George Glenn Jones (September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved international fame for his long list of hit records, including his best-known song “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, as well as his distinctive voice and phrasing. For the last 20 years of his life, Jones was frequently referred to as the greatest living country singer.
Jones was considered one of the most important and influential singers in American popular music and country music history. He was known for his eclectic genre-spanning songs and sound that embraced rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel sounds. He also recorded humorous songs, often with a honky-tonk feel, that poked fun at his hard-drinking lifestyle and his struggles with addiction. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
| Name | George Jones |
| Genres | Country, Outlaw Country |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years Active | 1953 – 2013 |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1931 |
| Labels | Musicor, United Artists, Epic, MCA, Asylum, Bandit |
10 Best George Jones Quotes
“If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.”
– George Jones, from Huffpost
“I’ve always been partial to honky-tonk music. It’s been my life.”
– George Jones, from All Music
“I never felt I was good enough to be a star, but I was too stubborn to quit.”
– George Jones, from Rolling Stone
“I don’t think I’m an alcoholic, but I enjoyed drinking.”
– George Jones, from The Boot
“I always felt that I was a singer. I just sang what I felt.”
– George Jones, from Country Fan Cast
“I think I’ve been lucky because I’ve been able to sing a lot of different kinds of songs.”
– George Jones, from Country Thang Daily
“I don’t care if I ever get famous. I just want to make a living and be comfortable.”
– George Jones, from Country Fan Cast
“I’d rather give up all my money and fame than to give up my music.”
– George Jones, from The Boot
“I guess I just have a knack for being able to write and sing about pain.”
– George Jones, from All Music
“I’m a recipient of an award and I accept it with all my heart.”
– George Jones, from Huffpost
5 Inspirational George Jones Quotes
“It’s an honor to be part of the music industry, to be around all the great entertainers. That’s something I never dreamed of.”
– George Jones, from YouTube
“I was fortunate enough to have a God-given talent. I thank God for it.”
– George Jones, from YouTube
“I think I’m the luckiest man in the world to have the loyal fans I do.”
– George Jones, from YouTube
“If I had to give advice to a young person starting out, I would say sing from the heart and make sure you mean what you’re singing.”
– George Jones, from YouTube
“If I had to do it all over again, I’d do it the same way.”
– George Jones, from YouTube
8 Famous George Jones Quotes
“Country music is three chords and the truth.”
– George Jones, from Country Weekly
“Loneliness is my most faithful friend.”
– George Jones, from Rolling Stone
“There are only two kinds of music — good and bad.”
– George Jones, from CBS News
“You don’t have to be real great to get started, but you have to get started to be real great.”
– George Jones, from The Guardian
“It’s been a great ride. I’m just glad to be along for the ride.”
– George Jones, from YouTube
“I don’t want to be remembered as a wild man. I want to be remembered as a great singer.”
– George Jones, from The New York Times
“You can’t do enough for somebody you really love.”
– George Jones, from CNN
“I’m not a preacher, but I’m telling people there’s a God who loves them.”
– George Jones, from The Huffington Post
5 George Jones Quotes About Love
“In my opinion, love is the most important thing in life.”
– George Jones, from Rolling Stone
“I think it’s no secret—love is the most important thing in the world.”
– George Jones, from The Boot
“When you get to my age, you’ll really measure your success in life by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you.”
– George Jones, from NPR
“And I think the greatest thing in the world is love between two people.”
– George Jones, from The Guardian
“I think love is the most important thing to have in your life.”
– George Jones, from The Guardian
8 George Jones Quotes About Life
“Life is a lot of things. It’s the good times and the bad times. You try to make the best of both.”
– George Jones, from CBS News
“Life is what you make it.”
– George Jones, from NPR
“I don’t know what life is all about. I’m still trying to find out.”
– George Jones, from Rolling Stone
“I had to learn a lot of lessons in life the hard way.”
– George Jones, from The Guardian
“I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me-like food or water.”
– George Jones, from All Music
“There’s never been a time in my life when I didn’t sing.”
– George Jones, from CMT
“I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I wasn’t proud of, and I’ve done a lot of things in my life I was proud of.”
– George Jones, from The Guardian
“I feel like I’ve lived a thousand lives.”
– George Jones, from Miami New Times
5 Quotes About George Jones
“Anybody who has ever heard George Jones sing the words to one of his songs knows that he is the greatest singer of all time.”
– Vince Gill, from Rolling Stone
“George Jones was the greatest singer in the history of country music. His influence will never be matched.”
– Brad Paisley, from Rolling Stone
“George Jones was the greatest country singer of all time. His unique voice and heartfelt delivery set him apart from all of the other singers in the genre.”
– Alan Jackson, from Billboard
“George Jones was an icon and a legend. He was one of the greatest singers of all time and his influence on country music is unparalleled.”
– Kenny Chesney, from Rolling Stone
“George Jones was one of the most influential singers in the history of country music. His voice and style were unlike anyone else’s and he will always be remembered as a true legend.”
