The Grand Tour

The Life and Music of George Jones

De: Rich Kienzle

Narrado por: John Pruden

In the vein of the classic Johnny Cash: 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 Jones’s life and career. The result: an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted, tragically tormented icon called “the Keith Richards of country.”

Kienzle chronicles Jones’s 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 Jones’s demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Jones’s 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-one—a story filled with whiskey, women and drugs but always the saving grace of music.

Illustrated with eight pages of photos.

Keith Richards, eat your heart out.

George Jones was an absolute madman. His exploits make all other rock-star narratives seem utterly tame by comparison. Ranging from hilarious to genuinely horrifying, his story made me seriously glad that I'm not famous. Listen to his music first, if you haven't already.

good book

mispronouncing Vidor was kind of irritating...ha. but overall a good job and accurate history of George.

Great read

Very entertaining. Highly recommended. I thought I was well versed on George Jones but I learned a lot. Made me emotional at times with what he had gone through.

Wonderful listening entertainment.

I truly enjoyed listening to this. Rest in peace. You will always be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers and singers.

George,s onryness..George was always(the other man in my life) and my husband approved❤️

I liked the inside stories,some made me chuckle and according who said what was it truth.i have read "I lived to tell it all"but this book truly gave me a deeper insight of the man himself..thanks for a great read from his #1 fan