My heart is heavy tonight. The weather fit the day just perfect. The rain and temperature drop came way before the weatherman said it would, so, of course, I was way out in a field with my tractor cutting, not paying attention to the sky, and also not knowing what was going on in the world of country music. The skies opened up and drenched me and a cold wind joined in to chill me pretty much to the bone. Since I was already wet, I kept cutting as long as I could stand it, then came in.
George Jones has died. The cornerstone of everything that we believe, as fans and artists, with classic country music, is gone. Yes, his music will live on forever, but the spirit and energy force that was Jones, has finally left us. This man, with all his history of wildness and addiction, the same man with the heart of kindness and love, the one who could turn a song around like no one else, this friend who we love...has moved on.
I worked many shows with George, before Tammy, during Tammy and after Tammy, saw him in about every condition you can imagine. I was sad, during his wooly days of abuse, watching a man who I so admired, seemingly try to destroy himself. Those years were not good ones for George, in every way except his music. His music was seamless and wonderful.
George enjoyed the last phase of his life, straightened up and happy, because of Nancy Jones. He found his anchor. A good woman can do that to a man, when nothing else can. June Carter Cash, Jessi Coulter Jennings and Nancy Jones, all have a special place in my heart for what they did for my friends. Other friends have shared that special relationship. Roy Acuff, Grandpa Jones, Little Jimmy Dickens, Nat Stuckey, Bobby Bare, Tom Brumley, Cal Smith, Buck Trent and many others all had the special one that kept them going.
I know what it is like to finally find your soul mate, I found mine in April of 1985, and my life has been forever changed for the better. Denise Thornburg Hitchcock gave me unconditional love, and a reason to live everyday, happy and encouraged.
This period of my life, losing so many friends and heroes, is tough, but I am so thankful to have had the time and the memories of a life among the greats.
Thank you Lord, for your continued blessings and we pray for the families of all who have been taken, that they be comforted. Bless us all and keep us safe.
Stan
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