Hey Otis, recently found your Channel, new big fan! Have you ever seen that movie, The Life and hard times of guy terrifico?! An Outlaw country mockumentary that includes your good buddy Phil Kaufman. It was made like 15 to 18 years ago. I feel like it was one of first Media devices that delved into the outlaw country scene, and the stories that came along with it. Then with the Mike Judge series, Tales of the Tour Bus, I believe this is establishing the new American mythical folklore! And now at the tip of the spear, Otis Gibbs! I really believe, that what you are doing, and your stories, are going to be HUGE! If you have ever watched that movie, the life and hard times of guy terrifico, it will certainly be a favorite of yours! I think that it is almost impossible to find online nowadays, you should ask your buddy Phil to send you a copy. Might be worth mentioning one day. plus, any follower of your Channel, Would love that movie, also! if you have not seen the new Mike Judge series, tales of the tour bus, that will also blow your mind! Mike Judge is the animator and writer behind the King of the Hill, and Beavis and Butthead, so you know it's going to be good
I came across your channel bout 2 weeks ago. Listening to your stories and then I find your music, man I really dig your songs, Panhead ,the darker side, ghosts of our fathers, awesome songs they take me places in my mind. I'm originally from Kokomo but now in Florida I hope you come to play some shows sometime down here .
I was lucky enough to see George and Tammy perform in the late ‘60’s-early ‘70’. George was supposed to come on stage after Tammy did her set but, true to form, he was a late. Tammy stayed on stage and filled and it was great. After the show my friends and I made it to the back of the arena and I got their autographs on a Copenhagen Snuff can. George thought that was the funniest thing he’d ever signed. I was 16 or 17 and still have that can.
I know its hard to believe......but my aunt met my uncle thru george while he was hiding out in a house in Greenhill alabama while he was deep in his coke problem.....my aunt heard he was in town and found the house....George let her in ...locked the door .and didnt let her leave until she wrote what he thought would be a hit song........she finally suceeded...and wound up marrying George's manager........my uncle told me that getting george to go onstage was the hardest job he ever had.
Totally believe he was hiding because heavy coke use makes one paranoid. Demanding a hit song ? Heavy coke use makes some do bizarre things so that’s believable. However, I doubt a paranoid, heavy coke user would let a stranger into the house and probably not even answer the door. If true though what a great story. The stories of how married couples meet are some of the most amazing, bizarre, strange and wonderful tales ever. And I do believe you partly because of that part of your story. Very cool story indeed. Would have loved to talk to George, when he was sober and honest, and I’d listen to every word and keep questions to a minimum. God that man had a gift. On that very short list who made me feel the emotions of the song he was singing.
I was fortunate enough to get to see George live once before he passed. He was in his seventies by then and had been sick for the week before the show,but man, to hear that voice live. On his worst day he sang with more feeling than most so-called country stars today. Who's gonna fill his shoes?
George has always been my favorite country singer. I've been to 5 of his shows. George showed up at 2 of them. They were a lot better when he was there. I remember Vern Gosdin filled in for him at one of them. He said nobody knew where George was.
You are so right man, drunk-a-logs make for wild and sometimes funny stories but living with a power drinker is a nightmare. George made it out the other side, most don't. Thanks for the book review - much appreciated. Cheers to all - stay safe and be kind.
The day George pass was a day I'll never for get. As a preacher daughter us kids only got to school and church. Maybe sometimes into town to the grocery store. We were poor poor as dirt. Daddy got hurt as a Manson. Became a farmer. Lived off the tobacco and hogs and cattle. We lost our dear mother in 90s and father in 2000s. But morning it came cross that Knoxville, Radio station my husband and I drove straight to my sister. To mourn together. We let the top down on that ole jeep and drove for miles seem like. Honestly I can't tell you much more than that for nxt couple days. It seem as if our father passed Again😢. Sadden, Broken HEARTED we listened to George for day's non stop. Seen George in VA. When he got on the stage in a Lil town, started to sing. Put guitar down and walked off. Left. Nxt was in Knoxville, what a show he did. Live Sweet. I think maybe Alan Jackson was the ending of the show and another artist. Then in early 2000s seen him in Johnson city. What a show. George loved his fans and he loved his family. Ty for your video's please just keep on keeping on young man. God bless Everyone
Once again Otis you have hit the nail on the head! During the 70's I was learning and earning my way through the NW music scene by playing for as many of the touring country musicians ( and blues players too) when they came into the Seattle area and needed a pickup band or just an extra player for the night. When ever I had a night off from my normal gig I would load a guitar and bass and amp into my car and hit the bars where folks like George Jones would do a show. I never saw Mr. Jones but heard lots of stories...and I learned more about how to gig with and without a band than most folks would imagine! I really appreciate your stories so much because they ring true to the way it was! More please and would love to hear your music story too!
