I'm sad. As most of you know by now, the great country singer George Jones died today. Why does it make me so sad? I don't know. It's not like I was a huge fan. I don't even have a George Jones CD.
He was one of my mom and dad's favorites. Especially when he was married to Tammy Wynette. I think part of my sadness is it feels like the dying of an era. Most of today's country music doesn't remotely resemble the old stuff. The stuff I grew up listening to. Hank Williams, Flatt & Scrugs, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn.When I heard the news this morning, my mind went back to my dad sitting in his chair after work, drinking a tall, cold can of Schlitz beer and telling me to put a record on. I would rifle through his albums (all country music) and pick out one. He didn't care which it was, he just wanted to hear some sad ballad. Maybe to make him feel better about his life. The person in the song always seemed to have it worse off. Or maybe it made dad feel like he wasn't the only one struggling with demons.
I know, I know, I sound old. It's not that I don't like some of the new stuff. Love Blake Shelton. Hate Taylor Swift.
Fans of Ol' Possum will know why I have a picture of a riding lawn mower. Rest in Peace No Show Jones.
It's interesting how celebrities touch our lives.
ReplyDeleteAnd the more of my life's celebrities that die, the more mortal I feel.
DeleteThe music of our lives. There is a song for everyday. Sometimes I need to just sit and listen, it does my heart good.
ReplyDeleteWell put Susan.
DeleteI hadn't heard of George Jones' death until I read your post, Wanda. It is a kind of passing of old guard. I wasn't a particular fan, but I knew him as an icon of the last generation "Old Country" (generation in terms of sound and not age LOL). And of course he was famous for neglecting to appear, as you say.
ReplyDeleteNice reflection of your younger years. Those kinds of memories are priceless.
I'm sure a lot of people feel the same about George's passing as people of my generation felt after Michael Jackson's passing. If you grow up with a certain musician, you feel a loss when he passes. It's as if you loose a part of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Wanda. I've put my own tribute on my blog today. http://kellyscountry.blogspot.com
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