British guitarist analyses the prolific George Jones live in 1980!

[@dannyjoehammons1894]

Remember first time I heard this song. I was riding in with my dad in his truck dad pulled over off the road an said listen .it was a great moment with me an my dad

[@lynndow3185]

That's a story to treasure. Thank you, danny joe hammons.

[@williamhutcheson6511]

I saw him with my mama twice in concert. God love her. And keep her.

[@baxill23]

I first heard this with my dad too. I'm gonna make sure it's a special moment when I pass it on to my kids.

[@TheLouise24]

I, too, remember my first time hearing this classic. It tore me up.

[@stevebrindle1724]

I am a 70-year-old Englishman and it took me 60 years to get into country, just about the only genre I had not given a listen to!. George Jones and Willy Nelson made me fall in love with country as well. Love your channel mate, I strum a bit myself and have learned a lot about music in general from you. Thanks, mate!

[@lyallg7925]

Check out Merle Haggard💔

[@TheOneStoneAngell]

You should have way over a million subscribers, you keep raising the bar and do an excellent job. Thank you again.

[@jsking306]

I like the fact that you cover a wide range of music styles. Enjoy all of your videos.

[@lynndow3185]

Uh oh...I know this is a sad song, so here's some happy news: 145,000 people have "Hit Thumbs Up and Subscribed" as of today! Great analysis of a classic!...thanks!

[@sharonburks6715]

I love this song even if george hated it! He's my favorite from back in the day.

[@bellesmom238]

I use to talk to ole George back in the day , HE WAS Diabetic and wouldnt stop dranking , after a bad car wreck , he qiut dranking , Dam he could bring a tear to a glass eye

[@jimmyj5035]

Fil is an Absolutely Brilliant Musician and I absolutely Love his ability to Educate us on these wonderful Musical Performances.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@kensod6034]

He stopped loving her today.... He's over her .. They placed a wreath on his grave/ door... .. What a heartache... We all have that one that got away some of us pine for them in secret... Always... And its extremely painful ... Reminding you of what your going thru.. Like putting a hot poker into a wound.. He totally gets you into the song... Thanks professor... Country.. Rock 🎸

[@beckygould7509]

It’s the put o wreath upon his door. An old tradition, if someone in the household died a funeral wreath would be hung on the door. I have trouble listening to this song even though it’s beautiful. It’s so sad ! A man who loved a woman he couldn’t have carried that love to the grave and perhaps beyond! You’re right this song is heartbreaking! If I’m already depressed I can’t listen to it !

[@kensod6034]

@@beckygould7509 It's too painful.. Thanks for the wreath information... He kinda stuck the knife in and twisted it.... Gets ya' right in the heart ❤

[@rickycoleman8841]

@@kensod6034 in the south they put one on the casket. Before lower the casket family and friends take a flower from it.most put in their bibles after flower dries out. My wife passed away February 24 2021 she had purple flowers her favorite colors. She was 53 . this song breaks me up but yet i keep listening .

[@easyenetwork2023]

@@beckygould7509Which I only knew of once I got older, so it probably took until I was almost an adult to really understand this song’s sobering meaning.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Da Possum..love the rattlesnake guitar strap. Alan Jackson did a great version also..just superb poetry....I need a cold beer and sawdust on my floor now....thanks Fil

[@lynndow3185]

and I need a hankie!

[@feardabeard7635]

Congratulations on listening to the greatest singer of all times. Rest in peace George Jones what a wonderful gift you was to this world.

[@tod3msn]

George was still in his prime back in 1980 which is a good year to see him perform. That country artist who was a throw back to real vocals and real playing. No auto tune. The real deal.

[@adamprice3466]

Do you know who was playing lead guitar for him around this time? There are concerts of his around this time on KZbin and the lead guitar is shredding it. I know Gary Adams was lead guitar for years but I don't know if he was still with him in 1980?

[@JayBirdsChannel]

George’s voice was just so unique. He could make you FEEL a song, which always separates technically great singers who are in the background from those who become stars, especially in those days before auto tune nonsense. This is why George, Hank, Willie, Waylon, Cash, Kristofferson, and Merle will always be the Mount Rushmore of country music for me! There have been a few great ones since. But none on their level. Thanks for the vid!