– Willie Nelson, from Rolling Stone
Interview with George Jones
Frequently Asked Questions About George Jones
1. What are some of the most famous George Jones quotes?
George Jones was a country music legend, widely known for his powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. His music was filled with wisdom and insight, and his quotes are just as memorable. Here are some of the most famous George Jones quotes:
- “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.”
- “Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman, giving all your love to just one man.”
- “I’m so lonesome I could cry.”
- “I’m just an old chunk of coal, but I’m gonna be a diamond some day.”
- “The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.”
- “You can’t roller skate in a buffalo herd.”
- “Life’s too short to be living in misery.”
- “You can’t make a heart love somebody.”
- “If I could only start all over again, I wouldn’t change very much.”
- “You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything.”
These words of wisdom from George Jones have been a source of inspiration for many, and they continue to live on today.
2. How has George Jones’ music influenced country music?
George Jones’ influence on country music is undeniable. His distinct style of singing, songwriting, and performing has left an indelible mark on the genre. Here are some of the ways his music has shaped country music:
- He helped to popularize the honky-tonk sound, a style of country music characterized by uptempo, often bluesy melodies and an emphasis on the steel guitar.
- He was one of the first country musicians to embrace the use of electric instruments, particularly the electric guitar.
- His songs often featured a narrative structure, which was a departure from the typical country love songs of the time.
- His lyrics were often self-deprecating and humorous, which helped to endear him to fans.
- His songwriting was praised for its simplicity and honesty, which helped to make country music more accessible to a wider audience.
- He was one of the first country artists to embrace the “Outlaw Country” sound of the 1970s, which featured a more aggressive sound and edgier lyrics.
George Jones’ music has had a lasting impact on country music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of today’s country artists.
3. What is the legacy of George Jones’ music?
George Jones’ legacy is one of the most influential and iconic in country music history. His career spanned more than six decades, and his songs have touched the hearts of countless fans around the world. The impact of his music can be felt in country music today, as many of his songs remain staples on the radio, and many new artists cite him as an influence.
- His music has been recorded by country icons like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Alan Jackson.
- He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
- He won two Grammy Awards, four Country Music Association Awards, and 15 Academy of Country Music Awards.
- He was named Artist of the Decade in the 1980s by the Academy of Country Music.
- His song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, is regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time.
- He was a pioneer in the traditional country sound, blending elements of honky-tonk, blues and gospel.
- Many of his recordings are considered classics, such as “White Lightning”, “She Thinks I Still Care”, and “The Race is On”.
George Jones’ legacy will live on for many years to come, and his music will continue to be an inspiration to generations of country music fans.
4. What have been some of the most impactful George Jones lyrics?
George Jones was an iconic country music artist whose songs spoke to the heart and soul of the listener. His lyrics were insightful, profound, and often heartbreaking. Here are some of the most impactful lyrics from George Jones’ songs:
- “He stopped loving her today, they placed a wreath upon his door. And soon they’ll carry him away, he stopped loving her today.” – He Stopped Loving Her Today
- “I’m so lonesome I could cry, tears fill my eyes, I’m so lonesome I could die.” – I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
- “We must have been out of our minds, when we threw it all away. But I just can’t get used to livin’ without, lovin’ you.” – We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds
- “Once a day, every day, I’m reminded of the price I pay. For the life I chose and how it’s changed, the woman I loved but could not keep.” – Once A Day
- “I’ve been to the hardest of times, and the longest of roads. I’ve seen the darkest of days, and the loneliest of souls.” – The Hardest Of Times
George Jones’ lyrics offer a unique perspective on love and loss, and his words have resonated with people for generations. His songs have left an indelible mark on the world of country music and will continue to do so long into the future.
5. What were some of the themes explored in George Jones’ music?
George Jones explored a wide variety of themes in his music, many of which were reflective of his life experiences. Some of the most common themes found in his songs are as follows:
- Love & Heartbreak – George Jones often wrote about the complications of love and the struggles of maintaining relationships. He also wrote about the pain of heartbreak and the lessons learned from it.
- Honesty & Integrity – Many of George Jones’ songs featured themes of honesty, integrity, and standing up for what is right.
- The Working Man – As a tribute to his roots, George Jones regularly wrote songs about the struggles of the working class and the importance of hard work.
- Alcoholism & Addiction – George Jones had a long, troubled struggle with alcoholism and addiction, which was often reflected in his music.
- Faith & Spiritualism – George Jones was a deeply religious man, and many of his songs featured themes of faith, hope, and spiritualism.
Conclusion
George Jones is an iconic country music artist whose influence can be seen in the lyrics and performances of many current country music stars. His career spanned over 50 years and his body of work has been instrumental in defining the genre. His unique vocal style, memorable ballads, and memorable live performances have left an indelible mark on the genre and will continue to inspire country music fans for years to come. George Jones will always be remembered as one of the greats of country music.
