Story Behind the Song: 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'

[@rhondamadgirl]

Saddest song ever. Beautiful. It always makes me cry.

[@anniegillespie7935]

He's being way too modest about this song. I was radio personality in the 70s and 80s and in my opinion this is the best country song ever recorded. It makes me cry every time I listen to it.💙

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Yes!

[@marvingoodman7381]

One of the most haunting songs ever written, a classic as soon as it was recorded... A story that so many can relate to, just stops you in your tracks...

[@cedricharris46]

GtjlJm ungnjfAftuylkmksfkxmxclxmlzlzzltjdg F

[@kellysmith3628]

You can relate to it their is that one you let get away.And you never stop thinking about.

[@tarp11z]

This song speaks of the depth and damage that love can be for a person, healthy or not... pathetic or not. It goes right to the heart of the human condition. God bless everyone involved in it.

[@robinluich6626]

This song was the story of the love my mother had for my father who left her 30 years before she died. Mom lit up whenever he was around. Two weeks before she died, she said"What I wouldn't give for me and your dad to be together again,and you kids to be little.

[@MotleyDawg034]

Well said!

[@rajamendez5357]

This guy is so humble and seemly nice. No wonder he wrote the greatest song of all time!

[@bltefft]

I can't think of another song that sends chills through me like this one does, once I realized that the guy stopped had loving her because he had died, it blow me away.

[@williamhutcheson6511]

Arguably the best country song by the best country singer-----ever.

[@78ramcharger53]

There is no arguably, it's just cut and dry the best country song ever by the best country singer ever.

[@chewy2804]

Pure country. It’s just purrfect

[@deniseballew6365]

The greatest love song ever written or sung.

[@wadeshull8227]

Songs are written by usually a genius...but it takes a special singer for each song to bring it alive....George brought this song alive and the fact he was going thru that whole song himself had more meaning

[@crystalregan2481]

I cried the first time I heard George Jones sing that song just amazing

[@veronicaguerrero6975]

THE BEST SONG EVER WRITTEN~MANY OF US CAN RELATE TO THIS STORY....A LOVE THAT NEVER ENDS.~THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE. LOVE IT IRENE~ BOBBY BURDDOCK, THE BEST OF THE BEST!

[@Hamigal]

Absolutely the greatest country song EVER

[@chewy2804]

Can’t argue that one

[@edmundpotrzeba6094]

I haven’t stopped loving him since he wrote that song ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you.

[@bigsid2453]

I never thought about country music. I liked R&B but I was trapped in a car ride to a sales convention. Fell in love with it first time I heard it. Still in my all time top 5

[@gabriellucero9319]

Bobby came to town as a keyboard player from Florida, became a band member for Marty Robbins (Chief), and then became one of the greatest songwriter's in the world ..

[@mrs.z4370]

This song makes me cry everytime. I think of my dad, he passed 2yrs ago and loved my mom till the end they were divorced for 25 yrs she remarried had didn't and he always would ask me is she still married. I think he thought maybe she would come back like the song also he would say I really messed that up

[@margarethenderson8882]

God Bless.

[@williamhutcheson6511]

Love the story about when the writers first played it for Jones. George listened and said "That thing'll never sell, it's too damned sad." Years later after it became the monster hit of his career he said "Boy, was I wrong."

[@margarethenderson8882]

God Bless you for that Song. Heart Felt.

[@hearlf]

Even when you hear the story of the origin of the song lyrics.... and you hear it again and again... my response is still just "wow"... It's one of those songs that certainly has a life of it's own...

[@letsfly7562]

When Country was country not pop rap country

[@biltom]

rap is not music in any category.....rap is pure mo talent noise for the no taste public

[@travisrobinson7922]

It embodies nearly all that a Country song should be. In my opinion it is truly the best of its genre and better than the best Pop and Rock have to offer...

[@maryplaidy6814]

@@travisrobinson7922 And the only other singer that can do justice to it other than George Jones is Alan Jackson.

