George Jones - lead vocals, rhythm guitar; Murrel Counts - fiddle, vocals; Mark Dunn - drums; Ron Gaddis - bass, vocals; Kent Goodson - keyboards, vocals; Terry McMillan - harmonica; Clyde Phillips - guitar; Billy Sanford - guitar; Guest: Lorrie Morgan- vocals; Guest: Merle Kilgore- vocals, guitar
Nobody sings songs about heartache and regret like George Jones does. He has endured a tumultuous career, recurring bouts with alcoholism, and a nasty public divorce to his former partner and ex-wife, the late Tammy Wynette. Still, Jones has been able to get back on his feet and move on. Recorded in 1982 at Boston's intimate Paradise Club (best known as venue featuring new, alternative acts), Jones recorded this show for the Silver Eagle Cross Country Radio Concert series. When he is introduced at this show, George Jones was called "the world's greatest living country singer," which certainly wasn't too far off the mark.
Jones and most of his band were sick with the flu and bronchitis, and he mentions it throughout the show, though he shouldn't have bothered. In the end, it is a commendable performance, especially with the addition of Lorrie Morgan, who was featured throughout the show. Morgan, whose career commenced at the age of 13 with a debut at the Grand Ole Opry, opened many shows for George Jones during this period.
When he begins his hit, "Her Name Is" (a song written about the awkward situation created after he divorced Wynette) he tells the audience: "I bet you all heard of ole' Tammy Wynette. A lot of people think this song was written for me to sing to ole' Tammy Wynette…. Well, I didn't hear her name in there." He brings back Morgan to duet on the material he had recorded originally with Wynette, including "Golden Ring," which she does exceptionally well. Other recorded highlights include "You Better Treat Your Man Right," and "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memories Will)," which ends this hour-long recording.
Today, Jones continues to record, perform and collaborate, and 2007 marked Jones' 52nd year in country music, and his 38th year at the Grand Ole Opry.