New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Music City News Media & Marketing) "I have no words to express my admiration and love for
George Jones. To say he was my 'hero' does not do justice to the lifetime impression he made on me, both personally and professionally.
George Jones is the foundation of country music and he's the reason I wanted to perform. He's the reason I'm still here in this business... out there on the road. He was my mentor and my teacher;
George was my friend. He paved the way for so many and I was one of the lucky ones to have enjoyed the opportunity to not only sing beside him, but just 'sit and visit' with him. When I was just starting out, we toured together; he was the headliner. After a few shows, he told me that I was going to close the shows (because he wanted to watch "Andy Griffith"). For a newcomer, it was intimidating to open for him; there was even more pressure to close for him.
George gave me strength and encouragement; he kept telling me 'you can do it, son.'
George Jones is the Father of Country. We will all miss his voice, and I will miss his voice to call me 'son.'" -- Mark Chesnutt
"Country music lost an icon today and I have lost a dear and beloved friend. With tear-filled eyes, I'm reminiscing this morning about all that I learned from and loved about
George Jones. He was part of my 'country music education;' he made country music history and, in my opinion,
George Jones is a song's best friend. No one will leave an imprint on my life like
George did." -- Lorrie Morgan
"The first 8-tracks that I owned were recordings by Conway Twitty and
George Jones. Long before my career got started, I was at a concert (Travis Tritt's homecoming show) and
George Jones performed. I sat there and sang along to every word that
George sang. A lady, who sat in front of me, turned around and said, 'do you know
George Jones' music?' When my reply was, 'heck yeah,' she introduced herself; it was his wife, Nancy. Nancy brought me backstage that night to introduce me to George. That was three years before I signed my record deal and we've remained friends and stayed in touch since then. Right or wrong, in good times and in bad, people loved
George Jones--he made an impression. His music is his legacy and he will not only be remembered as the best country singer this world will ever know, but a great man that we all will truly miss." -- Mark Wills