Otis, thanks for the video, The story about playing in Albuquerque is crazy, Albuquerque has not changed much, in Fact It has gotten a lot worse over the years,,i live about 2 hour from there, I DO NOT Go There at all, I remember hearing the Story about George, we has on the wagon at the time, they hid all of the Car Keys from him, and one day he wanted to Drink, so he Drove the Riding Lawnmower 10 miles to a Bar, and Got Drunk, George was one of a kind, I love everything about him, He Was an Outlaw, R.I.P. Mr, Jones, Cousin Figel
There's some powerful lessons in those stories. The way Lefty Frizzell's life ended up is so tragic. I've been in that basement before and it is a MF to find your way out. But some people do. I saw George Jones live in early 2000s, and he kicked ass. It looked like he found some serenity in his older years. Best comment section ever.
Crazy stories always start with.... "We were playing a bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico!" Born and raised here so its true. lol Love what you do good sir!
I remember my uncle talking about meeting George Jones after a show at what I believe was called the Wagon Wheel in Rockton, IL. I think back in the late 60's. Said he put on a tremendous show but was really drunk afterward. That coming from my uncle who I dearly loved but drank just about every day.
That was a sad one Otis. George was a favorite of my. Gramps. He also passed at 47 from a stroke which was linked to the drink. Looking forward to sharing your channel with my Dad. The connection won't be lost on him. Take good care kind brother.
There was a practical joke, on film where I believe Tom T Hall swiped one of George's Bulls, then sold it back to him. I could have that backwards, but it was Tom and George, and damn funny to watch. Thanks for your continued stories. Helps us remember, that at times, we all struggle.
Brother, l love your work and this channel. I've been a fan of old country music my whole life. I remember as a kid listening to my parents albums. Jum Reeves and Hank Williams along with Buck,Haggard and Elvis. Keep up the good work my friend and God bless you.
I was an ironworker in Beaumont my buddy lived next door to Jones. 5 am going to work. Jones Cadillac comes flying down the road went straight through the fence across the field right into his swimming pool.
My mom worked with George's relative. I dated her daughter. I was fairly scandalous at the time, I can say she was wonderful, a cheerleader and a sweet heart. I have grown up and don't have contact with her but George's Family loved him and no doubt the drinking brought much pain to his family as would any other family. Your stories are a pleasure. Thanks I am in NY and am retiring soon. I grew up in South East Texas. Thanks for bringing great stories of Nashville culture. My mom also knows Tracy Bird by the way.
Thanks for this, Otis! I just finished listening to season 2 of Tyler Mahan Coe's podcast, "Cocaine and Rhinestones", covering the life of Jones, and it's about the saddest story I've ever heard about the man behind what might be the greatest voice of the genre. His story - and Tammy's story - both contain enough tragedy to make those sad songs even sadder. They also make me marvel at how they could still deliver some of the finest country music of the time.
George Jones certainly earned his reputation at the top. He had some major heart/ butter, what have you. His stories are legend for sure. Thanks Otis for keeping the flickering flame of the candle lit for this story. Thanks for all of the other stories & yarn's as well. Keep at it amigo!!
I’ve heard the story, around Nashville, that George couldn’t get his manager to call him back or make time for him, so he took his car and drove it through the manager’s glass window. He got out of the car and said, “Got time for me now?” Sounds like the same George. 🤠
Thank you for posting this. Rick Blackburn, Ex of Epic records, once said, the more trouble George Jones got into, they found that they sold more of his product. Personally I find that so sad, to profit out of somebody's bad times. Nevertheless, I will still say a prayer for George and I think, surely the good of a man outweighs his bad points. R.I.P George. God Bless you.
I’m glad the last few years of George’s live was stable. “ He stopped loving her today”, “The Grand Tour” and “I’m the cold hard truth” are the first to come to mind. He could sing about heartache. That’s for sure. Great is still great. Thanks for another good one. I had just finished listening to your tape of Merle stories.
George and I have only a few things in common. But, when you tell these stories, I tell myself that's BS. But, I'm sure they are true. I too have found myself in unbelievable situations. Thanks for sharing friend. Keep it up. I love it.
Catching up with an old video but I'll post a thank you for what it's worth. I subscribed a couple of months ago and have been listening steady since then. I love your vibe and the things that interest you also interest me. I love Frizzell's music and played several of his songs in my own bands, but I didn't know that much about his life, just that he was an alcoholic and came to sad end. I had no idea the way it went down. So thanks for educating me.
I stumble up on your channel & feel like I found a goal mind from the past I enjoy this very much I grew up listen to all the singers you speak about I love to hear how they started out& some of the things they did good & bad Thank you for taking time to do this
One of my favorite shows is Mike Judges “Tales from the tour bus” it’s absolutely hilarious. The George Jones Tammy Wynette episode is particularly good
Love your Videos an True to Life Stories. As I too Recorded n Nashville back years ago. And met a Few Artist and Star's along the way. Again Love your Videos as Keep'm a coming too.
I'm not sure if I read it in that book or not. But my favorite Jones story is when George was opening for Buck Owens in the early years. George was arguing that he should be the headliner. So at one of the shows, to settle the argument. George opened the show doing Bucks set, song for song. Then walked off the stage with a few choice words for Buck.