[@dhihosilver7419]

Memphis, Tn here..😀 Gorge Jones is the King of Country music!! An icon! His success is what every Country singer strives to be!😆 Love your Commentary and breakdowns of the artists!! Wings of Pegasus!! We learn something every time we watch you!!

[@jefftappan2803]

The one instrument that cannot and will not ever be recreated was the incredibly powerful voice known as George Jones.

[@dianemiller8969]

First time I heard this song by George Jones I cried. George Jones is country through and through. I still listen to him. I loved your reaction to this man and this song. Thank you!!

[@eugeneenslow8563]

I am utterly GOBSMACKED at the depth of your research and ability to so thoroughly and enthusiastically present his history!!!

[@Froggyh63]

I was fortunate enough to be in a band that opened numerous shows for George in the late 80's. Super nice guy, treated us great! I also attended his funeral at the Grand Ole Opry, a very surreal experience for sure

[@LonskiBig]

......Whooohoooo !!....Nashville baby....Can't get away from the Nashville sound....!!

[@susanglover1972]

One of my favorites. Love the song and LOVE George Jones! One of a kind. Priceless!!!

[@marymccullough4787]

Said to be the best country song ever written. It was my mother's favorite song back then, and gives me goosebumps to hear it today.

[@roaldyboy]

Fil, Thank you for honoring Artists of all backgrounds and genres, George was one of if not the greatest country singer! Great job sir

[@suzannerobbins6293]

Hi Fil! You just played my favorite George Jones song! Wow could that man tell a story with his singing! I still can see him with one of my favorite female singers Tammy Wynette....I have read so much about Tammy, and she always adored him. I know you are telling us about him musically, but the woman in me sees the beautiful love story between George, and Tammy...I get misty eyed at this song! He did stop loving her when she passed....that is how I like to think of it anyway...this brought back so many memories! Thanks for this treasure! ✌️

[@dannyjoehammons1894]

GREATEST COUNTRY SONG OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!

[@HamiltonRb]

Not a big country guy but I always liked Amarillo by morning by George Strait

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

@@HamiltonRb There you go. King George Strait..over 60 number one hits. ...whom loved the Possum

[@jaimeduenas4162]

Country legend, George Jones. What a voice, he is true country.

[@jerryp7721]

One of the great voices in modern music. Thanks Fil.

[@GranMastaDee]

Great job. I had a pro. Black blues singer friend for a while back in Dallas TX and when I asked who his favorite blues singer was he said: George Jones. I'd already been a huge fan of Jones for 20+ years and knew exactly what he was talking about.

[@Cashcrop54]

Country music doesn’t get any better than this. George’s voice is just full of emotion. Excellent Fil! I never noticed the vocal range before as being that much.

[@hanksmiththemusicman5006]

Thank you for critiquing such a wide range of music styles, thoroughly enjoyable. One of my favorite songs.

[@39thala]

"The Possum" can tear your heart out with a song! I remember when this came out. People were just knocked out by this song's story and his delivery!

[@marygutierrez4477]

Great video George was the Best been likeing him since i a was 12yrs old am 79 now. My Heart aches for him n his music looseing him was Heartbreaking for me. The songs of the Sixties were my favorite n of course this one Rest in peace George

[@ronnie5129]

Fil, thanks for the video and your comments,,Mr. Jones was the man, one of a kind, nobody will ever fill One of his Shoes, A true Legend Here, R.I.P. George, i was lucky to see him a few times, his music will be heard forever, The problem with this so called country music today is that not many people play a Pedal Steel guitar anymore, this was a majior sound in real County Music, Cousin Figel

[@joepregiato1987]

One of the few songs that actually bring me to tears. Good job Fil

[@ryansansom6901]

Gotta love ole George. No body could sing a sad song like George Jones,

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Great work Phil, excellent analyst and biography of a country legend, George Jones.

[@texadan314]

Great analysis of a great song. I had never noticed that he wasn't actually strumming the strings. Everyone on YT is all over Chris Stapleton's Tennessee Whiskey, and rightly so, but they forget Possum took it to #2 on the Country Charts in 1983. ETA: I think my favorite George Jones song is The Race Is On. It's hard to tell. Sometimes my favorite song is the last one I heard.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Yeah, I always love "The Race is On."

