First Single “The Honky Tonk Downstairs” Premiered By American Songwriter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – George Jones fans are in for a treat with the announcement of the new album, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions being release today, Friday November 15 on Country Rewind Records. Originally recorded for radio airplay in the 1970s, these tracks have been enhanced, capturing Jones’ signature sound by bringing the audio quality up to twenty-first-century standards. This was achieved by subtly adding instrumentation and background vocals beneath Jones’ voice where needed.
The record features sixteen tracks, including both beloved hits and lesser-known recordings. Many will recognize iconic songs like “The Race Is On,” “The Grand Tour,” “White Lightnin’,” and “Tender Years.” This collection also brings to light rare recordings of tracks such as “Old Brush Arbors,” “She’s Mine,” “Four-O-Thirty-Three,” and “The Honky Tonk Downstairs,” which was premiered by American Songwriter.
To preorder/stream: https://GJones.lnk.to/LostNashvilleSessionsPR
The Hollywood Times is honored to premiere George Jones song “White Lightnin”. At 11 years old, back in 1971, I totally remember hearing this song as my Dad introduced me to George’s music early on. I loved that song and still do! “White Lightnin'” made me get up and dance as little girl and today it still does that same. I always loved that rockabilly sound and how George made those distinctive lip smacking sounds too! Judy Shields, The Hollywood Times
Take a listen and you will see what I am referring to:
“Music truly is the gift that keeps giving,” shares Nancy Jones. “Even after all these years, we’re still releasing new music from George. This collection features sixteen songs, and while some may be familiar hits, these versions are ones you’ve never heard before. I’m thrilled to share them with all of his devoted fans.”
These recordings were initially made exclusively for artist promotion, often completed in just one or two takes with an announcer’s voice between songs. Once aired, the tapes were often discarded or destroyed by the stations. Country Rewind Records President and Executive Producer Thomas Gramuglia discovered the original boxed master tapes and recognized that true fans would appreciate hearing these timeless recordings despite their poor condition after years of neglect. With the help of producer Paul Martin, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions provides a unique collection of George Jones’ music that showcases his emotional depth and lasting influence on country music.
‘George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions’ Track Listing:
01. Window Up Above
02. I’ll Share My World With You
03. The Race is On
04. The Grand Tour
05. Once You’ve Had The Best
06. Love Bug
07. She Thinks I Still Care
08. Four O Thirty Three
09. The Honky Tonk Downstairs
10. Old Brush Arbors
11. A Picture Of Me Without You
12. Walk Through This World With Me
13. Tender Years
14. She’s Mine
15. White Lightnin’
16. Hey Good Lookin’
Nancy Jones recently released Playin’ Possum: My Memories of George Jones, offering an intimate look at her life with the legendary country singer. Married for over 30 years, Nancy stood by George through his battles with addiction, alcoholism, and self-destructive behaviors, becoming instrumental in saving both his life and career. Known as “The Possum,” George Jones is regarded as one of the greatest country music singers of all time, and Nancy’s account reveals the highs and lows of their tumultuous life together. Her unwavering love and determination shine throughout the memoir. To purchase Playin’ Possum: My Memories of George Jones, visit HERE.
Also, recently at the 45th annual Telly Awards, country music was well-represented as Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones emerged as a top winner. The program took home a Gold statue for Best Music Performance (Television), along with Bronze statues for Best Entertainment Program (Television) and Best Live Event & Experience (Television).
Artists included in Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones were Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna, Jamey Johnson, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Sam Moore, Sara Evans, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Lorrie Morgan, Uncle Kracker, Gretchen Wilson, Aaron Lewis, Tracy Lawrence, Michael Ray, Tracy Byrd, Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr, Dillon Carmicheal, The Isaacs, T. Graham Brown, Janie Fricke, Tim Watson, and Lisa Matassa all performed songs that Jones made hits.
About George Jones
George Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time. Born in Saratoga, Texas, Jones played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music. His first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped the Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”
Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.” By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980 when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s Top Male Vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.
About Country Rewind Records
Country Rewind Records (CRR) was founded by Thomas Gramuglia of Hindsight Records in 2014. Gramuglia obtained a treasure chest of unreleased recordings from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The superb CRR collection of original master recordings contain music from more than 100 country music legends and trendsetters (including intimate performances by country music greats such as Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Connie Smith, Faron Young, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty and many more). These recordings were never released for commercial use. After a diligent quest to collect appropriate and legal permissions from artists and/or their estates, CRR has now recorded and produced multiple, quintessential, “must-hear” projects. With the mission to transfer these never-heard-before tracks to a high-quality, state-of-the-art recording; complemented by contemporary instrumentation and background vocals, Country Rewind Records will release this historical American music to America’s music generations of the future. For more information, visit countryrewindrecords.com.
