George Jones

George Jones
Jones in 1976
Born
George Glenn Jones

(1931-09-12)September 12, 1931
DiedApril 26, 2013(2013-04-26) (aged 81)
Resting placeWoodlawn Memorial Park
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
Years active1947–2013
Spouses
Dorothy Bonvillion
(m. 1950; div. 1951)
Shirley Ann Corley
(m. 1954; div. 1968)
(m. 1969; div. 1975)
Nancy Sepulvado
(m. 1983)
Children4
Musical career
Also known asKing George, Thumper Jones, The Possum, No Show Jones, "The Rolls-Royce of Country Music" "King Of Country Music"
Genres
Instruments
  • Acoustic guitar
  • vocals
Labels
Websitegeorgejones.com
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
BranchUnited States Marine Corps
Service years1951–1953
RankPrivate
AwardsNational Defense Service Medal

George Glenn Jones (September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013) was an American country musician, singer, and songwriter. He achieved international fame for a long list of hit records, and is well known for his distinctive voice and phrasing. For the last two decades of his life, Jones is frequently referred to as "the greatest country singer", "The Rolls-Royce of Country Music", and had more than 160 chart singles to his name from 1955 until his death in 2013.

Jones served in the United States Marine Corps and was discharged in 1953. In 1959, Jones recorded "White Lightning", written by The Big Bopper, which launched his career as a singer. Years of alcoholism severely compromised his health and led to his missing many performances, earning him the nickname "No Show Jones". Jones died in 2013, aged 81, from hypoxic respiratory failure.