@@fivecitydirttracker4776 No disrespect to Buck from me. I love them both. It's the sheer competition of it all. George was gaining traction as an artist and would constantly tell Buck it's his turn to headline. Buck would always refuse. So George went back to his bus, learned Bucks complete set, then went out and performed it top to bottom. They never toured together again after that. How's that for a mic drop?
ABOUT15-20 YEARS AGO, THE POSSUM CAMR THROUGH OUR TOWN TO PLAY THE STATE FAIR. KNOWING THE NO SHOW WAS GETTIN ON UP THERE,AND WE'RE ALL GETTIN OLDER BY THE DAY,I HAD TO GO SEE HIM. YEAH IT WAS THE STATE FAIR,IN AN STADIUM THAT COULD BE A FOOTBALL OR BASEBALL FIELD.STILL GLAD I GOT TO BE THERE.
My father inlaw Pee Wee Johnson worked with George for many years he was his personal manager, bus driver and as George said in a caption under a picture of them together, his best friend. Pee Wee walked away from a very successful nightclub he owned in West Nashville, to hang with George. And never regretted it. I've got a signed copy and was surprise that he exposed his darkside like he did. I was fortunate to had been around him and Nancy more than a few times, he had a great sense of humor too.
I think It was Kris who explained " most people have just a few major,nerve racking events in their lifetime- perhaps a big speech,a wedding, major job interview,or even a court date...these pressures weigh heavy on anyone....For a musician, the big night is every night." this can tear a person apart quickly
Certainly gives a fan a different view of ‘The Possum’, "He served in the United States Marine Corps and was discharged in 1953." which might have colored his world en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Jones Thank you for taking the time Otis!
He brother. I love these interviews you do. They are just the real stuff. Just wanted you to know I'm a big fan of them & I listen whenever I can. Keep up the great work & God Bless. Larry Cordle ('ol cord').
Otis you do a great job with these videos. Just awesome man. I am a huge Waylon, George and Lefty fan. You get to all of them. Besides a guy like Randy Travis, we will never see the likes of these types of men again. The new breed of country singers are completely different.
To me George Jones' s music sorta paralleled his life. It was for the most part a sad life. So sad and addiction ruled it was really no life at all. He was a Jekell and Hyde man to say the least. Lastly I either loved his songs or hated them. When he was too heavy with the "nasal" sounds I just didn't like it but he was one of the best story tellers in country music.
Fantastic vid. Of course loved the Albuquerque story. There were 3 famous country bars here - two where Glen Campbell and his uncle playes: the Chesterfield Club and the Hitching Post and then the was the dangerous Caravan, which GQ magazine rated as the best country bar in the US and that it had more divorcees and fights per square foot than any other country bar haha. I wonder where that G Jones fight occurred. Loved Lefty Frizzell! Thanks for the great stories. Have to get that biography.
The one thing that I really grasped and understood that helped me to understand is the fact that you compared it to what we see in the movies but how real it was in his life
I could listen to your story telling for hours, I'm not sure who lefty was but I'll look him up. He died before I was born. Recently I have gotten into George Jones. What a voice!!!
I had a short lived career as a disc jockey on a Central Texas AM/FM radio station back in the early 80 's. One bonus was that twice an hour I could play a random cut from the stations huge library of country albums . One that stuck with me to this day was 'The Poor Chinee' from an obscure LP of GJ from the late 60's I think. Great fiddle accompaniment to some very weird lyrics, it is one of those tunes that has stuck in my music brain cells for 40 years.. Thanks for the book recommendation Otis , I will give it a go. And for a favorite, ' Take Me' from his old classic LP covering the songs of Leon Payne is right up there with his best vocals ever.
I have one George Jones story for you. He Stopped Loving Her Today saved his career in the early 1980's but he was very reluctant to record it. "Nobody'll buy that morbid son of a bitch." was his thoughts after finishing the recording. He also insisted they change the song around substantially lyric wise, revealing the male in the story to be dead much later in the song. My favourite Jones songs include The Race is On, The Grand Tour, White Lightning, The Love Bug and A Good Year for the Roses. He Stopped Loving Her Today is also a favourite. When I listen to them I think about my buddies Gary, Jason and Paul, three other fans. Sometimes I also think of Barbara Lynn, a great gal with great taste in music.
I saw Mr. Jones and his family at Red Lobster in the 1990s. He sat facing the dining room and a constant stream of admirers approached his table; he didn't mind the constant interruption and seemed to speak with everyone. Class.
It’s interesting that anyone else with these level of vice and abuse ends up dead or jail but their ‘talent’ allows for the same end but over a longer time frame. I’ve been watching those Mike Judge animated interviews with the stars of funk and country. Strangely tells the story in vivid details that’s beyond words. Thanks again Otis, a color of life you can appreciate from afar. Heavy is right.
