And see that handkerchief around his neck? It says Luckenbach. We tell him he likes country music, and he believes us.

And see that handkerchief around his neck? It says Luckenbach. We tell him he likes country music, and he believes us.

Today’s a pretty good day to put on your favorite George Jones hat, shirt or jacket – or grab your favorite George Jones koozie should you be fortunate enough to possess one – and head out to your local bar to queue up a list of your favorite George Jones tunes on the jukebox, to celebrate his life and his songs.

Alas, bad news: maybe you don’t own any George Jones memorabilia, and your local bar’s jukebox don’t seem to play anything but Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers. Now see, this is what’s wrong with the world, and now with George’s passing, things are even wronger still.

I wrote a remembrance of George at City Pages today, and a while back whipped up a list of his major accomplishments in advance of his farewell tour, which sadly has come to a close much sooner than expected.

But I just can’t stand to listen to another sad George Jones song today. Let’s instead remember him (and Johnny Paycheck, also R.I.P.) for the wisdom they imparted to us, before they parted.

 

Kicking yourself for missing Jones before he passed? I know, I know. 😦 Here’s a review of his show at the county fair a few years back. Did you catch him at that show, or at another? Share your stories here in the comments, please.

Too many sad songs? Fuck it, I’ll admit I’m listening to “Good Year for the Roses” right now. The sad stuff’s just too good.