The key to C&W vocal greatness is sincerity, and five-plus decades of fans believed every word out of George Jones mouth. Here are a handful of “Possum” classics — warning: have a handkerchief handy.
(READ: George Jones, Country Legend, Dead at 81)
(READ: Country Stars Remember George Jones)
“She Still Thinks I Care”
Heartbreak was Jones’s beat, as he proves on this 1962 gem
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owWNCNyEuYI]
“The Grand Tour”
There might be sadder songs than this 1974 classic but you might not want to ever find them. No one else could bring off this over-the-top tearjerker like Jones, the master of heartfelt melodrama.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApiRp8zGsUw]
“The Race Is On”
As magnificent a ballad singer as Jones was, he could also rip ‘em up with the best of them. Grateful Dead fans will recognize this 1964 hit.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERW8z8Y6MHk]
“We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds”
A great duet singer – hear him on recordings with his one-time wife Tammy Wynette, and scores of C&W and pop greats — Jones and the under recognized Melba Montgomery made this gem of rueful regret a hit in 1963.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QsC9Cr4gF8]
“He Stopped Loving Her Today”
Again, Jones brings off a C&W sob story with an understated eloquence no one has ever matched.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYQViYm92hg]
“A Drunk Can’t Be a Man”
Self-pity, self incrimination and remorse – Jones never made it sound so good.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sokk1bT4V3A]
“If Drinking Don’t Kill Me Her Memory Will”
And a second round of same
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY-epx63Dd8]