I've read many musician biographies , across several genres including heavy metal. Not a one comes close to the madness of George Jones when he was using .
Great, and very sad stories. I had a brother in law who was like that when he drank, he always got into fights out in bars. Him along with many others usually have had some kind of trauma earlier in their life. Not an excuse for how they behave but an explanation.
I've known guys like this back in my bar days. Such a self destructive way to live. That's exactly what it is, self destruction. EDIT: BTW, I love your channel Otis. Really awesome stories from a lost, never to be repeated era. Just subscribed. Keep it going brother!
It was truly amazing that George lived to see old age. Around 1999 my friend’s mother was driving in Franklin, TN and almost went head on with a very intoxicated George Jones. She avoided him and he drove several more feet and slammed into a bridge. When the dust settled- George was in real bad shape and my friend’s mother was so shook up she just turned around and went back home. A year later I saw the cracked concrete from the accident and I was amazed that he survived.
@@buckberthod5007 it was initially reported that he was on the phone but he also pleaded guilty of having an open container in the car. George had said that this accident had really scared him to straighten out.
I watched HOOPER with my father. Korean War vet and true American. 90 years old and probably healthier than me at 46. He’s a big George Jones fan. Every damn one of your stories take me down a path that you might not have intended.
An older fella working with me back in the '80s grew up near George in the Big Thicket country. He claimed he used to drink with him occasionally @ a local honky-tonk and they loved to fight. He told me George would drive a tractor to the bar after the cops took his license for DWI on several occasions.
I read that book and bought it at a George Jones book signing, I asked him if he remembered my mom from Magnolia Gardens in the 50s he called her "Popcorn" cause she ran the popcorn stand. My grandma was a cook out there and George would ask her to have fried chicken ready for him when he got done with his set. Grandma told me of times when showtime would be approaching and no george so they woulsd send someone down the roiad to the icehouse to fetch George for his set.
Otis, Just found the channel and I am enjoying the vids...great stuff!. You had mentioned that both Jerry Reed and Dolly Parton had turned down Col. Tom's rule/offer about splitting the publishing 50-50 with Elvis. I vaguely remember an interview with Vicki Lawrence where she stated that she also turned him down for "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia".
Even Waylon said the Possum came to HIS house once, drunker than a skunk. Pointed his finger at Waylon and told him, "Im gonna WHIP your ass." LOL Waymore said he had to SIT on George and tied him UP with his belt until he calmed down... :P :P
I think the movie I'm referencing is Hooper, but I haven't seen it in 30 years. Can anyone help me out here?
Yep hooper
Thanks, Yan!
Hey Otis, recently found your Channel, new big fan! Have you ever seen that movie, The Life and hard times of guy terrifico?! An Outlaw country mockumentary that includes your good buddy Phil Kaufman. It was made like 15 to 18 years ago. I feel like it was one of first Media devices that delved into the outlaw country scene, and the stories that came along with it. Then with the Mike Judge series, Tales of the Tour Bus, I believe this is establishing the new American mythical folklore! And now at the tip of the spear, Otis Gibbs! I really believe, that what you are doing, and your stories, are going to be HUGE! If you have ever watched that movie, the life and hard times of guy terrifico, it will certainly be a favorite of yours! I think that it is almost impossible to find online nowadays, you should ask your buddy Phil to send you a copy. Might be worth mentioning one day. plus, any follower of your Channel, Would love that movie, also! if you have not seen the new Mike Judge series, tales of the tour bus, that will also blow your mind! Mike Judge is the animator and writer behind the King of the Hill, and Beavis and Butthead, so you know it's going to be good
@@seanmurphy26 I'm glad you dig the channel, Sean and yes, I dig that movie. Anyone who puts Mangler on their payroll is alright in my book. : )
I came across your channel bout 2 weeks ago. Listening to your stories and then I find your music, man I really dig your songs, Panhead ,the darker side, ghosts of our fathers, awesome songs they take me places in my mind. I'm originally from Kokomo but now in Florida I hope you come to play some shows sometime down here .
I was lucky enough to see George and Tammy perform in the late ‘60’s-early ‘70’. George was supposed to come on stage after Tammy did her set but, true to form, he was a late. Tammy stayed on stage and filled and it was great.
After the show my friends and I made it to the back of the arena and I got their autographs on a Copenhagen Snuff can.
George thought that was the funniest thing he’d ever signed. I was 16 or 17 and still have that can.
You know George (and Tammy.) had a hell of a life story when it took up 2 episodes of Tales from the Tour bus. Was my favorite episodes of the series.
I know its hard to believe......but my aunt met my uncle thru george while he was hiding out in a house in Greenhill alabama while he was deep in his coke problem.....my aunt heard he was in town and found the house....George let her in ...locked the door .and didnt let her leave until she wrote what he thought would be a hit song........she finally suceeded...and wound up marrying George's manager........my uncle told me that getting george to go onstage was the hardest job he ever had.
Kim
Wait i need more info. Even if you are full of sh*t lol I wanna hear details. What was the song?
