rest in peace George Jones!!!!!
GEORGE JONES DEAD AT 81
/by Sherod Robertson[MusicRow gathers reflections and reactions from artists and the Country Music industry]
Born September 12, 1931, Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time.
“A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.”
Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and he played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.
Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”
Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.”
By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980, when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance.
In 1983, Jones married the former Nancy Ford Sepulvado. The union, he repeatedly said, began his rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol and prolonged his life. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.
In 1999, Jones nearly died in a car wreck, but he recovered and resumed touring and recording. He remained a force in music until his death, playing hundreds of shows in the new century and collecting the nation’s highest arts award, the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement, in 2008. In late 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, which was to conclude with a sold-out, star-packed show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2013. Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others were set to perform at Jones’ Bridgestone show.
Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Bobby Karl Works The Johnny Cash Museum
/by Bobby KarlTommy Cash and Joanne Cash Yates
Let’s get the “reviewing” part of this story out of the way, right away. Are you ready? Here’s the review: The new Johnny Cash Museum is awesome.
That’s it. Seven words. Now I’ll tell you why. At Thursday morning’s Private Viewing of Nashville’s newest attraction (April 25), a treasure trove of memorabilia was unveiled. In addition to items from the old House of Cash museum in Hendersonville, the new facility includes contributions from fans, artifacts taken from other museums and, most of all, the stunning collection of a man named Bill Miller.
“I became a fan and a collector as a boy,” said Miller at the event. “I saw my first Johnny Cash show at age 12. And I kept going back, again and again. Eventually they said, ‘Just give him a backstage pass.’ So I got to know Johnny, and Johnny was also a collector. We swapped things.”
Miller says “We’ve scoured the world” for the items on display in this terrific museum on 3rd Avenue South, just off Broadway downtown.
You enter and depart through the gift shop, which has the coolest Cash t-shirts ever, by the way. Your first stop inside is the Dyess, Arkansas section of the museum, which spotlights Johnny’s childhood. Vintage family photos are displayed, alongside the star’s Sears guitar, his boyhood toys, a cotton-picking sack filled with cotton bolls and the family’s wooden radio. Nearby is a case displaying the instruments of The Tennessee Three.
Johnny’s sister, Joanne Cash Yates, became teary-eyed as she looked at the memorabilia. His brother, Tommy Cash, graciously accepted compliments from attendees.
The next section of the museum spotlights Johnny’s years in the Air Force. His uniform, service papers and transmitter are in cases. Many of the items have never been seen by the public before.
The San Quentin exhibit spotlights the recordings that Johnny made at prison concerts. It includes jailhouse tin cups, a set list, guard badges, a cell door, the lyrics to “Folsom Prison Blues” and the Grammy Award that resulted.
A section spotlighting the 1960s showcases a red silk shirt, his “Man in Black” suit, his first custom-made leather boots, Maybelle Carter’s autoharp, Johnny and June Carter’s wedding license, posters, letters, lyrics and manuscripts. Nearby is a wall of Gold and Platinum records. In front of it are Johnny’s CMA Awards in individual display cases.
A video room is dedicated to the star’s patriotism. Another room displays posters from the various films he appeared in, as well as a wealth of costumes and hats. The museum also contains antique furniture from Johnny and June’s home. The old sign from the House of Cash museum is there as well.
“It had been taken to Arkansas, but we got it back,” said Johnny’s niece Kelly Hancock, who used to work at the old museum. “So now I’m back at the House of Cash.”
In another room, there are artifacts from Johnny’s time spent in The Highwaymen with Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. Beyond that are items relating to his late-career revival with producer Rick Rubin. A studio console, books written by Cash, his paintings and drawings and various other artifacts are also there.
Scattered throughout the museum are listening stations and video viewing stations highlighting everything from “I Walk the Line” to “Hurt.” There is an event space available for rent behind the exhibit area.
“We’re having a ‘soft’ opening tomorrow [Friday, April 26] and then a Grand Opening in June, when there are more people in town,” said Kelly. “The Johnny Cash [postage] stamp comes out on June 5.
“There will be a lot more,” she promised. “We’re still adding things.”
“The collecting continues,” confirmed Bill Miller. “My wife thinks it’s a sickness.”