[@dalton7145]

Lord how I despise it too! Real country music will never die though, someone, at some point will step out of the woods and bring it back.

[@williamhutcheson6511]

Far too much of what now passes for "country" is not even good rock, or rap.

[@elizabethG633]

I still break down when I hear that song, He Stopped Loving Her Today, and Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes.

[@cynthiatrotti4210]

I have so much respect for the songwriters!!

[@tedholiday3511]

For " ME ", the greatest Country song of all time ! No disrespect to anyone else..........

[@virginia7191]

Totally agree with you!

[@liberalslayer9021]

And if they do feel disrespected, they are in the wrong business. Nothing comes close to this song.

[@atfourothirtythree]

@@liberalslayer9021 That is because the song has such a strong affect on the listener. Bobby and Curly composed it but George Jones elevated it even farther with the help of Billy Sherrill. The only song that remotely comes close to this is Hank W Sr's I'm So Lonesome I could cry, recorded 30 years earlier.. maybe the sound quality wasn't as good but to this day it is something the listener can relate to. Both are immortal songs for sure.

[@robertryan2542]

A classic. Beautiful.

[@jdbme247]

This song reminds me of my parents. Today (2-12) is the anniversary of my Mama's death, and I just sat here listening and crying. I miss them both so much!

[@rustyaxelrod]

Every once in a while everything comes together. Great song, outstanding performance and interesting back story along with good promotion can really capture the public’s imagination.

[@madamx269]

When my husband told that was his favorite song, I thought “Wow, thanks a lot” because I had never heard the song. When I did hear it for the first time I got so teary eyed to think he felt that way about me.

[@PC-dc1kv]

madamx269 Maybe he just liked it because it’s a good song. Nothing personal.

[@madamx269]

Well, being we’re still married for 48 years I know what I’m talking about

[@madamx269]

P C P.S. His ring tone for me is “Ain’t No Sunshine When’s She’s Gone”

[@PC-dc1kv]

madamx269 That’s wonderful that you two have been together all this time. Congratulations, you’ve accomplished something not many people are able to do. My hat is off to you both. 👍🏼

[@mrkennycook]

Yes madamx269 heck yeah I am 100% behind you very happy for you that’s a beautiful song and I’m sure you’re very beautiful woman and I mean that in a very respectful way I’m sure your husband is very beautiful man in A Godly way If anyone wants to take your glory I suggest you pray for them

[@kellycranford3592]

This is the only song by GJ that I LOVE!! It's so sad and haunting and I always thought it was about him and Tammy because he sang it with such emotion.

[@constancedementhopkins1430]

This song reminds me of my Daddy because he never remarried after he and my mother split in 1962 he was murdered in 1994 and he loved her till that day.

[@conitorres9774]

Constance Dement Hopkins sorry for your loss. May he RIP

[@conitorres9774]

@Bobby Klein I do love country music.

[@conitorres9774]

@Bobby Klein Golden Ring is one of my many favorites from him.

[@jppalm3944]

Song writers are underappreciated

[@melliott333]

Like poets......but, well, they ARE poets.

[@grannyfranny9066]

I’ve always loved this song!!

[@JJ-qz5gv]

The idiots here bashing this artist and his rendition of this masterpiece....you are witnessing the song as it was in its infancy, at birth. From there, it went through a refinement like metal through an intense fire. The end result, a precious jewel. Ye are blind that don't/can't appreciate this process that we all go through.

[@eightapeach2861]

It would really be nice if they would have turned Bobby’s mic on

[@jonathanheussi1189]

eighta peach : YUP

[@courtenayoeltjen]

Yeah that would be a lot less static on it

[@haveagreatday2823]

You can be sure, Sir, if I hear a song that affects me the way 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' did, I will find out who wrote the lyrics and the music. If it weren't for incredible writers such as yourself, we would have no songs. My great respect goes to the writers...and then finding the right person to perform the song is a major issue!! George Jones was certainly the right singer for this incredible song!! Thank you!!