Totally believe he was hiding because heavy coke use makes one paranoid. Demanding a hit song ? Heavy coke use makes some do bizarre things so that’s believable. However, I doubt a paranoid, heavy coke user would let a stranger into the house and probably not even answer the door. If true though what a great story. The stories of how married couples meet are some of the most amazing, bizarre, strange and wonderful tales ever. And I do believe you partly because of that part of your story.
Very cool story indeed.
Would have loved to talk to George, when he was sober and honest, and I’d listen to every word and keep questions to a minimum. God that man had a gift. On that very short list who made me feel the emotions of the song he was singing.
I can't believe you didn't share what the song was? Come on now
@@damohanson5393 I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to rationalize the thoughts of a coke head, or at least that’s been my experience.
I was fortunate enough to get to see George live once before he passed. He was in his seventies by then and had been sick for the week before the show,but man, to hear that voice live. On his worst day he sang with more feeling than most so-called country stars today. Who's gonna fill his shoes?
George has always been my favorite country singer. I've been to 5 of his shows. George showed up at 2 of them. They were a lot better when he was there. I remember Vern Gosdin filled in for him at one of them. He said nobody knew where George was.
What an unforgettable book. Long live the Possum, the Duck and the Old Man!
You are so right man, drunk-a-logs make for wild and sometimes funny stories but living with a power drinker is a nightmare. George made it out the other side, most don't. Thanks for the book review - much appreciated. Cheers to all - stay safe and be kind.
Thanks, James!
The day George pass was a day I'll never for get. As a preacher daughter us kids only got to school and church. Maybe sometimes into town to the grocery store. We were poor poor as dirt. Daddy got hurt as a Manson. Became a farmer. Lived off the tobacco and hogs and cattle. We lost our dear mother in 90s and father in 2000s. But morning it came cross that Knoxville, Radio station my husband and I drove straight to my sister. To mourn together. We let the top down on that ole jeep and drove for miles seem like. Honestly I can't tell you much more than that for nxt couple days. It seem as if our father passed Again😢. Sadden, Broken HEARTED we listened to George for day's non stop. Seen George in VA. When he got on the stage in a Lil town, started to sing. Put guitar down and walked off. Left. Nxt was in Knoxville, what a show he did. Live Sweet. I think maybe Alan Jackson was the ending of the show and another artist. Then in early 2000s seen him in Johnson city. What a show. George loved his fans and he loved his family. Ty for your video's please just keep on keeping on young man. God bless Everyone
Once again Otis you have hit the nail on the head! During the 70's I was learning and earning my way through the NW music scene by playing for as many of the touring country musicians ( and blues players too) when they came into the Seattle area and needed a pickup band or just an extra player for the night. When ever I had a night off from my normal gig I would load a guitar and bass and amp into my car and hit the bars where folks like George Jones would do a show. I never saw Mr. Jones but heard lots of stories...and I learned more about how to gig with and without a band than most folks would imagine! I really appreciate your stories so much because they ring true to the way it was! More please and would love to hear your music story too!
Thank ya kindly, Bob!
Otis, thanks for the video, The story about playing in Albuquerque is crazy, Albuquerque has not changed much, in Fact It has gotten a lot worse over the years,,i live about 2 hour from there, I DO NOT Go There at all, I remember hearing the Story about George, we has on the wagon at the time, they hid all of the Car Keys from him, and one day he wanted to Drink, so he Drove the Riding Lawnmower 10 miles to a Bar, and Got Drunk, George was one of a kind, I love everything about him, He Was an Outlaw, R.I.P. Mr, Jones, Cousin Figel
There's some powerful lessons in those stories. The way Lefty Frizzell's life ended up is so tragic. I've been in that basement before and it is a MF to find your way out. But some people do. I saw George Jones live in early 2000s, and he kicked ass. It looked like he found some serenity in his older years. Best comment section ever.
Much love to ya, Brett!
George didn't just sing it. He lived it. And mercifully lived.
Crazy stories always start with.... "We were playing a bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico!" Born and raised here so its true. lol Love what you do good sir!
I remember my uncle talking about meeting George Jones after a show at what I believe was called the Wagon Wheel in Rockton, IL. I think back in the late 60's. Said he put on a tremendous show but was really drunk afterward. That coming from my uncle who I dearly loved but drank just about every day.
That was a sad one Otis. George was a favorite of my. Gramps. He also passed at 47 from a stroke which was linked to the drink. Looking forward to sharing your channel with my Dad. The connection won't be lost on him. Take good care kind brother.
Much love to you and your old man, Justin!
There was a practical joke, on film where I believe Tom T Hall swiped one of George's Bulls, then sold it back to him. I could have that backwards, but it was Tom and George, and damn funny to watch.
Thanks for your continued stories. Helps us remember, that at times, we all struggle.
I had no idea Lefty's end was that tragic. He is one of my very favorites, and a big influence on so many others. Thanks for sharing.
