You have heard of the “The Possum” right. If not, you have surely heard of the legendary George Jones. The 75-year-old country legend is perhaps one of the most popular and well-know classic country artist alive. His legendary music career began when he was 24 years old. Since then he has grabbed many different pet names or nicknames, the two most popular that seemed to have stuck throughout his lengthy career are “The Possum” and “No Show Jones”.

George Jones led the life that you most often contribute to classic country music lyrics. After three rocky marriages, one to the ever beautiful and talented Tammy Wynette, George has finally found the love of his life and the one he calls his rescuer, in Nancy Sepulveda. For much of his career, George Jones was on a self-destructive path submersed in a life of Bourbon, Bloody Mary’s, and eventually cocaine. This lifestyle led to a stint in an Alabama Mental Hospital and even very close to death in the late 1970’s.

George Jones turned his life around and made a surprise comeback, pleasing his millions of fans and supporters. Throughout his fifty-two year career, George Jones has had 167 songs hit the country music charts, more than any other artist on the circuit has. He also leads the field with 143 Top 40 hits, as well as ranking second with 78 Top 10 hits, only behind Eddy Arnold.

Some of his most memorable and unforgettable songs include “White Lightning”, “Tender Years”, “Walk Through This World With Me”, “We’re Gonna Hold On”, “The Grand Tour”, “Golden Ring”, and “He Stopped Loving Her Today”.

2 Platinum, 7 Gold albums, and 29 awards later, George Jones is still going strong. His most notable awards include the 1992 all time country song award for “He Stopped Loving Her Today”, a song that received two song of the year awards, and a single of the year award. Other notable awards include the 1992 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the 1993 Pioneer Award, 10 male vocalist of the year awards, and the 1987 living legend award from the Music City News.

Even after all the hardships suffered throughout his life, George Jones continues to do what he loves. In recent years, he has been ranked number three in CMT’s country music’s forty greatest men, as well as released recording such as “The Gospel Collection”, “50 Years Of Hits”, Hits I missed…And One I Didn’t”, and Kickin’ Out The Footlights…Again”.

Check out some of his greatest hits here