After a brief opening set by singer/songwriter Leonna Williams, George Jones opens this memorable show with the comical "No Show Jones" which he wrote about his "lost weekend" period, when he often missed shows because he was drunk and unable to perform. With the worst of his times behind him, Jones could now make fun of his former problematic situation, and he even takes a playful shot at his former wife and partner, Tammy Wynette.
And the fun…entire summary
George Jones - rhythm guitar, vocals
Murrel Counts - fiddle, background vocals
Mark Dunn - drums
Ron Gaddis - bass, guitar, vocals
Kent Goodson - keyboards, vocals
Terry McMillan - harmonica
Clyde Phillips - guitar
Billy Sanford - guitar
Guest on "Raggedy Ann": Little Jimmy Dickens
After a brief opening set by singer/songwriter Leonna Williams, George Jones opens this memorable show with the comical "No Show Jones" which he wrote about his "lost weekend" period, when he often missed shows because he was drunk and unable to perform. With the worst of his times behind him, Jones could now make fun of his former problematic situation, and he even takes a playful shot at his former wife and partner, Tammy Wynette.
And the fun continues throughout. Jones spends much of the time yakking it up to his audience. He thanks just about everyone throughout the show, including his band, the sound company, his sister and relatives for coming to the show, and even the person at the venue that made the barbeque. But, when he finally starts singing again, it is clear that it was worth the wait. Jones kicks out the door with the up-tempo hit, "Who's Gonna Chop My Baby's Kindlin' (When I'm Gone)" and keeps the crowd cheering with "I Always Get Lucky With You."
Jones is, by far, one of the smoothest vocalists and overall greatest country singers that ever performed on a stage, and this recording is proof beyond. During this performance, which was recorded for the Silver Eagle Cross Country Radio Series, he promises to play "until two in the morning if they don't threaten to haul me off to jail." He offers his audience a healthy mix of old and new material. A medley of his ballad hits is featured and includes "I'll Share My World With You / Window Up Above / The Grand Tour / Without The World We Once Knew / Walk Through This World With Me."
Nobody sings songs about heartache and regret like George Jones does. He has endured a tumultuous career and a nasty public divorce to Wynette, suggested when he sings "I'm Not Ready Yet," and "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Also apparent is the tremendous influence Jones has had vocally on singer/songwriter James Taylor. Taylor, who has spearheaded a tribute to Jones and even written a great duet song for him, "Bartender Blues," has clearly tried to emulate Jones' silky voice on his own recordings. Other highlights of this show include "You Better Treat Your Man Right," "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memories Will)" and "Shine On," which closes the main portion of the show.
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