Whether the times have favored honky tonk songs or lushly produced “pop” offerings, country legend GEORGE JONES has continued to make his brand of county music, which has produced hits in every decade of the second half of the 20th century. In fact, Jones has had more charted singles than any other artist in any format of popular music. This year marks his 50th anniversary as a recording artist and BANDIT RECORDS will be celebrating this auspicious landmark for the next year with the release of GEORGE JONES – 50 YEARS OF HITS, a 3-CD set to hit stores November 9th.
The compilation features original recordings of one song from each year of his career for a total of 50 songs. For the years 1965 to 1970, liberties had to be taken since the Musicor/Gusto label did not permit use of their masters. For that time frame several rerecords, produced by Billy Sherrill a few years later, were used and a Jones/Alan Jackson duet of “Good Year For The Roses” was included instead of the original 1970 version.
Although Jones released a few singles in 1954, the collection kicks off with his first 1955 self-penned hit, “WHY BABY WHY” and ends with the 2004 rendition of “Amazing Grace” which Billy Sherrill came out of retirement to produce on Jones in 2003. 50 YEARS OF HITS is probably the most comprehensive package ever assembled on Jones in that it features materials from each year of his career and covers all of the labels he was signed to with the exception of Musicor.
Also, highlighting Jones’ anniversary is the Thanksgiving night (11/25/04) telecast of GEORGE JONES – 50 YEARS OF HITS, a SoundStage Special Event which will air on PBS. The star-studded salute features such guests as: Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna, Martina McBride, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Aaron Neville, Harry Connick Jr, Randy Travis, Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Shelby Lynne, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Trace Adkins, Joe Diffie, Trick Pony, Connie Smith, Tanya Tucker and Uncle Kracker. Each artist interprets one of Jones’ country classics. The artist called, “the greatest living country singer” also performs solo and in duet with several of the guests. Joe Thomas of HD Ready directed the show which was shot in Nashville with ten High Definition Cameras and remixed in 5.1 Surround Sound.
In reflecting on his extraordinary career, Jones said, “ It’s hard to believe that it’s been 50 years. I have to admit I’m a bit shocked by it all. In putting this collection together, I was reminded how great some of these songs are. Then, to hear them performed by so many wonderful artists on the TV show, just thrilled me. It seems like only yesterday, but the years have obviously passed when I look at myself in the mirror.”
Another first for Jones in 2003 was his entry into the food business. Jones introduced a line of breakfast sausage: “George Jones’ Country Style Sausage” which features patties, links, rolls and Microwaveable Sausage & Biscuits. He also has a line of marinade and barbeque sauces under the banner of “George Jones’ Ole Fashioned Marinades & Sauces.” The line has performed so well that less than a year later it has been expanded to include Bacon as well as Marinaded Hamburgers and Steakburgers. George Jones Foods are manufactured and distributed by Williams Sausage of Union City, Tn. In 2004, Jones also introduced WHITE LIGHTING Tennessee Spring Water, which is bottled in Hohenwald, Tn.
Jones is a partner in the Bandit label and, for the first time in his long career, he controls ownership of his own recordings. The experience of not being allowed to “lease” his recordings from Musicor, clearly illustrates the lack of control most artists have over their own recordings. An artist is responsible for all recording and marketing expenses and even though those investments are repaid many, many times over, that artist still does not own the recordings and can be denied use of them.
In 1998, while in the middle of recording his acclaimed “Cold Hard Truth” CD, Jones had a horrific car accident when he lost control of his SUV vehicle and hit a bridge just a mile from his home. It took two hours for emergency medical teams to free him from the car. Doctor feared the worse as Jones had a collapsed lung, torn liver and other internal injuries. Jones remained in critical care on a ventilator to help him breathe for eleven days. He then developed pneumonia, which further exasperated his recovery. The situation looked bleak. Performers from all eras---Little Jimmy Dickens, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, George Strait, Sammy Kershaw and Billy Ray Cyrus, as well as Jones’ famed producer and friend Billy Sherrill, came to lend their support to Jones’ family.