Brother, l love your work and this channel. I've been a fan of old country music my whole life. I remember as a kid listening to my parents albums. Jum Reeves and Hank Williams along with Buck,Haggard and Elvis. Keep up the good work my friend and God bless you.
I was an ironworker in Beaumont my buddy lived next door to Jones. 5 am going to work. Jones Cadillac comes flying down the road went straight through the fence across the field right into his swimming pool.
My mom worked with George's relative. I dated her daughter. I was fairly scandalous at the time, I can say she was wonderful, a cheerleader and a sweet heart. I have grown up and don't have contact with her but George's Family loved him and no doubt the drinking brought much pain to his family as would any other family. Your stories are a pleasure. Thanks I am in NY and am retiring soon. I grew up in South East Texas. Thanks for bringing great stories of Nashville culture. My mom also knows Tracy Bird by the way.
Great Episode! I was lucky enough to see him twice. Both were an unforgettable experience.
Otis, I had read that book in about 2015-16, when my drinking was at it's worst, and George was a HUGE part of my drinking soundtrack...loved it.
Leftey Frizzell!! The original singer with a volume pedal in his throat!
Thanks for this, Otis! I just finished listening to season 2 of Tyler Mahan Coe's podcast, "Cocaine and Rhinestones", covering the life of Jones, and it's about the saddest story I've ever heard about the man behind what might be the greatest voice of the genre. His story - and Tammy's story - both contain enough tragedy to make those sad songs even sadder. They also make me marvel at how they could still deliver some of the finest country music of the time.
Thank you Otis! I love when you read us stories out of the Biography of anyone❤️ LB, ALA.✌️
George Jones certainly earned his reputation at the top. He had some major heart/ butter, what have you. His stories are legend for sure. Thanks Otis for keeping the flickering flame of the candle lit for this story. Thanks for all of the other stories & yarn's as well. Keep at it amigo!!
Love all those stories about the old stars...thank you for sharing!
I’ve heard the story, around Nashville, that George couldn’t get his manager to call him back or make time for him, so he took his car and drove it through the manager’s glass window. He got out of the car and said, “Got time for me now?” Sounds like the same George. 🤠
Thank you, Lauren!
@@otisgibbs You’re welcome, Otis. I love hearing all the stories. You do a great job of telling them.
Thank you for posting this. Rick Blackburn, Ex of Epic records, once said, the more trouble George Jones got into, they found that they sold more of his product. Personally I find that so sad, to profit out of somebody's bad times. Nevertheless, I will still say a prayer for George and I think, surely the good of a man outweighs his bad points. R.I.P George. God Bless you.
I had that book. It's a good read. Full of the madness that seems to be part of the lives of artists, or hillbillies with money!
I’m glad the last few years of George’s live was stable. “ He stopped loving her today”, “The Grand Tour” and “I’m the cold hard truth” are the first to come to mind. He could sing about heartache. That’s for sure. Great is still great. Thanks for another good one. I had just finished listening to your tape of Merle stories.
Thank you, Frank!
Glad I found this channel, great job! Love the stories and interviews. Thanks from San Antonio!
I love lefty… not too many folks even mention his name anymore. God bless him.
I love your informative and super entertaining videos. You really know your country music and artists...REAL country !
I love every George Jones story.
Thanks, Zeek!
George and I have only a few things in common. But, when you tell these stories, I tell myself that's BS. But, I'm sure they are true. I too have found myself in unbelievable situations. Thanks for sharing friend. Keep it up. I love it.
Thanks, Eddie!
A belated thanks. Mr. Cochran sent me here.
Catching up with an old video but I'll post a thank you for what it's worth. I subscribed a couple of months ago and have been listening steady since then. I love your vibe and the things that interest you also interest me. I love Frizzell's music and played several of his songs in my own bands, but I didn't know that much about his life, just that he was an alcoholic and came to sad end. I had no idea the way it went down. So thanks for educating me.
Thanks Otis.
Really great vids man. Alcoholism can be fun, and it can be hell.
Thanks, Lance!
Love your stuff man. Thanks for a good listen driving down the road.
Thanks, Bill!
I stumble up on your channel & feel like I found a goal mind from the past I enjoy this very much I grew up listen to all the singers you speak about I love to hear how they started out& some of the things they did good & bad Thank you for taking time to do this
I have known about his drinking days like everyone man every story was BRUTAL
One of my favorite shows is Mike Judges “Tales from the tour bus” it’s absolutely hilarious. The George Jones Tammy Wynette episode is particularly good
Your video's are excellent, thank you sharing these. I really enjoyed this one.
Love your Videos an True to Life Stories. As I too Recorded n Nashville back years ago. And met a Few Artist and Star's along the way. Again Love your Videos as Keep'm a coming too.
That's a definite read for any hardcore OLD country enthusiast...Great read ..merla Haggard auto biography, those guys lived on the edge...
Great commentary
I'm not sure if I read it in that book or not. But my favorite Jones story is when George was opening for Buck Owens in the early years. George was arguing that he should be the headliner. So at one of the shows, to settle the argument. George opened the show doing Bucks set, song for song. Then walked off the stage with a few choice words for Buck.
