Although country great George Jones celebrated his 80th Birthday last month, he won’t need a rocking chair anytime soon. “The Possum” is keeping busy with 35 shows scheduled to date throughout the U.S. and Canada from now through November 2012. As Jones sings, “I don’t need a rocking chair…I do my rockin’ on the stage, you can’t put this possum in a cage.”

Jones said, “I’m always excited to get back out on the road and we’re working up new shows and new songs. I’m feelin’ great and givin’ the road hell!”
George Jones, often referred to as the “the greatest living country singer,” first hit the charts in 1955 with his hit “Why Baby Why” and has since garnered over 140 more while touring extensively. Fans can see the star perform hits such as “White Lightning,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” ”Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” throughout North America on initial tour dates listed below.

2011
Oct. 28 – Elkhart, IN – Lerner PAC
Oct. 29 – Waukegan, IL – Waukegan, IL
Oct. 30 – Green Bay, WI – Oneida Casino
Nov. 18 – Beckley, WV – Convention Center
Nov. 25 – Ft. Smith, AR – Convention Center
Nov. 26 – Texarkana, TX – Perot Theater
Dec. 2 – Grand Berry, TX – Rio Brazos Live
Dec. 3 – Fulton, MS – Community College
Dec. 17– Tulsa, OK – Osage Casino

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On Monday, October 3rd, George Jones was honored at a tribute hosted by Louisiana personalities Hollywood Hal & Rhinestone Al. The event raised over $90,000 for The Miracle League of Cypress Mounds, a non-profit organization that helps children with mental and physical disabilities achieve their dreams and play baseball on a specially designed field.

It was a night to remember when children’s TV show characters, Hollywood Hal & Rhinestone Al, honored country music legend, George Jones. Hal & Al, formed by Scott Innes (radio host and voice of Scooby Doo and Shaggy) and Jim Hogg (longtime singer-songwriter,) organized the event and invited many of their fellow VIP guests to attend. The audience included notables such as Marty Raybon (former lead singer of Shenandoah,) Richie McDonald (former lead singer of Lonestar,) Marty Roe (lead singer for Diamond Rio,) Mike Reno (lead singer for Loverboy,) and Jimi Johnson (former lead singer of Survivor.) Mr. Jones also received a special video message from Ronnie Dunn. As Mr. Jones took the stage, he received a standing ovation from the crowd in addition to a 3-D birthday cake in recognition of his 80th Birthday.
One of the highlights of the evening came when Mike Shepherd, Chairman of The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, inducted Jones into The Hall of Fame. Mayor of Baton Rouge, Kip Holden, followed up by giving Jones a key to their city and a special signed document in his honor from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal.
The George Jones Live Auction was a huge hit. A signed Jones guitar went for $17,000, an LSU jersey also signed by Jones with his name on the back went for $4,500, and a custom Jones rocking chair sold for $5,000. Last year the event raised $60,000 and this year it is said to have made over $90,000. The Miracle League of Cypress Mounds is planning on purchasing bleachers, dugouts, and a scoreboard with the proceeds.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

George Jones recorded the theme song for the upcoming episode of Squidbillies premiering, Sunday, October 2nd at 11:45 p.m. (ET, PT) on Adult Swim. Watch behind-the-scenes footage of George Jones singing the track with a live band in the Blackbird studio in Nashville, Tenn. George Jones is joined by Hargus “Pig” Robbins who plays the piano on the track who notably played piano on Jones’ first number 1 hit from 1957, White Lightning.

Squidbillies creators, Dave Willis (Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1) and Jim Fortier (The Brak Show) wrote the track and are thrilled to have George Jones record the theme for Squidbillies.

Willis has been a fan of Jones for a long time stating, “I grew up with his music playing in my parents’ car. I’ve been trying to get him to do the show for five years. This was my dream.” Willis said George Jones was a pleasure to work with and after the session Willis, “…bought snakeskin boots and a plate of barbecue to celebrate.”

The theme has two parts. Part one is inspired by Jones’ early music, specifically the track White Lightning. The second part breaks down into a slower song more reminiscent of Jones’ hits from the late seventies and early eighties with a lyrical nod to He Stopped Loving Her Today.

Squidbillies, the hilarious original animated series takes viewers into the surreal world of backwoods Appalachian squids. Season five promises more of what fans have come to love: big trucks, shotguns, hot ladies, funny hats and lots of good-old down-home all-American pride in the U.S. of A. Squidbillies premieres Sunday nights at 11:45 p.m. (ET, PT) on Adult Swim.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com