R.I.P. George Jones – A True Rock Star

As you know from listening to me and reading my blog, I am a huge music fan... All types of music. Today music lost an icon. Someone I grew up listening to and growing to love. Country star George Jones passed away today at the age of 81. He put many of today's rock stars to shame.

Not that it's something he was proud of, or anyone should be, but "The Possum" defiantly lived life in the fast lane. Though Jones was adored by his strong following, he often astonished them with his erratic behavior and brushes with death. He struggling with alcohol and drug abuse, had multiple marriages and divorces, lawsuits and motor vehicle accidents. His life became the stuff of country legend and he will no doubt be remembered for the infamous 'lawnmower incident'. Following a huge drinking binge, Jones had his car keys confiscated by his wife so he couldn't drive into town for more booze. Unfortunately for Mrs Jones, the musician commandeered a motorized lawn mower and drove himself to the nearest liquor store. "I imagine the top speed for that old mower was five miles an hour," he recalled in his 1996 memoir, "It might have taken an hour and a half or more for me to get to the liquor store, but get there I did."

But besides his rock star lifestyle, George Jones was also one of the greatest musicians that ever lived. 167 records on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart during his long career, more than any other artist. He also placed more inside the Top 40 (143) than anyone in the history of country music. There was awards success to - Jones won two Grammy Awards, was a five-time Academy of Country Music Awards winner and was given a lifetime achievement award as part of the annual Kennedy Center Honor in Washington D.C.

"Hopefully [history] will remember me for my music and forgive me of the things I did that let 'em down," Jones told an interviewer in 2006.

I can assure you, true music fans will never forget you, George. R.I.P. buddy!

Enjoy the tune I used to jam on Saturday afternoons while I hung out with my grandma...