The grand tour : the life and music of George Jones

In the vein of the classic Johnny Cash: The Life, this groundbreaking work explores the wild life and extraordinary musical career of "the definitive country singer of the last half century" (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 Jones's life and career. The result: an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted, tragically tormented icon called "the Keith Richards of country." Kienzle chronicles Jones's impoverished East Texas childhood as the youngest son of a deeply religious mother... In the vein of the classic Johnny The Life , this groundbreaking work explores the wild life and extraordinary musical career of the definitive country singer of the last half century ( 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 Joness life and career. The an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted, tragically tormented icon called the Keith Richards of country. Kienzle chronicles Joness 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 Joness demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Joness 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-onea story filled with whiskey, women and drugs but always the saving grace of music. Illustrated with eight pages of photos. Presents A Definitive Biography Of Country Music Legend George Jones. 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 Chronicles Jones's 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 Jones's Demons. Alcohol And Later Cocaine Nearly Killed Him Until Fourth Wife Nancy Helped Him Learn To Love Himself. Kienzle Also Details Jones's 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 -- Rich Kienzle. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 265-279). "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 chronicles Jones's 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 Jones's demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Jones's 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"-- provided by publisher Presents an analysis of the life and career of the influential artist, drawing on archival material, government records, and interviews with close associates to discuss his troubled upbringing, struggles with drug abuse, and influence on fellow musicians 1931-1953 1953-1961 1962-1968 1968-1975 1975-1983 1983-1990 1990-1999 1999-2013 Epilogue. 2013-2015.