My opinion: George Jones is the greatest country singer in history. Justice Thomas is a good judge of Jones’ talent.
He had some help. Read this:
http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_george_jones_stopped/
Billy Sherrill in particular. Sherrill thought “He Stopped Loving Her Today” was an 8 with the potential to be an 11. He certainly worked hard to get it over the line.
We all need help and Jones was lucky to have Sherrill as a producer and lucky to have Nancy as his fourth (and final) wife. The right left hand, indeed.
He’s the best country singer, and one of the best singers of any music THAT EVER LIVED. Hank Williams was a great writer, but as a singer can’t compare to Jones. Neither could Lefty Frizzell who was one of Jones’ idols. Before George Jones it was usually Lefty who was mentioned as the greatest stylist of all time, the one so many country singers tried to emulate, especially Merle Haggard in the early days. With George Jones now called to is heavenly reward the jury is in. He’s the greatest of all time and I doubt their will ever be a greater country singer. He was still belting out the tunes in his early 80s. RIP Mr. George Jones, you were truly the best of the best.