Tribute to George Jones

Alan Jackson pays tribute at funeral for George Jones.

Watch Alan Jackson Perform ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ at George Jones’ Funeral

Gonna miss the "opossum"

Jim

I recorded a George Jones tribute song about a year and a half ago. It was written by Jimmy Peppers, who is a "retired" Nashville songwriter and Producer. He was George Jones' band manager in late 60's/early 70's. He has written about 20 songs that Jones has recorded over the years including "Playing Possum" and "Tonight I Just Don't Give A Damn".

In the mid 60's Peppers was the drummer in Ferlin Husky's road band. He now lives about 20 miles from me.

If you want a copy, PM me with an e-mail address and I'll send you an MP3 copy. Along with doing the recording, I played Pedal Steel Guitar and Bass on the session.

I saw George Jone one time live. He had just left the Officers club after doing his show there and dropped by the Enlisted Club on his own. Sat on a table with his foot on a chair and played and sang most of the night. He was not schedule to play in the Enlisted Club; he did it on his own. I don't remember what port I was in so I can't tell you where it was. If my memory serves me right he had his Red White and Blue guitar. It was a long time ago and it got drunk out that night I think. Time was some where like 1966, 67, 68.
It got drunk out in every port. That is why the year is so hard to remember. He is one of the Greats. His music will go on forever.

At the 1999 ceremony, George Jones, just months removed from a near-fatal car accident, was nominated for Single of the Year for his autobiographical ballad "Choices." When CMA executives asked for Jones to sing a shortened version of the nominated song, he opted to stay home as a sign of his irritation at their request. Jackson, prompted by his admiration for Jones and his frustration with the CMA, quietly but rebelliously shifted into "Choices" halfway through his scheduled performance of his current single, "Pop A Top."

After finishing the song, he silently walked off stage while and industry executives and artists alike rose to their feet with a standing ovation. Jackson would exit the Opry house and not return for the rest of the evening. When asked later about Jackson's decision, Jones said, "What he did [at the CMAs] meant more to me than I could ever say. I was watching the show, and when he began singing 'Choices,' it moved my wife Nancy and me both to tears. He made a huge statement on my behalf, and on behalf of traditional country music, and didn't worry about what the consequences might be." In the war of art and commerce, Jackson chose to honor the humble beginnings of the genre when those values were compromised, and was justly rewarded with positive

Class move...

A Guy