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George Jones is known for his innate ability to evoke the raw emotions that is expected of a country legend. The singer has charted more songs than any other country artist on both the country charts and the Top 40 charts.
Jones was raised in Texas to appreciate the gospel music in church and also what he heard on the radio as a child. Eventually, Jones was performing on the streets for spare change ? he continued performing in bars after joining the Marines.
The singer got his big break in 1953 when Pappy Daily discovered him. While his first single received no attention, "Why, Baby, Why" peaked at No. 4 before it was covered by Webb Pierce and Red Sovine, hitting No. 1 on the country charts.
Jones? success continued when he toured with Elvis Presley on the "Louisiana Hayride" tour. In 1956, he began to hit the Top 10 regularly with hits such as "What Am I Worth," "Just One More," "Achin?, Breakin? Heart" and "She Thinks I Still Care."
The singer continued his reign atop the country charts for decades ? in 1973, every single that he released sat on the Billboard Top 10. While the second half of the decade brought somewhat of a commercial slump, but he came back with a more rock and roll infused sound which brought him back to prominence on the charts, including the hit "Baretender?s Blues," a duet with James Taylor.
The success of the artist?s career was fueled by his raw emotions, based mostly on his fledgling personal life. Jones was suffering from severe alcoholism ? he was known to wake up with a screwdriver and spend the rest of the day drinking bourbon. His addictions eventually turned to drugs, which led him to a psychiatric hospital. While he was known as "No-Show Jones" for a part of his career, he eventually overcame his demons and learned from his past mistakes, even poking fun of himself.
Jones finally seemed to lose his spot on the charts after newer country artists such as Randy Travis and Keith Whitley who were heavily influenced by Jones. He moved away from the spotlight in the ?90s, but made a comeback recently, including a number of best-of collections and tours. This year, his hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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