| NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today marks the 40th Anniversary of Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones’ iconic song “He Stopped Loving Her Today” reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Chart on July 5, 1980. This was Jones’ first solo hit in six years and paved the way to winning the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in 1980 and 1981. Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putnum, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” has been preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry since 2008. After Jones’ death in 2013, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” entered the Billboard Hot Country Charts once again at #21.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since George topped the charts with “He Stopped Loving Her Today. It’s amazing to me how many artists and people were affected by George’s music,” says Nancy Jones. “Everyday I hear new stories about George and I love hearing them because I know his legacy continues to live on. I am even more excited to soon announce some things that will keep George’s memory alive forever in our hearts and our lives.”
Jones’ career never left the top of the country charts having recorded more than 100 albums during his career and more than 150 of those songs were hits, including 60 Top 10 singles. His songs including “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “Tennessee Whiskey,” Still Doin’ Time,” “A Good Year For The Roses,” “She Thinks I Still Care,” and so many more still remain fan favorites today.
Jones was often referred to as ‘The Possum,’ for his facial features and the shape of his nose, or No Show Jones, for his sudden disappearing act before a show. However, when Jones finally did take the stage he was a hardcore honky tonker that sang songs about heartbreak and hard drinking times that echoed his own turbulent life. By most accounts, George Jones was the finest vocalist in the recorded history of country music.
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