George Jones says he's been robbed. Not of his personal belongings, but of something perhaps even more valuable: his role as a country singer. Referring to some of today's biggest stars, including Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, the country legend tells the Associated Press, "they've stolen our identity." And, he maintains, they need to give it back and move on to another genre. "They had to use something that was established already, and that's traditional country music. So what they need to do really, I think, is find their own title, because they're definitely not traditional country music."
George, who recently spoke out against modern country radio, says he still sees hope in some of the current chart-toppers. "It's good to know that we still do traditional country music. Alan Jackson still does it, so does George Strait. We still have it, and there's quite a few of us that are going to hope that it comes back one of these days."Current country artists aren't the only ones the Possum is going after. Asked if he would ever branch out into another style of music, like heavy metal or rap, the Hall of Famer lashed out in response. "Rap? That's tacky ... how can you call that music? Now, I love music, too. I love all kinds. I really do. I've got Brook Benton. I like his singing. Ray Charles. I've got an open mind. But now, you can't call rap, talking stuff like that, music. No, no, no, you've got to have another name for that."
The 78-year old, whose career has already spanned six decades, still has one goal for his future ... and it isn't retirement. "Only thing I would like to keep accomplishing is music for my fans and achieving some goals to keep them happy with what I record in the future," says George. "I've done just about everything else. The good Lord's been good to me ... I'm going to enjoy the rest of my life."
George recently released 'A Collection of My Best Recollection' exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. He joins a long list of artists, including Montgomery Gentry, Sara Evans and most recently Alan Jackson who have inked exclusive deals with the restaurant chain.
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
mexicanrathead27at 11-04-2009
I understand what you mean, George, but you shouldn't blame Taylor Swift. Country changed long before Taylor got there. I'd say it lost it's identity in the early 70's. But if you're referring to the type of ***Mariah Carey/Britney Spears-Pop using "country" instruments*** that plagues the Country-Radio airwaves and Country/Western sections of your local CD store nowadays, you should blame the late-80's and well, the entire 90's --- people like Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain and Faith Hill; Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. These are the "Country" stars that knowingly let the door to the days of legitimate Country Music shut behind them. They're the ones you aught to be asking for the return your identity, not the poor kids nowadays who have only had this brand of popular "Country" to listen to their whole lives. That's what they've been told is Country, so that's what they play. They don't know any better.
mexicanrathead27at 11-04-2009
I understand what you mean, George, but you shouldn't blame Taylor Swift. Country changed long before Taylor got there. I'd say it lost it's identity in the early 70's. But if you're referring to the type of ***Mariah Carey/Britney Spears-Pop using "country" instruments*** that plagues the Country-Radio airwaves and Country/Western sections of your local CD store nowadays, you should blame the late-80's and well, the entire 90's --- people like Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain and Faith Hill; Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. These are the "Country" stars that knowingly let the door to the days of legitimate Country Music shut behind them. They're the ones you aught to be asking for the return your identity, not the poor kids nowadays who have only had this brand of popular "Country" to listen to their whole lives. That's what they've been told is Country, so that's what they play. They don't know any better.
mexicanrathead27at 11-04-2009
I understand what you mean, George, but you shouldn't blame Taylor Swift. Country changed long before Taylor got there. I'd say it lost it's identity in the early 70's. But if you're referring to the type of ***Mariah Carey/Britney Spears-Pop using "country" instruments*** that plagues the Country-Radio airwaves and Country/Western sections of your local CD store nowadays, you should blame the late-80's and well, the entire 90's --- people like Trisha Yearwood, Shania Twain and Faith Hill; Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. These are the "Country" stars that knowingly let the door to the days of legitimate Country Music shut behind them. They're the ones you ought to be asking, for the return of your identity, not the poor kids nowadays who have only had this brand of popular "Country" to listen to their whole lives. That's what they've been told is Country, so that's what they play. They don't know any better.