[@gingeoram]

Thanks for the analyses. I always thought George Jones was the absolute best singer of the saddest songs ever. Great voice and great feeling.

[@Susetimel]

First time, every time heart wrenching emotions 💙.. Brilliant analysis 👍

[@WillyMcCoy50]

Smooth. He is 99 & 44/100's pure Gold. Tone ... outstanding and yes he had fantastic range. One of my all time favorites. Good choice Fil.

[@FullContactDrummer]

I am a prog rock guy, metal guy all the way. I grew up listening to this stuff. Never was my thing. A few years ago I was hired to track drums on a country album. I started listening to guys like George and Waylon and alike. Wow, I got crazy listening to them. George Jones is phenomenal. Way better than I thought. Now I wish I could have seen him live. I appreciate that you point out the drums on most/all your reviews.

[@darreollmooney6881]

Fil, thank you for doing this vid on George Jones...great job. I hope you enjoyed this song as much as I do !!!!!!! Btw, he and Tammy had alot of great songs together.

[@Davidferrell1964]

That’s a wonderful tribute to my all time favorite singer.

[@TheVigilant109]

Hi Fil. Many thanks for the superb analysis. This is one of me favourite songs. The powerful emotions and this performance by George Jones is spot on

[@JWGauntt]

awesome job, enjoyed this more than any reaction or bio video I've ever watched , thank you

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@npkrn6764]

Such an amazingly sweet voice ❤️

[@sharronbennett8990]

Still keep some old love letters myself.This song holds a special place in my heart.

[@drewpall2598]

George Jones another country legend who gone but not forgotten. don't recall seeing this performance. thanks for this one Fil.

[@abbydubois3112]

I love George Jones! He's such a tear jerker, LOL! and such a classic. Love that pedal steal too. Thanks for that Fil

[@mistergrandpasbakery9941]

Thank you for this. I'm thrilled that you used the performance that I suggested!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@winterlane2247]

I think of myself as having a country heart and a rock soul, your videos touch both places. Love your channel!

[@christinacutlass1694]

Terrific commentary. I think he had a dual genius as a lyricist as well as a vocalist. BOTH aspects were utterly unique and are still today. The timbre of his voice was extraordinary. When I listen to other “great” singers sing his songs, it’s as though they’re missing colors in the rainbow. As with all truly great artists, he was one of a kind. When he performed, he told the Truth.

[@floydc3664]

I get chills every time I listen to this classic'

[@sherridelorme]

Oh my, How heart wrenching! 😢 My dad’s favorite singer. My dad passed a few years back

[@pgreeso]

Thanks for another great analysis! If I remember correctly, at George's memorial service, Charlie Daniels said George was there only person who could make the word church into a 5 syllable word... Keep up the great work!!!

[@ritahall2378]

This hurts to hear yet so tender and beautiful at the same time

[@MickKinneyBassPlayer]

Total legend, Like Willie very unique vocal. I met him at the Wembley arena in 1981. I was sitting in the wings watching Tammy Wynette , Suddenly aware of somebody sattanding next to me , My god it was the Man himself. I shook his hand just before he walked on to the stage. 🎼🎸🎤

[@eric2vanleeuwen]

Thank you Fil for a George Jones breakdown. Great video!

[@izzyabby123ok]

George hated this song when presented with the option to record. After lengthy conflict, he finally agreed. His first hit in many years, likely the best country song of all time. 😎👌

[@wingsofpegasus]

Yes Indeed as mentioned in the video!🙂

[@EclecticHillbilly]

Very true. He thought it was too morbid and nobody would buy it. As for the best country song, this is a great one but so is I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry.

[@izzyabby123ok]

Wings of Pegasus Yes, you did, and thanks for including George with your wide array of superstar reviews. He’s loved. I neglected to add that he required an additional verse where the woman returns. He held out until it was written and turns out that’s what endears intense affection for the song.

[@danc3693]

@@EclecticHillbillyAnd Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell

[@easyenetwork2023]

I can see why he hated this song, it is very sobering.

[@digitalbrand5510]

Met George for the first time at the Mercedes dealer near Nashville, TN. He had two flat tires on his car. Sweet guy.