Peter Cooper, Sherod Robertson, Shannon Miller, Tom Roland, Chuck Dauphin, Pam Lewis, Mark Logsdon and the other members of the media at the preview event were enthusiastically taking notes and snapshots.
Here’s my advice: Go and experience The Johnny Cash Museum NOW, before the rest of the world finds out that it’s open and it becomes too crowded to enjoy properly.
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Weekly Chart Report (4/26/13)
/by Jessica NicholsonSPIN ZONE
Show Dog Universal’s Joel Crouse recently shared his debut single, “If You Want Some” with KWOF PD, Jonathan Wilde.
Darius Rucker‘s infectious hit “Wagon Wheel,” featuring the members of Lady Antebellum on background vocals, topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart this week. Eric Church‘s “Like Jesus Does” comes in at No. 2, followed by Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift‘s “Highway Don’t Care” and Kenny Chesney‘s former No. 1 “Pirate Flag,” at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Brantley Gilbert‘s “More Than Miles” holds at No. 5 again this week, while The Band Perry‘s “Done” rises from No. 8 to No. 6. Jake Owen‘s “Anywhere With You” ups one notch from No. 9 to No. 8. The Henningsens‘ “American Beautiful” breaks into the Top 10 this week, while Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill‘s “Don’t Rush” remains at No. 10.
Luke Bryan has brought quite the party to the charts–his single, “Crash My Party,” is the greatest gainer again this week, with 516 spins, jumping from No. 26 to No. 16. Carrie Underwood‘s “See You Again” rises from No. 30 to No. 23, with additional 426 spins. Underwood’s tourmate, Hunter Hayes,” has his own swiftly rising single with “I Want Crazy” climbing from No. 40 to No 31. Little Big Town‘s “Your Side of The Bed” jumps from No. 33 to No. 27, while Blake Shelton‘s “Boys Round Here” rises two spots from No. 14 to No. 12 this week.
Eric Paslay has the top debut this week with “Friday Night” at No. 55, followed by Lee Brice‘s “Parking Lot Party” at No. 68, Joanna Smith‘s “Girls Are Crazy” at No. 73, Chris Cagle‘s “Dance Baby Dance” at No. 77 and Casey Donahew Band‘s “Whiskey Baby” at No. 79.
Frozen Playlists: WWBE, WOOZ, KWEY, WDHR, WRHT
Upcoming Singles
April 25
Steve Richard/Keep On Rollin’/Force MP
April 29
Joanna Smith/Girls Are Crazy/RCA
IMAJ/Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner/Triomphe Records
Dakota Bradley/Somethin’ Like Somethin’/Streamsound
David Shelby/Kick A Little Dirt Around/Highway South
Morgan Frazier/Yellow Brick Road/Sidewalk
May 6
Scotty McCreery/See You Tonight/Mercury-19-Interscope
Chuck Wicks/Salt Life/McGhee
Thomas Rhett/It Goes Like This/Valory
May 13
Joe Nichols/Sunny and 75/Red Bow
Chris Young/Aw Naw/RCA
June 16
Travis Tritt (feat. Tyler Reese)/Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough
• • •
New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Eric Paslay/Friday Night/EMI Nashville – 55
Lee Brice/Parking Lot Party/Curb – 68
Joanna Smith/Girls Are Crazy/RCA Nashville – 73
Chris Cagle/Dance Baby Dance/Bigger Picture Group – 77
Casey Donahew Band/Whiskey Baby – 79
Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Eric Paslay/Friday Night/EMI Nashville – 24
Hunter Hayes/I Want Crazy Atlantic/WMN – 17
Lee Brice/Parking Lot Party/Curb – 14
Carrie Underwood/See You Again/Arista – 13
Luke Bryan/Crash My Party/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 13
Little Big Town/Your Side Of The Bed/Capitol – 12
Chris Weaver Band/So Damn Beautiful/Tygart Music – 12
Steve Richard/Keep On Rollin’/Force MP – 12
Kacey Musgraves/Blowin’ Smoke/Mercury Nashville – 10
Thomas Rhett/It Goes Like This/Valory Music Group – 10
Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Luke Bryan/Crash My Party/Capitol-UMG Nashville – 516
Carrie Underwood/See You Again/Arista – 426
Hunter Hayes/I Want Crazy/Atlantic-WMN – 404
Little Big Town/Your Side Of The Bed/Capitol – 307
Blake Shelton/Boys Round Here/Warner Bros. – 305
On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Emerson Drive/She’s My Kind Of Crazy/Open Road Recordings – 171
Jason Cassidy/Blame It On Waylon/Blake Records – 157
Breelan Angel/It’s My Turn/MisBhavin’ – 155
Scotty McCreery/See You Tonight/19 Ent.-Mercury – 154
Katie Armiger/Playin’ With Fire/Cold River – 145
Blaster Record’s Jared Ashley recently visited WGAR in Cleveland for a visit and performance to promote his latest single, “Last Train To Memphis.” Pictured (L-R): Dave Collins (Blaster Records), Jared Ashley, Charley Connolly (PD, WGAR), Tom Porter (CEO, Blaster Entertainment), Dan Barbera (Management, Blaster).
