George Jones shares stories before upcoming Oklahoma shows
BY JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer
Sunday, May 29, 2011
5/29/11 at 4:48 AM
Many call him the greatest living country singer on the planet. But he won't agree to that.
George Jones is a living legend, however - that, he'll cop to. In his storied and expansive career, he's had more than 150 Billboard hits, both as a solo artist and with an array of other musicians.
He recently took time to answer questions via email in advance of the two Oklahoma tour dates he has coming up. There is one thing he especially wants you to know: He wants y'all there.
1. Will you give us a "short list" of what will be on your set list at your Oklahoma shows?
A: The short list would be "The Race Is On," "White Lightnin'," "Whose Gonna Fill Their Shoes" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
2. You're playing two Oklahoma shows. Will the set lists change?
A: No, the set list stays the same
because we have lighting and videos
that the operators have to know
what order the songs are going to be
played in.
3. You've often been called "the greatest living country singer." Do you agree with that? And, what living country music singer do you admire and why?
A: No I don’t agree with that. … I
appreciate the kind words, but I
don’t think I am the greatest living
country singer. I admire Alan Jackson
because he keeps it country,
or at least what I call country, and
I love it.
4. What's been the biggest life lesson you've learned from being a musician?
A: It isn’t glamorous like people
think. It is hard work, away from
your family and loved ones. You
miss so many milestones in your
children’s lives because you are
gone all the time.
5. If there was anything else you'd rather be, what would you do? Why?
A: No, not really. From the time I
was a little boy growing up in Texas
and listening to the Grand Ole Opry
on the radio, I have wanted to be a
country music singer.
6. Do you have a favorite song that you just really enjoy performing? What is it and why? If not, why?
A: Well even though it is sad, I love to sing "He Stopped Loving Her Today" because that is the song every fan of mine wants to hear, and the reaction I get the minute I say ... "He said I'll love you till I die"... it is just overwhelming.
7. You still perform an array of venues, from colleges to casinos and festivals. That's also a very broad age demographic. Why do you think so many people still relate so strongly to your music?
A: I think people relate to country music and the stories that are told through country music. I am still amazed to look out on audiences and see young and old alike singing along to every single song. It is a great feeling.
8. What's your favorite thing to eat while you're on the road?
A: Well, I love to eat at the
Cracker Barrel because it is
about as close to my wife
Nancy’s good cooking as I can
get. When she travels with me,
we have a full kitchen on the bus,
and she cooks for me just like we
are at home.
9. Will you please share something funny with us that your fans may not know about you?
A: It isn’t really funny, but one
thing most fans don’t know
about me is that I love to get on
my tractor and mow the grass
at my farm in Nashville. I truly
enjoy the solitude of getting on
that tractor where there are no
phones, faxes, email or anything
else to bother me.
10. Anything else you'd like to add?
A: THANK YOU! :) Hope to see you at the show!
George Jones
When: Gates 6:30, showtime 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Pavilion and Venue at Downstream Casino, 69300 E. Nee Road, Quapaw
Tickets: $60, $40 and $20, available at tulsaworld.com/downstreamboxoffice or by calling 888-DWNSTRM
George Jones
with Janie Fricke
When: Doors open 6 p.m., showtime 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Choctaw Event Center, 3735 Choctaw Road, Durant
Tickets : $37.50 and $75.00, available at tulsaworld.com/choctawcasinos or by calling 800-585-3737
Original Print Headline: Country legend shares stories
No. 1 hits
"White Lightning" (1959)
"Tender Years" (1961)
"She Thinks I Still Care" (1962)
"Walk Through This World With Me" (1967)
"We're Gonna Hold On" (with Tammy Wynette) (1973)
"The Grand Tour" (1974)
"The Door" (1975)
"Golden Ring" (with Tammy Wynette) (1976)
"Near You" (with Tammy Wynette) (1977)
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980)
"(I Was Country) When Country Wasn't Cool" (with Barbara Mandrell) (1981)
"Still Doin' Time" (1981)
"Yesterday's Wine" (with Merle Haggard) (1982)
"I Always Get Lucky With You" (1983)
Associated Images:
George Jones performs at Country Fever in 2005. Jones will play Friday at Downstream Casino in Quapaw and Saturday at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant. Tulsa World file
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