num_pages: 280
description: In the vein of the classic Johnny The Life  this groundbreaking work explores the wild life and extraordinary musical career of the definitive country singer of the last half century ( New York Times ) who influenced among others Bob Dylan Buck Owens Emmylou Harris John Fogerty George Strait Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks. In a masterful biography laden with new revelations veteran country music journalist/historian Rich Kienzle offers a definitive full-bodied portrait of legendary country singer George Jones and the music that remains his legacy. Kienzle meticulously sifted through archival material government records recollections by colleagues and admirers interviewing many involved in Joness life and career. The an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted tragically tormented icon called the Keith Richards of country. Kienzle chronicles Joness impoverished East Texas childhood as the youngest son of a deeply religious mother and alcoholic often-abusive father. He examines his three troubled marriages including his union with superstar Tammy Wynette and looks unsparingly at Joness demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Joness remarkable musical journey from singing in violent Texas honky tonks to Grand Ole Opry star hitmaker and master vocalist whose raw emotionally powerful delivery remains the Gold Standard for country singers. The George Jones of this heartfelt biography lived hard before finding contentment until he died at eighty-onea story filled with whiskey women and drugs but always the saving grace of music. Illustrated with eight pages of photos.
language: English
title: The Grand Tour: The Life and Music of George Jones
publisher: Dey Street Books