[@davescat2118]

I read that George had passed on this song when Braddock first offered it, then came back two years later and asked for a third verse...where she comes back for the funeral. Haven’t heard it one single time when it didn’t put a tear in my eye.

[@lauriekane4686]

Really good analysis today, Fil! You echoed my own thoughts about the pedal steel on this one. It really stood out as "another voice," better than any backup singer could do. It's one of those instruments that truly emotes emotion in it's own, special way. You've taught me alot about this singer, and I'll have to listen to more of his music. Sounds like his life would make a great movie!! Thanx!!

[@OldiesMomma]

He was a great performer. He was in a great group of others who was porter Wagner little Jimmy dickins. Marty Robbins and so many others to name.

[@not2likely]

His father was a raging, abusive alcoholic who bullied George until he finally ran away from home. It seems evident that his deeply emotive delivery came from a deep wellspring of pain and suffering.

[@cassvirgillo3395]

Hello Fil, I'm back, getting new ISP, took a few day's. You just can't beat the sound of Classic Country, even though I'm Rock n Roll. Really good analysis, never boring with wide range of talent and musical styles. Great channel, great job. All the best, C.

[@pattychilds3003]

Beautiful and sad song. Real country music. It's not the same today ,

[@livinglife4835]

I grew up with old time country, 67 years old, and Heorge Jones. I cant readuaic, cant play an instrument, cant aing or even hum a tune. I may not do all yhat, but I know what I like, George and his songs. His voice makes you cry, steel guitar cries, harmonica cries, violin is crying. thank you for explaining why I love his music 🎶🎶.

[@johnbethell1952]

Love the song and nobody sings it better

[@cindypruitt9534]

Great video, I appreciate your taste in music and how varied it is. The way a true music lover should be!

[@essenegnostic8711]

Hats off to anyone who can stand up in front of an audience and sing & play a musical instrument.

[@Toilbaby]

One of a few fluid voices in country music. He was his only enemy yet he fought himself HARD and came back. ☺️ May Hod rest his soul. He’s a fav of mine! Lodie

[@TexasMagnolia]

Great reaction, the best because you know FACTS! What a great Tribute...no one will ever compare. Fil, have you hear “The Grand Tour”? George’s most haunting song ever.

[@jefftappan7078]

One of the most expressive voices around in any style of music. And, as many drinking songs as he recorded, he wrote as many gospel songs.

[@ralphsalotto-ld5xe]

I look for her every day, even after 50 years.

[@BOOMNERD51]

Wow, Fil! Another superb analysis! I love that you point out the sights along the journey. lkke harmonica leading into the pedal steel. I probably would taje a while on my own to notice the key modulation, and how the drummer uses the high-hat folloed by a rim shot. There are few things I loved more in the 70s than hearing a ballad pierced with the rim shot that reverberates around a concert hall. I used to call "you know when the drummer hits the edge of the snare," because it's such artistic puntuation in many songs. Thanks for the concise history of George's career. You have thd great flair for story telling, yoursdlf. if course!

[@michaelholycross2633]

This song makes my older daughter cry. 😌

[@oriolesandravens]

You made reference to George Jones taking the riding mower to get liquor. In Vince Gill's video for "One More Last Chance" at the very end he's riding a golf cart and passes George Jones riding a lawn mower. I worked Country radio for a mid-market station in the 90s and got to see George on the Living Legends Tour with Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. He was sober. To promote some of his new music in the 90s, the label sent us T-Shirts with George saying "I Do show" reference to his nick-name No Show Jones in his worst years.

[@lyallg7925]

Wow, you saw Merle….💔

[@glamgal7106]

I always enjoy your music analysis videos because in them, you're a massive wealth of information. While listening to George Jones' performance, what came to mind first was that he was "telling a story"--I believe I learned this phrase from you! :) I appreciated your clarifation of the band instruments' roles and their importance with regards to maintaining tempo and use of dynamics. Because I studied music therapy, the lyric analysis of the composition was quite interesting. Fil, your music analysis videos never disappoint me...thanks so much!

[@dekelanson5280]

I saw an interview with producer Billy Sherrill, who said George kept singing He stopped loving her today, to the tune of Help me make it through the night. That was just one of the reasons it took so long to record.

