George Jones: A Country Legend's Untamed Life

If it wasn’t for George Jones I probably wouldn’t be in this world. At least not who I am today. My Dad was George’s drummer for a number of years in the 80s and met my Mom through the wild music world that is known as Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at some of George’s wild moments.

George Jones, often referred to as one of the greatest country singers of all time, was as famous for his wild, unpredictable behavior as he was for his unparalleled voice. Known for his tumultuous personal life and legendary escapades, Jones's antics have become part of his enduring legacy. Here are some of the wildest moments that defined the life of George Jones.

One of the most infamous stories is the time Jones rode a lawnmower to a liquor store. In the early 1970s, Jones's second wife, Tammy Wynette, took away his car keys to prevent him from driving to buy alcohol. Undeterred, Jones found an alternative mode of transport: a riding lawnmower. Traveling several miles on this slow-moving vehicle, Jones's determination to get a drink became one of the most legendary tales in country music history. This episode even inspired the song "Honky Tonk Song," a playful nod to his notorious journey.

Jones's battle with alcoholism led to many wild and unpredictable performances. There were countless times when he failed to show up for his own concerts, earning him the nickname "No Show Jones." Fans never knew if he would make it to the stage, which only added to the mythos surrounding his unpredictable nature. Despite this, when Jones did perform, his concerts were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his remarkable talent and emotional depth.

Another wild moment in Jones's life was his notorious hotel room destruction spree. On more than one occasion, Jones's drunken rages led to the complete wrecking of his accommodations. These destructive episodes were fueled by his personal demons and struggles with substance abuse, which often brought out the most chaotic aspects of his personality.

Jones's third marriage to fellow country star Tammy Wynette was marked by both passionate love and intense conflict. Their volatile relationship, characterized by frequent arguments and dramatic reconciliations, was highly publicized and became the subject of much media attention. Despite their tumultuous marriage, they produced some of country music's most beloved duets, including "Golden Ring" and "We're Gonna Hold On," which remain classics to this day.

In one particularly bizarre incident, Jones reportedly fired a shotgun at his friend and fellow musician Earl "Peanutt" Montgomery during a heated argument. The gun discharged accidentally, and thankfully, no one was injured. This incident highlighted the extreme volatility that could accompany Jones's drinking binges, adding to his reputation as a larger-than-life character.

Despite his wild and self-destructive behavior, Jones experienced moments of redemption. One such turning point came in the early 1980s when he met his fourth wife, Nancy Sepulvado. Her support and love played a crucial role in helping him turn his life around, leading to a significant reduction in his drinking and drug use. This period of sobriety allowed Jones to focus on his music career, resulting in a resurgence that produced some of his most poignant and reflective work.

George Jones's wildest moments are a testament to his complex and multifaceted personality. His life was a blend of incredible musical achievements and tumultuous personal struggles, making him one of the most fascinating figures in country music history. Despite his flaws, Jones's unparalleled talent and raw emotional honesty have left an indelible mark on the genre, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.

For the real deep dive into George and what it was like to be a part of his band, be sure to grab a copy of my Dad’s upcoming book, Kick It Off: On The Road With George Jones, coming to a book store near you soon!