LandStar Entertainment’s Adam Fears visited the staff at WUSY Chattanooga and performed his new single “There’s a Girl Out There.” Pictured (L-R): Cowboy Kyle, Styckman, Gator Harrison, Adam Fears, Melissa Wagner, Bill “Dex” Poindexter.
Charlie Cook On Air: Radio Can Help
/by contributorI have often said I would have a hard time being a record promo person putting up with radio folks who promise and fail to deliver. Who ask for “stuff” in a non-quid pro quo world and who have favor slots for what always seems like the “other guy.” I know that being on the radio side has its challenges as there is only so much room on the radio and we are often made to feel like we’re either ingrates or idiots for not “hearing” a record that is being pitched that particular week. I also know as a radio programmer I get frustrated when I do hear a song, take a chance on it early and then have to wait 10-12 weeks before the label’s marketing plan for it and other songs on the chart gets its turn. I’m not sure who to blame.
Then there is the Music First deal. I love their positioning statement. “We are artists, musicians, civil rights leaders, organizations and community leaders who believe in fair pay for our work.” Apparently when Congress was not moved by just the singers, a more wide range of constituents was necessary to continue this push toward finding a new source of paying for past errors in judgment. Both in picking acts who failed to sell and in not seeing the trend away from physical copies of music early enough.
That’s actually for another time. I want to play nice today. Yet another study finds radio is the artist’s best friend. Maybe not some of the older performers who were shorted, not by radio airplay, but by their employers and partners. But today’s artists and those still learning a C chord in their bedrooms should realize radio is a great friend. I did an air shift Monday (April 22) on WKKW. I am not a disc jockey any more. Well I guess I actually am. I love being on the air. I haven’t done a daily air shift since before iTunes took over the landscape. When there is an opening, I get to jump in when I want to. I wanted to on Monday.
I love Country Music. I love the performers and have been blessed to meet some of them and have conversations with them. I know this is not a big deal to many of you reading this, but because I have had access to some of the performers and because I care about their success, I talk about their accomplishments, their tours, their CDs and how many of them give back to the communities on the air.
I talked about Darius Rucker holding a benefit concert for St. Jude in June, and Zac Brown Band coming to Pittsburgh in July and playing Stagecoach this weekend in Indio, Calif. I talked about Thompson Square’s new CD and how Pioneer is a great CD for the The Band Perry. I talked about how their concert, outside of Boston, went off Friday night despite the tragedy 30 miles away and how the kids stepped up for the fans.
A recent study of over 1,000 people from the NPD group found 54 percent of them said radio announcements would spur them to buy more music. I want my radio stations to lead the way with information about the artists and how much the relationship between country radio, country artists and the fans is paramount to all of us. Less than one in five listeners look to online recommendations and less than that number to Facebook for new music choices.
I strongly believe we have to talk about the music and the artists and make them come to life. The hard core fans will search out this information but the casual listener needs to have someone show them the way. Radio is the way. I hope programmers step up and allow their disc jockeys to tell the listener about the music. I did it and I never stopped the music once where the clock didn’t call for it because of commercials.
The No. 1 CD of the week should not debut with 100,000 sales. We have to help get it back to 300,000 or 400,000 sales. Radio can help.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow.)