[@elizabethspedding1975]

A sad but beautiful song.

[@jwlangley7417]

Brings back memories of the Reo Palm Isle in Longview,Texas. The best in the world played at the Reo. George being one of them.

[@shirleycarr5387]

What a song and George sang it well.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

That is a tough song, beautifully delivered and with so much emotion.

[@jefftappan7078]

And the backup singer makes you feel like the voice of an angel come to take him home.

[@lilsuzq32]

I *love* "old" country ... the new stuff, not at all. Thanks for this one!!!

[@debravirden7130]

Great analysis and as always, you bring this artist's history and legend to life.

[@watkins1robert]

I graduated high school in 1984 and wrote in He Stopped Loving Her Today for the prom theme. The rest of the class went with something more pop. :)

[@jerryp7721]

What, “ You spin me round and round?”. 😂. Ahhh, the eighties!

[@watkins1robert]

@@jerryp7721 Nope, Against All Odds. There was good music in the 80's, but I couldn't stand most of what my classmates seemed to think was good.

[@steveblakey1723]

So glad you did this song. You do such a wonderful job of explaining all parts of the song/performance. Keep up the great work!

[@oscarcardenas7078]

Very good handling of the guitar in general, this genre of ballads framed in pop rock shows or rather they have very good strings, Geroge Jones is very good at the same time, I congratulate you on your analysis.👌👌👌👌🎸🎸🖒🖒⚘⚘⚘⚘

[@kathleensmith950]

It's ok to cry, thanks

[@Darmesis]

Like, you said, Fil, just a great example of folk/country (especially live) being able to grab a listener. Doesn’t matter if if it’s British, Irish, Canadian, US., etc.modern “traditional” music, it grabs you in and doesn’t let go when the artist knows what their doing. 👍

[@bettyturner8423]

another great analysis as usual !!! i'm liking the no hoodie look.

[@marilynsheffield612]

Congrats on 145,000 subs👏.You should have a million! This is such a beautiful sad song that will last until the end of time. I learn so much from you Professor Fil👏 I love the music that goes along with his singing. Well it's almost 3 am here in Florida and I can't sleep.😴 Btw Fil your looking good in the red T-shirt.😍😘Hope your hand is better. Get some rest, love ya❤

[@emmelle53]

Thanks for this one, Fil. When I was a kid in the 60's, I didn't care much for George Jones, but I changed my mind when Leon Russell came out with his album "Hank Wilson's Back, vol.1." He did several of George's songs on that album, and I thought they were brilliant. I've also come to appreciate George's collaborations with Gene Pitney in the mid-60's, when they made a few 'duo' albums together, with the Jordanaires. Maybe you could analyze one of those sometime.

[@wingsofpegasus]

They're both already out here somewhere!

[@vivian4949]

This song breaks my heart every time I hear it.

[@jbarry1075]

Yes! Thanks for reviewing a GJ tune! He certainly loved singing ballads. This era of GJ is great but his best material is probably his early to mid 60s recordings in my opinion. Those recordings particularly on the United Artists label are some of my absolute favorites. Honestly though he had great songs regardless if it was from 1956 or 2000. He mentions that back then along with Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell was another huge inspiration. Those two were probably his biggest.. Totally makes sense if you think about it. One of my all time favorites!

[@loudonrebel]

I'm glad I got to see him live in Knoxville TN several years back.

[@melanezoe]

Nicely analyzed, Fil. From Texas, I grew up in the 50’s honkey tonks (CW bars/clubs) that my parents ran. As a child I sat on laps of Willie Nelson, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Thompson, Spade Cooley and more. This is an example of the whining sound of Country music that I grew to dislike. I don’t listen to it very often any more.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I’ve definitely heard this song . Very chill , I had to really listen to the words . Good storytelling , sad song for sure .

[@jdustan]

it's incredible how he plays it so slow and sweet, only to be coked outta is gourd. folks, that is true talent. ty, GJ.

[@easyenetwork2023]

Now this song makes me cry almost every time I hear it. Used to I don’t think I understood its deeper meaning.

[@carlprince2866]

This is the first time i have ever seen you do a video without a smile . Just wouldnt be right would it