“I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”
Among all of George Jone‘s hits, many of his fans may think that “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” will fit as a hit anthem. It was released in 1992 and it was when the young country movement was peaking.
This song found its way to a few radio stations, but it was best acknowledged at the CMA. It’s been a smash hit and it’s a reminder of how this singer has been influencing many artists in the same genre. The song featured appearances by Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, and Mark Chesnutt.
Joe Diffie, Pam Tillis, Alan Jackson, and T. Graham Brown also made appearances among many other artists. It goes to show that Jones was so loved and is still revered.
“Bartender’s Blues”
As George Jones battled with alcohol during his early years in the industry, people might have thought that he wrote this single.
The song is basked with whiskey but the singer didn’t pen this. James Taylor wrote it and he also made an appearance on the record. With two renowned singers working on the song, it’s no surprise how it peaked at No.3.
Every bar in America has this in their jukebox, proving that Jones and his ability to release a country waltz classic are worth celebrating.
“I Always Get Lucky With You”
In 1982, George Jones smashed the country charts with “C.C Waterback” and “Yesterday’s Wine.” He did so with Merle Haggard. After the two legends’ success, Billy Sherrill found a single that Haggard co-wrote and recorded. He thought that it would fit Jones too.
A few unverified sources say that the producer didn’t tell Jones that Haggard wrote the song “I Always Get Lucky With You.” At that time, the two singers weren’t on speaking terms. However, they made up and Jones bagged the No.1.
They further proved that they’re best at working together again when they paired for the album Kickin’ Out the Footlight in 2006.
“The Grand Tour”
George Jones released “The Grand Tour” in 1974, a song that seems to tell his story at that point in his life. It sings about touring and a blissful family life that’s been devastated by divorce. During the release of this single, Jones and his wife, Tammy Wynette was going through a rough patch.
What makes this song even more ironic is that it’s written by George Richey, Jone’s ex-wife’s future husband.
Beyond all this irony is how this song receives wild applause when he performs it live. Without a doubt, this song is witness to how George Jones is a star in country music.
“The Race Is On”
Almost a decade after this hit maker stepped into the country limelight, “The Race is On” came out. During this year, he was already gaining an extensive catalog of hits such as “Tender Years,” “White Lightning,” and “Why Baby Why.”
“The Race is On” and the preceding hits before its release was just a prelude to an even more extensive chart-topping discography. 165 of hits records would then dominate the Billboard Country singles chart for many years.
In 1989, Sawyer Brown revived the single and it landed on the Top 5.