Eleven years after his passing, we’re still getting new music from the country music great.
George Jones may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten. And he still hasn’t stopped gifting us with great music.
George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions, a collection of 16 heretofore unreleased tracks by the man known as The Possum, will be released Nov. 15 on Country Rewind Records. Originally recorded for radio airplay in the 1970s, these tracks have been enhanced, capturing Jones’ signature sound by bringing the audio quality up to 21st-century standards by subtly adding instrumentation and background vocals beneath Jones’ voice where needed.
One of the prime cuts: An enhanced recording of a Jones standard, “Tender Years.”
Among the other songs included on The Lost Nashville Sessions: “The Race Is On,” “The Grand Tour,” “White Lightnin’,” “She Thinks I Still Care, “A Picture of Me Without You,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “The Honky Tonk Downstairs.”
Often completed in just one or two takes, with an announcer’s voice between songs, the recordings on The Lost Nashville Sessions were initially made exclusively for artist promotion. After they aired, the tapes often were discarded or destroyed by radio stations. Country Rewind Records president and executive producer Thomas Gramuglia discovered the original boxed master tapes and recognized that true fans of The Possum would appreciate hearing these timeless recordings despite their poor condition after years of neglect. With the help of producer Paul Martin, the album offers a unique collection of Jones’ music that showcases his emotional depth and lasting influence on country music.
“When I was approached for this project after George died,” says Nancy Jones, the country music great’s widow, “I was so excited that Paul Martin would be involved, because I knew he wouldn't put anything out that was not up to par.”
Her reaction to the finished product?
“Well, I could say that I was sad at first to hear his voice again. That would make anyone sad, I suppose. But I was also happy to hear him sing again, which I didn’t for years. And to hear him again — it just warmed my heart. I have to say that.”
Her favorite song on the album, she admits, is “Walk Through This World With Me.” (“I just love that song.”) But she feels that, like herself, George Jones would have approved of each enhanced cut.
“Music truly is the gift that keeps giving,” shares Nancy Jones. “Even after all these years, we’re still releasing new music from George. This collection features sixteen songs, and while some may be familiar hits, these versions are ones you’ve never heard before. I’m thrilled to share them with all of his devoted fans.”