Words like "Damn Buck, you write almost all your lyrics and music!"
@@fivecitydirttracker4776 No disrespect to Buck from me. I love them both. It's the sheer competition of it all. George was gaining traction as an artist and would constantly tell Buck it's his turn to headline. Buck would always refuse. So George went back to his bus, learned Bucks complete set, then went out and performed it top to bottom. They never toured together again after that. How's that for a mic drop?
@@toddgaines9446 nice....info I'm not in the know of...well put ✌🍻🎤
ABOUT15-20 YEARS AGO, THE POSSUM CAMR THROUGH OUR TOWN TO PLAY THE STATE FAIR.
KNOWING THE NO SHOW WAS GETTIN ON UP THERE,AND WE'RE ALL GETTIN OLDER BY THE DAY,I HAD TO GO SEE HIM. YEAH IT WAS THE STATE FAIR,IN AN STADIUM THAT COULD BE A FOOTBALL OR BASEBALL FIELD.STILL GLAD I GOT TO BE THERE.
My father inlaw Pee Wee Johnson worked with George for many years he was his personal manager, bus driver and as George said in a caption under a picture of them together, his best friend.
Pee Wee walked away from a very successful nightclub he owned in West Nashville, to hang with George. And never regretted it.
I've got a signed copy and was surprise that he exposed his darkside like he did. I was fortunate to had been around him and Nancy more than a few times, he had a great sense of humor too.
Thanks for yet another great story.
Much appreciated 👍
Thank you!
The only man who was bent on self destruction and actually failed to destroy himself.
I’m so happy your channel was recommended to me. Love the stories and please keep them coming sir.
Thank you, Matthew!
Sent me on a lefty frizel "bender" minus the vodka!!!
I know..........."less the booze today"......still sounds and feels great too.......who woulda thunk.
Anytime is a good time to hear George Jones - Aaron Lewis
Mike Judge’s “Tales from the tour bus” chronicles some of the best and worst from George’s amazing life & career.
I think It was Kris who explained " most people have just a few major,nerve racking events in their lifetime- perhaps a big speech,a wedding, major job interview,or even a court date...these pressures weigh heavy on anyone....For a musician, the big night is every night."
this can tear a person apart quickly
Certainly gives a fan a different view of ‘The Possum’, "He served in the United States Marine Corps and was discharged in 1953." which might have colored his world en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Jones Thank you for taking the time Otis!
He brother. I love these interviews you do. They are just the real stuff. Just wanted you to know I'm a big fan of them & I listen whenever I can. Keep up the great work & God Bless. Larry Cordle ('ol cord').
Thank you, Larry!
Otis you do a great job with these videos. Just awesome man. I am a huge Waylon, George and Lefty fan. You get to all of them. Besides a guy like Randy Travis, we will never see the likes of these types of men again. The new breed of country singers are completely different.
Thank you, Mark!
To me George Jones' s music sorta paralleled his life. It was for the most part a sad life. So sad and addiction ruled it was really no life at all. He was a Jekell and Hyde man to say the least. Lastly I either loved his songs or hated them. When he was too heavy with the "nasal" sounds I just didn't like it but he was one of the best story tellers in country music.
This weekend, I saw a preview of a George and Tammy movie that Showtime is coming out with in the near future.
....and yet, somehow, George was the greatest singer ever......period.
Fantastic vid. Of course loved the Albuquerque story. There were 3 famous country bars here - two where Glen Campbell and his uncle playes: the Chesterfield Club and the Hitching Post and then the was the dangerous Caravan, which GQ magazine rated as the best country bar in the US and that it had more divorcees and fights per square foot than any other country bar haha. I wonder where that G Jones fight occurred. Loved Lefty Frizzell! Thanks for the great stories. Have to get that biography.
The one thing that I really grasped and understood that helped me to understand is the fact that you compared it to what we see in the movies but how real it was in his life
I could listen to your story telling for hours, I'm not sure who lefty was but I'll look him up. He died before I was born. Recently I have gotten into George Jones. What a voice!!!
Thank you, Lefty was one of the best. You're in for a treat!
@@otisgibbs it seems to me drugs and alcohol seem to go hand in hand with a lot of these old country guys .
Thanks Otis for another great story!
Thank you!
I had a short lived career as a disc jockey on a Central Texas AM/FM radio station back in the early 80 's. One bonus was that twice an hour I could play a random cut from the stations huge library of country albums . One that stuck with me to this day was 'The Poor Chinee' from an obscure LP of GJ from the late 60's I think. Great fiddle accompaniment to some very weird lyrics, it is one of those tunes that has stuck in my music brain cells for 40 years.. Thanks for the book recommendation Otis , I will give it a go. And for a favorite, ' Take Me' from his old classic LP covering the songs of Leon Payne is right up there with his best vocals ever.
The amazing thing is he made it to 81 pretty much touring til near the end.
