George Jones, one of the great singers in any genre, ever, has died at age 81. A true American original, the hard living rebel known as The Possum could tap vast reservoirs of loneliness and regret in his songs. Writes the Washington Post:
“With other country singers, it’s almost about what they hold back. With Jones, it’s almost a cry for help, pure emotion,” said country music historian Bob Allen, describing Mr. Jones’s singing style. “He could bring a palpable anguish to a song.”
Hurt never sounded so authentic, or so gorgeous. (Much more about the irreplaceable Mr. Jones here and here and here.)
