George Jones

George Jones
Jones performing in Metropolis, Illinois, in 2002
Born
George Glenn Jones

(1931-09-12)September 12, 1931
DiedApril 26, 2013(2013-04-26) (aged 81)
Resting placeWoodlawn Memorial Park
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
Years active1953–2013
Spouses
Dorothy Bonvillion
(m. 1950; div. 1951)
Shirley Ann Corley
(m. 1954; div. 1968)
(m. 1969; div. 1975)
Nancy Sepulvado
(m. 1983)
Children4
Musical career
Also known asKing George, Thumper Jones, The Possum, No Show Jones, "The Rolls-Royce of Country Music"
Genres
Instruments
  • Acoustic guitar
  • vocals
Labels
Websitewww.georgejones.com
Military Service
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1951–1953
RankPrivate
AwardsNational Defense Service Medal

George Glenn Jones (September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013) was an American country musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved international fame for a long list of hit records, and is well known for his distinctive voice and phrasing. For the last two decades of his life, Jones was frequently referred to as "the greatest living country singer",[1][2] "The Rolls-Royce of Country Music",[3] and had more than 160 chart singles to his name from 1955 until his death in 2013.

His earliest musical influences were Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe, although the artistry of Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell helped to crystallize his vocal style[citation needed]. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was discharged in 1953. In 1959, Jones recorded "White Lightning", written by The Big Bopper, which launched his career as a singer. Years of alcoholism compromised his health and led to his missing many performances, earning him the nickname "No Show Jones."[4] Jones died in 2013, aged 81, from hypoxic respiratory failure.

  1. ^ "About George Jones". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on February 18, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2012.
  2. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "George Jones Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  3. ^ Yorke, Jeffrey (July 30, 1984). "Jammed Jamboree". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  4. ^ Gallagher, Pat (December 18, 2009). "George Jones Makes Peace With His Nicknames". The Boot. Retrieved December 20, 2019.