On The Cover: Kenny Chesney (Apr/May 2013)
/by Caitlin Rantala“It’s easy to let those moments go,” says the man who’s sold over a million tickets to each of his past 10 tours, won the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year Award a combined eight times, had 24 No. 1 hits and sold over 30 million albums. “You get busy and let moments go. Other things come up, the moments pass…”
Written over time, written for no one but himself, Life On A Rock is a handful of postcards from the life Kenny Chesney has led when he’s not being the biggest ticket-seller of the 21st century. Culled from people, places, moments and feelings of a driven man at rest, it celebrates what life gives when you yield to its inherent rhythms and the joy of friendship, the world around you and slowing down.
“Most of these songs were written, but I didn’t have an emotional center or something that held them together,” Chesney allows of the most revealing project of his career. “Then, well, things happen… and you start to look at life differently, and you realize how precious what you have, what you had is.” There’s no getting around Chesney being the biggest ticket-seller of the 21st century, but part of what’s made him connect like very few artists is his ability to know where the fans are: to capture their lives and the dignity of being where you are. Joy, yes, absolutely, but also the deeper truth of small towns, real moments, the honest connection between friends, lovers, those moved on.
“I kind of believe the fans and their friends are just like the rest of my friends… There’s that certain place that’s the thread of their lives, but no matter where you go, that place stays with you: who you were, what you went through, the friends you made, loves you lost.”
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF THE 2013 INCHARGE
Like so much of Life On A Rock, the songs came together unconventionally. Having come of age as a young writer with the likes of Whitey Shafer and Dean Dillon, Chesney has a deep reverence for the creation of songs. He understands the process of writing for albums, but he also recognizes the power of capturing a small truth that holds a lot of lives.
“In that, I was able to really soul search, to evaluate – and really ask, ‘What do I want? What kind of artist do I want to be?’ You don’t think about that when you’re going 100 miles an hour, but when you do…”
When you do, you make Life On A Rock, an album of reflection, of fun, of laughter shared. You can embrace the euphoria of “Coconut Tree,” a duet with the ever quixotic Willie Nelson, the Tom Petty-esque swagger of “Pirate Flag,” the album’s one true insurrection-where-you-are anthem, or the contemplative “Happy On The Hey Now (A Song For Kristi).”
“That’s what I want: people to find their lives and their friends, their challenges, letting go’s and good-byes,” says Chesney. “In the end, I think we’re all so much the same different as we are, and that’s what this is about. If I can touch your heart or your life or your soul, then that’s what music is all about.”
Artist Name: Kenny Chesney
Label: Blue Chair Records/Columbia Nashville
Current Album: Life On A Rock
Current Single: “Pirate Flag”
Current Video: “Pirate Flag”
Current Producer(s): Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney
Hometown: Luttrell, Tenn.
Management: Morris Artists Management, Clint Higham
Booking: Dale Morris & Associates, Mike Betterton
Recent Hits: “Come Over,” “You And Tequila,” “Feel Like A Rock Star”
Awards: Four CMA Entertainer of the Year Awards and four ACM Entertainer of the Year Awards. He has nine Billboard Touring awards including seven ‘Top Package’ Awards for his tours
RIAA Certs to date: Kenny has sold more than 30 million albums including three that have been certified quadruple platinum. Additionally, he has more than 20 million digital transactions
Birthday: March 26
Interesting Facts: Produced two sports documentaries for ESPN, Boys of Fall and Color Orange: The Condredge Holloway Story.
Billy Currington Indicted For Elderly Abuse
/by Jessica NicholsonThe charges came after a 70-year-old tour boat captain, Charles Harvey Ferrelle, said he was chased by the entertainer from a waterfront home on Tybe Creek in Chatham County, Ga., to a dock where Currington threatened him while shouting profanities. Ferrelle, a charter boat captain, was giving a boat tour around Tybee Island, when he passed Currington’s property on April 15, according to a police report. The report continues that Currington yelled at the boat from shore and then jumped in his own boat and followed as Ferrelle went to his slip at a nearby dock.
Ferrelle says he “feared for his life,” and that Currington threatened that “he was going to (expletive) Mr. Ferrelle up,” according to the police report.