[@MsHelen1950]

My son loved a young lady for several yrs. He was murdered in his house This song is so true. He stopped loving her July 19,2009

[@ELDELD]

My Grandfather had this song played at his son’s funeral. (My uncle). He was 28 years old and killed in a car accident. A few years prior, my uncle fathered his only child out of wedlock. I remember when I heard this, I thought all the negative thoughts that go through your mind when you hear that a young, unmarried couple is expecting a baby. But to my surprise, HE WAS A WONDERFUL FATHER! He loved his child so much, and wanted to marry the mother. But, as the story goes in my family, the mother toyed with him and would never marry him. (I was young and away at college at the time of his death, so I’m telling this as accurately as I can.) But as I recall, when the song was played at his funeral, the mother of his child, got up and left. I’ve always admired my Grandfather for playing this song at my uncle’s funeral. My Grandfather too has now passed on, and I really hope they were reunited in Heaven.

[@terrimanuri7944]

Best song ever made for George,I’m telling you this song a lot of us can truly relate to,my husband actually died and in my grief l heard this song and felt it was written for Me!But that’s how a Great song resinates to the people out here!🌹

[@rene32dk]

I love that song

[@chiefcrow47]

I’ve said this so many times that “ This is the saddest sound I’ve ever heard”. Truly brings tears to my eyes ever time I hear it. Actually downloaded the lyrics to make sure I didn’t misinterprete any word. 😿

[@eckyboy9395]

Great song But you should listen to whiskey lullaby David Lyrics are sad in that song too!

[@m.c.master4622]

Although I think George's performance on this is unmatched, another song that gets me EVERY time is Alison Krauss' cover of "There's A Ghost in this House." kzbin.info/www/bejne/moi1eI2Xfcdrrqc

[@ericfeldkamp3788]

The Greatest Country Song of All Time.

[@theveteran765]

George didn't want to do the song because he thought it was to mobid! 🇺🇸

[@have-a-wonderful-day]

Ohh. But he did. Now I know who truely wrote the song

[@veronicaguerrero6975]

NO THAT WAS NOT MORBID....LOVE AND DEATH...WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT. A LOVE THAT NEVER ENDS AND GOES RIGHT TO HEAVEN WITH YOU. AMEN IRENE

[@mikegreene8461]

This is how an interview should be done. Ask a question and then shut the hell up...perfect!

[@marvinabigby5509]

My sister loved this song.She passed away. They played this at her funeral.Her husband did not come to her fun dr al her ex husband was on the front row crying his eyes out.zhe has since passed I know they. Are together.

[@1SaltyGirl]

Marvin Bigby - Wow! What a love story. Maybe needs to be written down.

[@1SaltyGirl]

@Bobby Klein Of whom?

[@1SaltyGirl]

@Bobby Klein Very much so. Got to see him on his last tour. He was great. Country music isn't what I grew up on.

[@1SaltyGirl]

@Bobby Klein Sorry. I meant to say country music is what I grew up on. Blue grass and gospel. Sure I'd love to converse. How?

[@1SaltyGirl]

@Bobby Klein I Saw the Light! I'm sure you remember it and who sang it???

[@kathylewis6177]

I never been in love since breaking up with Robert. I left him with my heart and has never been able to get it back. Over fifty (50) years later he still has my heart and doesn't know it. Just can't seem to get over him. Could it be I am just in love with the memories of him? Anyway, it still hurts, as if I broke up with him yesterday.

[@susanrjecker9208]

Even though he's been gone for 20 years, I can't listen to this song, because it reminds me of how my father felt about my mother

[@peggycook9478]

It reminds me of my mothers feelings. Dad asked for a divorce on Tuesday,we found her on Wednesday 😢

[@bargreiner]

Love this

[@garyolsen3409]

I heard this thing years ago, It was a list of the 5 most influential country songs ever written. I wish I could remember the people that put it out, I think it was a songwriter organization, but #2 on the list was, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and #1 was "She Thinks I Still Care." I think Possum had a lot to do with that.

