Two more bluegrass artists have checked in with their thoughts and reflections on the passing of George Jones.
First up, five-time IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Russell Moore.
“George Jones is a legend…not only in country music, but in probably every genre of music. His ‘crying’ vocal delivery, when spinning tales of sorrow, heartache, lost love and yearning, was a signature of his singing and he was absolutely the best at it. I’ve listened to his songs since I was a young boy growing up in Texas, and he has influenced me as well as so many countless others. Even though I’ll miss hearing new tales and songs from this great artist, I celebrate his contributions to the world of music and say… ‘Rest in peace, George. We love you and salute you!!’ “In addition, Joe Mullins shares a remembrance through his dad…
“As most know, my Dad, fiddler Paul Mullins, was a renowned radio personality whose career began in 1960 in country radio. Known as Moon Mullins on air, he combined traditional country and bluegrass music along with his unique personality to entertain thousands of listeners until he retired in 2005.
He never allowed anyone to force him to follow a playlist, and he played only what he liked best most of the time. He loved George Jones, and dug deep into his recordings for 40 years. He didn’t just play the hits, he would search through every cut on the old LP’s and find tunes that Jones really shined on. What a treat to hear real country music sang with so much soul and power!
Dad played Jones tunes on air more than any country artist. Dad passed in 2008 and I think we still have nearly 100 Jones albums from his collection. Dad played one old album cut called Old Blue Tomorrow at least a thousand times on air. I recorded it in the Radio Rambler’s debut release on Rebel, the CD Rambler’s Call. It was written by an old Texas friend of Jones who penned dozens of songs for him, Don Edwards. His son is still living and came to our show the first time we were in Texas to hear that song.”