I have one George Jones story for you. He Stopped Loving Her Today saved his career in the early 1980's but he was very reluctant to record it. "Nobody'll buy that morbid son of a bitch." was his thoughts after finishing the recording. He also insisted they change the song around substantially lyric wise, revealing the male in the story to be dead much later in the song.
My favourite Jones songs include The Race is On, The Grand Tour, White Lightning, The Love Bug and A Good Year for the Roses. He Stopped Loving Her Today is also a favourite. When I listen to them I think about my buddies Gary, Jason and Paul, three other fans. Sometimes I also think of Barbara Lynn, a great gal with great taste in music.
Same shit everybody else has seen in other videos. You're just repeating what you saw in a video. Nothing new
I saw Mr. Jones and his family at Red Lobster in the 1990s. He sat facing the dining room and a constant stream of admirers approached his table; he didn't mind the constant interruption and seemed to speak with everyone. Class.
It’s interesting that anyone else with these level of vice and abuse ends up dead or jail but their ‘talent’ allows for the same end but over a longer time frame. I’ve been watching those Mike Judge animated interviews with the stars of funk and country. Strangely tells the story in vivid details that’s beyond words. Thanks again Otis, a color of life you can appreciate from afar. Heavy is right.
I've read many musician biographies , across several genres including heavy metal. Not a one comes close to the madness of George Jones when he was using .
I'm finishing up that book now. So many good stories. The one about Porter at the Opry was hilarious!😂😂
Thanks Otis!
Thanks, Phil!
I’ve read that book 5 times. I’m One of the biggest Jones fans in the world. And George was a crazy man!!!
Appreciate the stories Brother!
Thanks, Greg!
Great, and very sad stories. I had a brother in law who was like that when he drank, he always got into fights out in bars. Him along with many others usually have had some kind of trauma earlier in their life. Not an excuse for how they behave but an explanation.
Read that book 5 times....the man had one hell of a life. But damn could he sing
i love these storys
I've known guys like this back in my bar days. Such a self destructive way to live. That's exactly what it is, self destruction.
EDIT: BTW, I love your channel Otis. Really awesome stories from a lost, never to be repeated era. Just subscribed.
Keep it going brother!
Those boys weren't cowboys. They were just some folks that owned hats and boots.
It was truly amazing that George lived to see old age.
Around 1999 my friend’s mother was driving in Franklin, TN and almost went head on with a very intoxicated George Jones. She avoided him and he drove several more feet and slammed into a bridge. When the dust settled- George was in real bad shape and my friend’s mother was so shook up she just turned around and went back home. A year later I saw the cracked concrete from the accident and I was amazed that he survived.
I'm glad he didn't kill anyone or himself!
@@otisgibbs so am I.
@@buckberthod5007 it was initially reported that he was on the phone but he also pleaded guilty of having an open container in the car. George had said that this accident had really scared him to straighten out.
I watched HOOPER with my father. Korean War vet and true American. 90 years old and probably healthier than me at 46. He’s a big George Jones fan. Every damn one of your stories take me down a path that you might not have intended.
Much love to ya, William!
Best channel on you tube
Best podcast ive ever listen to👍👍
Thanks, Stephen!
An older fella working with me back in the '80s grew up near George in the Big Thicket country. He claimed he used to drink with him occasionally @ a local honky-tonk and they loved to fight. He told me George would drive a tractor to the bar after the cops took his license for DWI on several occasions.
George had an amazing life made some bad decisions but finally saw the light and got clean hope I can do the same.
Back in the day my wifes uncle was friends with George musically.They called George possum and my wifes uncle Tator.
I read that book and bought it at a George Jones book signing, I asked him if he remembered my mom from Magnolia Gardens in the 50s he called her "Popcorn" cause she ran the popcorn stand. My grandma was a cook out there and George would ask her to have fried chicken ready for him when he got done with his set. Grandma told me of times when showtime would be approaching and no george so they woulsd send someone down the roiad to the icehouse to fetch George for his set.
Heartbreaking 12 minutes.
They say that Ernest Tubb was the same way, he was a pleasant man as long as he didn’t drink.
Otis,
Just found the channel and I am enjoying the vids...great stuff!.
You had mentioned that both Jerry Reed and Dolly Parton had turned down Col. Tom's rule/offer about splitting the publishing 50-50 with Elvis. I vaguely remember an interview with Vicki Lawrence where she stated that she also turned him down for "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia".
Thank you, J!
good stuff brother !
Even Waylon said the Possum came to HIS house once, drunker than a skunk. Pointed his finger at Waylon and told him, "Im gonna WHIP your ass." LOL Waymore said he had to SIT on George and tied him UP with his belt until he calmed down... :P :P
Another great story Otis!!
Thanks, Rob!
Oh lord,your life is about change. Know I did after hearing Lefty for the first time!
I felt so sad for George when I read that book.
These are my idols!
Very glad George got straightened up with much help from his woman for the whole last part of his life.