[@chrishickman]

What is up with the mic levels on these videos? I just watched another one with bad mic levels from these guys. You'd think people so involved in recording would know how to mic interviews.

[@judithbishop993]

There are people that live their life..... their whole life... that have never hear this song, as if this was written about them.

[@bigglilwayne7050]

The best died young.... #HankAndKeith

[@walterbriggs272]

All I can say is Thanks for writing, by the way, I do have stuff i’ld like someone to look over

[@foreverlv311]

Merle haggards version brings me to tears too...this song is undoubtedly the best heartbreak song ever written, god it's tough to listen to.

[@larrysmith1568]

I am always curious and mostly amazed at who writes songs. They come first. It is funny that a lot of classics were written in less than 15 minutes. The inspiration just falls out of the writer onto the page. Granted, a performer can make a good song great and a great song good. The performer has to feel the words and the emotion.

[@7550375503]

Bobby was great long before 'He Stopped Loving Her Today'.

[@tommywestmoreland6113]

my favorite country song....

[@countryboywilliams6755]

I ALWAYS WANT TO KNOW WHO WROTE THE SONG...THAT`s THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL

[@m.c.master4622]

Good for you!! Me too! I will look long and hard for the writer. Sometimes, wonderfully surprised. I can mention two times that come to mind: Rodney Crowell wrote "California Earthquake" which I really loved by the Seldom Scene and "Atlantic City" by The Band was written by Bruce Springsteen. Wonderfully, heart-warming surprises and really makes me appreciate songwriters. After ALL, they are the soul of music!!! We would not have it without them.

[@tonylove4800]

It's not a happy song but I love crying every time I hear it.

[@sharonmashatt4869]

It’s the crying steel guitar that really makes that song.

[@randallfrompolk1]

What an awesome song. It was funny when I read in George's book "I Lived To Tell It All" where he said about the song "there ain't nobody gonna buy that morbid SOB" lol. Turned out ole Possum was wrong. And I'm proud to say I'm a Bloodhound and Auburndale Florida sure is proud of Bobby Braddock.🎶🎹🎶

[@DigitalPraise7]

The saddest song...ever...written. No doubt.

[@fuqjack5726]

Try little rosa by red sovine

[@אשרטומפסון-ס4צ]

I can't agree about that. It's a song about eternal love. In my eyes, the saddest song ever is "Sam Stone" as there is no redemption.

[@brynw8676]

This very talented country gentle man probably has more cash in his wallet than you will ever see in your checking account. In the south the true thinkers are not into flashy cars , they prefer vintage pick up trucks.

[@KANSASIOUX]

I always interpreted this song that the man finally moved on and left, and that is was his love that died.

[@markdavid4897]

I looked at the meaning of the song that his wife died years earlier, and he could not stop loving her even though she was gone. He finally stopped loving her when he died.

[@MaxTooney]

Always wondered if there wasn't a first verse to this song that was eventually omitted (explaining the "abrupt" start of the lyrics?) And yes, if you aren't this "person", you probably know someone who was -- explaining the popularity of the song.

[@hensonlaura]

He looks pretty damn young for born in 1940.

[@FizzVizard]

I'm assuming this is an old video, probably from the 80"s early 90's

[@squashhead1374]

No he was talking about recent songs at the beginning.

[@robertbenedict4668]

Was a good one still like it...

[@rogeralsop3479]

It's a great song.

[@blackbartthepoet3820]

I see a lot of people saying they miss when country was like this. If you miss true country music I recommend Charley Crockett. I can’t recommend him strong enough

[@jayscraggs1012]

I think for most people it's being able to find a classic country sound , cause with just a little digging you can find countless artists and bands , it's this deluded crap thats gets played on the radio that's ruining genuine country culture , where people don't know what country even is anynore , it's got so watered down some guy likes one Luke Bryan song and thinks he's country now . Idk hard to explain in words I guess

[@gloriamartinez8960]

The reverse is true also "She Stopped Loving Him Today"

[@RichardWarmus-h6r]

Reminds me of my folks

[@kevinsmith559]

I thought I was looking at Brian Wilson and James Taylor.

