George Jones: 7 Essential Tracks

Seven classic tracks from the Possum — there will be tears

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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]