# George Jones

> American country musician (1931–2013)

**Wikidata**: [Q508202](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q508202)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Jones)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/george-jones

## Summary
George Jones was an American country musician (1931–2013) known for his influential career as a songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in country music.

## Biography
- Born: September 12, 1931, in Searcy, Arkansas, United States
- Nationality: American
- Known for: Pioneering country music as a songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist
- Employer(s): Mercury Records, United Artists Records, Epic Records, Universal Music Group Nashville, Asylum Records
- Field(s): Country music, songwriting, guitar playing, recording

## Contributions
- Wrote and composed numerous country music classics, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980), which became a signature song.
- Released over 100 albums throughout his career, contributing to the evolution of country music.
- Signed with major record labels such as Mercury Records, United Artists Records, and Epic Records, expanding his reach in the music industry.
- Collaborated with Universal Music Group Nashville and Asylum Records, further solidifying his influence in the country music genre.

## FAQs
**What was George Jones' primary contribution to country music?**
George Jones was a pivotal songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist who wrote and composed iconic country songs, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980), and released over 100 albums, shaping the genre's evolution.

**Which record labels did George Jones work with?**
George Jones was signed to major record labels including Mercury Records, United Artists Records, Epic Records, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Asylum Records, which helped establish his career and expand his influence in country music.

**What awards did George Jones receive?**
George Jones was honored with the National Medal of Arts and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to country music and his enduring impact on the genre.

## Why They Matter
George Jones mattered as a foundational figure in country music, whose songwriting and guitar playing defined the genre for decades. His collaborations with major record labels and his extensive discography helped shape the evolution of country music. His awards and recognition solidified his legacy as a pioneer in the industry, influencing countless artists and preserving his place in music history.

## Notable For
- Pioneering country music as a songwriter and guitarist
- Writing and composing iconic songs such as "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980)
- Releasing over 100 albums throughout his career
- Signing with major record labels including Mercury Records, United Artists Records, and Epic Records
- Receiving prestigious awards such as the National Medal of Arts and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Collaborating with Universal Music Group Nashville and Asylum Records, further expanding his influence in country music

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
George Jones was born on September 12, 1931, in Searcy, Arkansas, United States. He began his musical career in the 1950s, initially performing in local venues and honing his skills as a songwriter and guitarist. His early performances laid the groundwork for his future success in the country music industry.

### Rise to Fame and Songwriting
George Jones gained recognition as a songwriter and recording artist, writing and composing numerous country music classics. His song "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (1980) became a signature piece, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally resonant and enduring country tunes. His songwriting contributions helped define the genre and solidify his reputation as a key figure in country music.

### Record Label Collaborations
George Jones signed with major record labels including Mercury Records, United Artists Records, and Epic Records, which expanded his reach and established his career in the music industry. These collaborations allowed him to release over 100 albums, contributing to the evolution of country music and reaching a wide audience.

### Awards and Recognition
George Jones was honored with prestigious awards such as the National Medal of Arts and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to country music and his enduring impact on the genre. These accolades cemented his legacy as a pioneer in the industry.

### Influence on Country Music
George Jones' influence on country music extended beyond his songwriting and recordings. His collaborations with Universal Music Group Nashville and Asylum Records further solidified his influence in the genre, shaping the evolution of country music for decades. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of country musicians and fans alike.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Find a Grave
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
10. GeneaStar
11. ["Country music star George Jones dies"](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/27/arts/music/george-jones-country-singer-dies-at-81.html?ref=obituaries&_r=0)
12. Jones, George Glenn (12 September 1931–26 April 2013)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb13895721x)
15. BBC Things
16. BMI Repertoire
17. ISWC Network
18. Google Knowledge Graph
19. The Movie Database