In the vein of the classic Johnny Cash: The Life, this groundbreaking work explores the wild life and extraordinary musical career of âthe definitive country singer of the last half centuryâ (New York Times), who influenced, among others, Bob Dylan, Buck Owens, Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks.
In a masterful biography laden with new revelations, veteran country music journalist/historian Rich Kienzle offers a definitive, full-bodied portrait of legendary country singer George Jones and the music that remains his legacy. Kienzle meticulously sifted through archival material, government records, recollections by colleagues and admirers, interviewing many involved in Jonesâs life and career. The result: an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted, tragically tormented icon called âthe Keith Richards of country.â
Kienzle chronicles Jonesâs impoverished East Texas childhood as the youngest son of a deeply religious mother and alcoholic, often-abusive father. He examines his three troubled marriages including his union with superstar Tammy Wynette and looks unsparingly at Jonesâs demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Jonesâs remarkable musical journey from singing in violent Texas honky tonks to Grand Ole Opry star, hitmaker and master vocalist whose raw, emotionally powerful delivery remains the Gold Standard for country singers.
The George Jones of this heartfelt biography lived hard before finding contentment until he died at eighty-oneâa story filled with whiskey, women and drugs but always the saving grace of music.
Illustrated with eight pages of photos.