[@madeinmississippi662]

😆

[@gabemccarty8128]

What dirt road anthem was wrote by Brantley's Gilbert and colt ford

[@matthewdebord4492]

He didn't Wright it. He just mentioned it.

[@billstubbs8644]

WHO IS THE ORIGINATOR OF THE HOOK " HE STOPPED LOVIN HER TODAY " i WANT THE TRUTH ... BiLL STUBBS ...

[@MosquitoCreek-gv4go]

Weird how the audio is perfect for the host but horrific for Bobby. Very difficult to hear unfortunately.

[@nancycordero8566]

my Dad died in 98, divorced my Momma in 1969. He always loved her, Never re-married. and this song is soo true. He never stopped loving her even on his deathbed. my name or my Sisters wasn't said, he said my Mommas name .

[@memcheck015]

what happened to the sound on this video

[@dufus2273]

no sound man

[@bwf1046]

SHUT UP FRANK U FUCKTARD

[@taylorarmour340]

That's not what George Jones said George Jones said it was written by a woman I have the tape

[@harvestkeller8636]

How do you mess up the audio so bad on your guest? You give him the biggest lead in, the greatest song writer of all time yet you can’t even get clear signal on two mics. Lol. Just made me laugh. Good interview.

[@mdmejia67]

I'm not a huge fan of legendary songs being covered but I would love to have heard Keith Whitley cover He Stopped Loving Her.

[@pauldoherty8963]

Leann rimes does a fantastic cover of this.

[@billstubbs8644]

WHO REALLY WROTE " HE STOPPED LOVIN HER TODAY " ? ... BiLL STUBBS ...

[@kellysmith3628]

George was the perfect choice to record this song,the crazy thing is George didn't like it but he recorded it and the rest is history.

[@earlchesnut9017]

Love to see Robbie Dunn cut this song

[@billstubbs8644]

WATCH THE BODY LANGUAGE ... BiLL STUBBS ...

[@jensplannersandjesus]

I like his singing better.

[@mudball47]

Can't you guys work a couple of microphones? Sound sucks.

[@ash7700]

You couldn't get a mic check before you recorded this? Absolute ly terrible audio . . . .

[@steveanderson3088]

You are rude. Put your best up here and let us tear you down. Jackass.

[@wjohanw]

He's not wrong though.

[@intelligentdesign1039]

Holy noise batman

[@angelabarrineau640]

Don’t give a crap that anyone loves George Jones . He beat Tammy wynette. He chased her with a gun once . I Hate George Jones ! Can’t forget that . If you don’t like it , then scroll past , I’m just sayin 👹👿😡

[@artmcpharlin6730]

Don't vote for Gretchen

[@letsfly7562]

Please oh please just write songs and never sing again. Thank you

[@gleasonsimpson3310]

Me please oh please let every negative thing you do come back to you 10 fold.

[@ohwhatelse]

Sorry & with all due respect, I just can't & never could see how this got to be Song of the Century! Hear it a few times & I'm done, whereas some other songs-Sweet Caroline... I can hear many times over the yrs & decades but, I don't mind hearing it again. Granted, George Jones was a very emotional singer & if HE hadn't been the one who recorded it I can't see how it would have been such a hit. But, still, NOT of the Century!

[@jessiejames6540]

ohwhatelse, Music is personal to many people. I think that’s why many say this is the song of the century. It had more to do with George Jones delivery and his divorce from Tammy Wynette. Just my humble observation.

[@m.c.master4622]

See comment above to George Swift.

[@m.c.master4622]

@George Swift I don't think it is "OK" given this context. Are you really talking about anything that Neil Diamond recorded? ohwhatelse?

[@lightmarker3146]

You have to love someone with all your heart to understand this song .

[@stevequinn9617]

Damn. I was all for watching until he started singing