Carolat 11-04-2009
I do agree with Mexicanrathead but George needs to shut his mouth. Never liked him or his singing.
boywonder86004at 11-04-2009
wow, what an idiot. Those two have done more for country music single-handedly, than he ever could. Yes, country music changed at the hands of other musicians. If people want old country which most don't due to record sales, they'll buy older country. Give it 30 years and some other idiot will be saying the same thing, "somebody, stole my music, waaah!"
CoffeeGlssat 11-04-2009
I realize George Jones is an icon but that being said he needs to gety over himself. After all it's been how many years since he's put out any music?
dmv829at 11-04-2009
George, you have not been robbed of your role as a country singer. You are a very talented and gifted artist. But so are Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. You suggested that they move on to another genre, because they are not traditional country music artists. No they are not, nor have they claimed to be. They, among other (very talented) singers are listed as Pop-Country artists. Singers are going to write and sing what sells, the same that you did when you were young.
hello boobooat 11-04-2009
Dear George Jones,first, I would like to welcome you to the year 2010!! 2nd, you need to look around or listen around you & realize that all genre's of music change over the years! Country music is NO different!! You speak of keeping your "fans" happy, but what you dont seem to realize is that your "fans" are in thier 70's!!!! How old were you when u first started your career? these girls that you pick on (should we call you Kanye???") shouldnt be blamed for the changes in music over the years & you should be greatful that they are in your genre, because it is no longer you that people turn on the radio for, it is the talent that is available now!! youve had your moment in the country spotlight & need to realize that "traditional" country is just making the changes with the times!! Im sorry that nobody wants to listen to you, but your too old!! I am 46-years old & I am a huuuuuge country fan! I love George Strait, Alan Jackson & all the old timers you speak of & it's because they have rolled with the changes & continue to put out awesome country music!! I dont even know your music! Instead of being pissed off at the world because your aging & 1/2 your fans are dead, why dont you hire Taylor Swift to write you a few songs!!!!! SHE could save your career!!!!!
HaveItMaidCleanat 11-04-2009
.... his last hit was when? Most people that listen to country music today haven't heard his music lately. Every genre of music evolves... the talent grows to another level on the ladder that get's harder to achieve. If he were to be starting out today, with his vocal ability, unfortunately he most likely would not be a star. His song writing skill is amazing... but he wouldn't be able to sell it with his vocals.
There are still stations that play that twangy country, tear in your beer, some body done some body wrong songs. But the population speaks and they want country singers with more vocal talent and with more of a range to their voice.
John Plemonsat 11-04-2009
All this from a man who had to drive to the local store for beer on his lawn tractor because of his DUI's could not drive a car... I guess saying anything to get you noticed is what you have to do when no body really about you any more. Mr. Jones is way past his prime and way past his time in the spot light, and saying anything to regain some of that spotlight is all he can do. Rather than put them down he should really give them credit for bringing new people to country music who would have never listened when he was singing....
jason23dtat 11-04-2009
is this old drunk, addict going to kick it soon?
ilbweimat 11-04-2009
Any one who releases an album at Cracker Barrell is a closed minded racist hick. Look at the history of the way they discriminate. He needs to shut the hell up.
gwtw0988at 11-04-2009
I love love love George Jones and traditional country music. I also think Taylor swift is a very talented young lady and I am very happy that her career is going so well. However, George Jones WOULD have a hit on the charts today if the "powers that be" would play his songs and the songs of other musicians who want to sing and play the traditional country music. There are many fans that would love to hear more traditional type music on the airwaves. There is room for both. But I can understand Geo. Jones' frustration because there is an interest in his music but radio stations won't play it. So George, if you are listening, we are waiting for another GREAT song from you. AND Thank God for the artists who are also following their passion and cutting more traditional songs: Love you too Josh Turner, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Jamey Johnson and others.
Richardat 11-04-2009
Although I don't listen to country music i Still agree with the man on New age And anything like it. In fact Anything that is not old school rap is practical worth nothing to me plus it is basically not music.
er0sionat 11-04-2009
last time I was playing some music at a bar he was at, all he wanted to hear was his own music, odd.