George Jones Sings Country and Western Hits

(the following was written on the back of the LP record cover)

The history of country and western music has seen many names emerge as top singing stars. However, only few have risen to such a height that their name will live in country music forever. The first to reach this plateau was the legendary Jimmie Rodgers, who made country music a popular boom. The next artist that would gain a reputation that would make him live forever in the hearts of country music lovers was Hank Williams. William's star rose overnight despite a full field of competition. Hank gained his reputation from not only singing, but also because he wrote songs that would be sung for decades to come, such as; "Cold, Cold Heart," "Half as Much."

When Hank Williams met his untimely end, many wondered who would be the next artist to claim the title of "king of country and western music." The answer was not long in coming—George Jones. George Jones, oddly enough, has the same qualities that made Hank Williams a legend. George not only sings c&w tunes the way they should be sung, but he also is a songwriter of note. Among his compositions are such stellar tunes as "Life to Go," "Just One More," (both were rerecordings during an April 1960 session) Also included in his latest national best selling hit, "Window Up Above." George Jones has proven to be a composer who can write about people, love, and tragedy, and he can also write songs of faith. (Window Up Above was recorded in Early April, 1960)

The country and western field of music is peculiarly for and about people and its music tells about people and their feelings. In the words of a famous critic: "If a country singer can't feel what his audience is feeling, he's neither a country singer, nor a singer." The popularity of country music is, and has been, expanding every year. Through the medium of radio, country music reached into the city and the country. Country music is more and more finding hefty sells in markets. All of this is because country music is universal and country music is universal and country artists with their fellow man on all levels.

A rare talent is required to sell himself to the people on this down-to-earth basis and such a talent is the handsome lad from Beaumont, Texas—George Jones. His first few records saw enjoyed moderate success and then in 1955, George recorded "Why Baby, Why," and the start of his fabulous career took wings. He later joined the WSM Grand Ole Opry and took on a professional polish. By now, his single recordings of "White Lightning" and "Who Shot Sam" were top national hits. Since joining Mercury Records, Jones has recorded four albums, each being greater than the one before and each bringing him a new host of fans. Each album saw George Jones perform in a different character, Gospel, country, his own tunes, and a salute to Hank Williams. Now, in his latest album, George Jones sings the top country and western hits from the past. His voice and his feelings for these numbers are unequalled in bringing you the tops in recorded listening pleasure. Certainly, there can be no better tribute for this kind of music which is "of the people, for the people, and by the people" than to have it sung and played by the greatest —George Jones.