Thanks For The Music

Music lovers are in for a real treat as the highly anticipated 'Still Playin' Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones' concert and television special taping comes to the Von Braun Center Propst Arena on April 25, 2023. This special event promises to be a night to remember, featuring some of the most talented musicians in the Country music industry. Newly added artists Jelly Roll, Riley Green, Uncle Kracker, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs, and Janie Fricke will round out the final performers' list, which already included Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Wynonna, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Jamey Johnson, Sara Evans, Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, Lorrie Morgan, Michael Ray, Mark Chesnutt, Sam Moore, Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Lewis, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, Dillon Carmichael, Gretchen Wilson, Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, and a special appearance by Randy Travis. In addition, a 90’s salute to “No Show Jones” will feature a special performance by John Berry, Ty Herndon, RICOCHET’s Heath Wright, Billy Yates, and Anita Cochran.

“Thank you to the many fans that are traveling from all over the world to be in Huntsville, Alabama, for this special night,” says Nancy Jones. “I think the team of producers has put together some incredible moments that will surprise everyone. People will be laughing, crying, and singing along to so many of the songs performed that night. It will be an emotional night not just for me, but also for these artists as so many were very close to George. I hope everyone that attends or gets to see it on television will enjoy it and remember their favorite George song.”

The concert, which pays tribute to the legendary George Jones, will bring many of Jones’ greatest hits to the stage. With their incredible voices and exceptional musicianship, these performers are sure to bring down the house with their renditions of classic songs like “The Grand Tour,” “Tennessee Whiskey,” “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and many more! The “Still Playin’ Possum” event is a fitting tribute to the man who was once dubbed the “greatest living country music singer of all time”. George Jones was known for his powerful voice, emotional lyrics, and charismatic performances, and his influence can be heard in the works of so many of today’s biggest country stars. This concert event is a chance to celebrate his legacy and to hear some of the best country music around.

In addition, the Nancy Jones VIP dinner the night before the concert event at the Von Braun Center Ballroom will include appearances by Grand Ole Opry stars Randy Travis and Jeannie Pruett, songwriter of "Choices" and "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair" Billy Yates, Tony Jackson and others to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are $200 and will include a sit-down meal as well as a photo opportunity with Nancy Jones.

'Still Playin' Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,' is sponsored by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms, Joe From Texas, Breland Homes, Bud Light, Fourth Capital Bank, The Broadway Group, Blaster Chemical, Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse, All Access Coach Leasing, Encore, Coca Cola, Tazikis Mediterranean Café, Sweet Sensational, and Biscuit Belly.

'Still Playin' Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,' is being promoted by Mike Smardak of Outback Presents. The television special is being produced by Luke Pierce and Ben Haley of WORKS Entertainment, Greg Hall of TH Entertainment, and executive produced by Nancy Jones and Kirk West for No Show Productions.

About George Jones: George Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time. Born in Saratoga, Texas, Jones played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music. His first number-one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped the Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”

Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.” By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980 when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.