Inspiration That Never Fades: George Jones and the Songs He Stirred in Me
I was lucky enough to see George Jones perform three times in my life. Each time felt like standing in the presence of living history — that unmistakable voice, that ache in every syllable, and the way he could take a simple line and turn it into a lifetime of emotion.
I even had the chance to speak with him briefly and get a few records signed. He was incredibly kind — humble, gracious, and genuine. Those moments stuck with me.
Lately, I’ve been realizing just how much his influence still echoes in my own writing. My song My Friends Jack and Jim was inspired after listening once again to Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down. And my song Thought I Had My Forever came after hearing The Cold Hard Truth.
It’s funny how inspiration works — one moment you’re just listening to a tune you’ve known for years, and the next, a flood of lyrics pours out of you before you even know what’s happening.
I’ve written over 460 songs now, across styles from country to psychedelic to folk and beyond. But the heart of George Jones — that raw honesty, that emotional depth — it’s always there in some form.
I never thought I’d write songs that might be good enough for someone like him to record. Maybe that’s not vanity. Maybe it’s just the natural hope of any songwriter who truly believes in what they do.
Here’s to the legends who inspired us — and to the songs that keep finding their way through us.
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Is anyone using AI to generate MIDI or an original score? What was your experience?
I haven’t , but this was in the new this morning..
there has been some push back by art...
Expand commentI haven’t , but this was in the new this morning..
https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/ai-generated-country-song-topping-billboards-country-digital/story?id=127445549
there has been some push back by artists and some in the entertainment industry, but..
Rick puts it in a better perspective as always!!
https://youtu.be/rGremoYVMPc?si=FQzXAINPM12MoLgU