Unreleased George Jones Recordings Resurface: ‘The Lost Nashville Sessions’ Set for November 15 Release!
Ask anyone who knows country music, “Who was the GOAT—the greatest of all time?” and the answers will inevitably lead to George Jones.
By Judy Shields
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.
Millions of people know the name of the iconic country music artist, George Jones, but few people know that behind the man and his golden voice was a strong, feisty woman who not only saved his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism, and other abusive and self-destructive behaviors, but also was instrumental in saving his soul.
Legends, half-truths, and downright lies abound about the iconic singer, but what secrets do people not know about him? What was it like to live with him through the darkest shadows and in the brightest of lights?
Married for more than thirty years to the greatest country music singer who ever lived, the man Frank Sinatra had whimsically referred to as “the second-greatest singer in America,” Nancy Jones knew George Jones better than anyone else on earth—the good George and the bad George, the horrendous, and the hilarious. George and Nancy married March 4, 1983, and with her help and encouragement, he quit his wild and wicked ways—for a while. Nancy soon learned, however, that the demons held a strong grip on the man she loved, and they were not about to release him without a fight. But Nancy Jones is a tenacious fighter, and most people who knew “the Possum,” credit Nancy with saving his life and rebuilding his career.
For the first time, in Playin’ Possum, Nancy Jones reveals the true “insider” perspectives and little known poignant and as well as humorous stories about the country music icon—his battles with cocaine, alcohol, abusive behavior toward her and others, his battles with himself, and most of all, his battles against the demons that sought to control him and ultimately destroy him.
Nancy knew there was a good man inside George Jones, and she felt strongly that God had given her the assignment to help him, even if he hurt her. She refused to give up on Jones. Although Tammy Wynette sang “Stand By Your Man,” it was actually Nancy Jones who stood by George for more than thirty years, and helped bring him to the Light. Together, they brought joy and light to millions of people.
It was a great honor to have had the opportunity to speak with Nancy Jones about her book Playin’ Possum: My Memories of George Jones. Just reading the first chapter about her fight for life from getting Covid and the fact she actually died and with the help of her manager and God she is here to tell us all about it. This book is one for us all to read, to learn about what believing in God can do for each and every one of us. With the upcoming Christmas holiday, Nancy’s book would make a great gift for you to give this year, so get yourself a copy and several other to give away, the receivers of this book will thank you.
Here is our conversation. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
