02/13/2008

Kim books book The Roys and Tommy Butler -
Courtesy of Connect Savannah - February 13, 2008

George Jones
What can one say about The Possum that hasn’t already been said? The golden-throated icon of country music has enjoyed more chart hits than any other country singer in history (almost 150) and is an acknowledged inspiration to and favorite of an incredibly diverse collection of contemporary vocalists and songwriters —many of which he has collaborated with in one form or another—from Elvis Costello to Aaron Neville.

Geprge "Possum" Jones

It’s been said that most anyone who aspires to sing Western pop or roots music on some level wishes they could sing like the man. With decades of hits ranging from the forgotten 1958 classic “Color of the Blues” to the rock and roll leanings of 1964’s “The Race Is On” to 1974’s signature No. 1 smash “The Grand Tour,” Jones, at 76 years of age, is a living, breathing history of C & W. His desultory days of drugs and drink behind him (he earned the moniker “No Show Jones” for a propensity to blow off gigs or sleepwalk through concerts during his roughest periods), he can now be counted on to reliably turn in strong, stable live performances, and expectations are high for this rare local appearance. Brother and sister opening act The Roys are a “15-year overnight sensation” from the Northeast who traded Nashville’s major label game to craft a truly beautiful, old-school country LP called Grandpa’s Barn that’s turning heads and earning airplay. Look for journeyman pedal steel guitarist Tommy Butler (who plays with local honky-tonker Chuck Courtenay during downtime between tours) as part of The Roys’ backing band. Rising independent vocalist Jason Byrd adds support. Reserved seats are $45 - $35 online at Savannah Civic or call 651-6556. Sat., 7:30 pm, Johnny Mercer Theater.

We have dozens of songs being "kept" by major artists such as George Canyon, second place winner "Nashville Star", is keeping FOUR songs, the hit show itself "Nashville Star, and Ricky Skaggs. Gretchen Wilson, Collin Raye, Tracy Byrd, Tammy Cochran, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Rodney Hayden, George Jones, jessica Andrews, Jimmy Wayne, Trace Adkins, Tracy Lawrence, Phil Vassar, John Anderson, Gary Allan, Jerry West, Mark Chesnutt, Lonestar, Trick Pony, Hank Jr, Kentucky Headhunters, Rascal Flatts, Lorrie Morgan, Aaron Tippin, Pam Tillis, Cimarron, Reba, Jo Dee Messina, Chris Cagle, Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Buddy Jewell, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and Jessica Simpson.