George Jones Tribute Playin’ Possum: The Final No Show

Country music superstars and thousands of fans turned out recently at Bridgestone Arena (in Nashville, TN) to honor a country music icon: George Jones.

Even before his passing in April (at 81 years old), George Jones and his management were planning a spectacular farewell concert at Bridgestone Arena with dozens of talented guest performers.

Ironically, this final farewell turned out to be a tremendous tribute show to the country music legend. George Strait, Alan Jackson, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, along with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were just a few of more than 100 country music stars who gathered to sing over 40 songs during a remarkable night that lasted almost 4 hours.

The Grand Ole Opry House was the site in April where an appropriate funeral service was held and George Jones was respectfully mourned.

November 22nd’s tribute show, on the other hand, was a unique celebration from start to finish; complete with humorous stories and fond memories.

Opening the show (and creating a terrific atmosphere) was Big & Rich, appearing on stage riding green John Deere mowers and singing “Love Bug.”

“Go Rest High on That Mountain” was sung in April by Vince Gill, claiming it was “the hardest thing I had to do.” However this night he chose “Bartender Blues” and sported a T-shirt with the nickname George Jones gave him, Sweet Pea.

Ultimately, George Jones’ music had mass appeal, crossing most lines of distinction from generation to generation of listeners and musicians alike; as evidenced by (heavy metal group) Megadeth’s performance as well as Sam Moore of Sam and Dave who brought the crowd to a standing ovation with his rendition of “The Blues Man.”

Indeed, the legacy of a country music phenomenon was praised in grand style; from Kid Rock singing Jones’ 1st number one single “White Lightnin’ ” to Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton’s duet “These Days (I Barely Get By).”

So whether you were in the first row or outside the arena (in the rain) watching a live feed of the concert on the giant video screen, a memorable night like this will long go down in history; George Jones’ star will forever shine bright in the minds of country music fans across the U.S. and around the world!

J.P.W.