Journey to Musical Stardom
After completing his military service in 1953, Jones decided to seriously pursue his passion for music. Soon enough, he landed his first recording contract with Pappy Daily who co-owns the Starday Records. Daily served as Jones producer and manager for many years. He earned his first Top 10 country hit in 1955 with “Why Baby Why” which peaked at No. 4. Jones scored three more Top 10 singles in the succeeding years. He ended the decade on a high note when he earned his first No. 1 song, “White Lightning.”
The ‘60s saw Jones shone brighter having hits that consistently appear on the music charts including his No. 1 single “Tender Years.” This eventually led the singer to become one of country music’s top artists.
Just like most artists in the music scene, Jones did not limit himself to solo recording. He also worked with other artists. Among his successful collaborations was that with Tammy Wynette who would later become his third wife. Along with their journey as husband and wife, Jones and Wynette began making songs together. Their team-up reached success producing charting records including “The Ceremony” and “Take Me.” Both were Top 10 hits for the couple.
The success of their recording partnership remained unaffected by their separation. In fact, they even scored their No. 1 songs together after their breakup namely “Golden Ring” and “Near You.”
Along the way, Jones worked hard in battling his personal demons. Not allowing them to hinder him from pursuing his passion, Jones went on to amass numerous awards and put up an impressive musical legacy. In 2012, the singer received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on top of other honors he earned throughout his career. The following year, Jones died from hypoxic respiratory failure.
Below is Jones’ best-known song which earned him international fame in the ‘80s, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
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