Folks, as a friend so simply said to me, we may have seen 77-year-old George Jones live in concert tonight, but what outweighs that delightful feeling is this: We may have been a part of something greater than that – we may have witnessed history Friday.

“No Show Jones,” as so appropriately named for his ability to get drunk and either not remember the words to his songs, or, what he was best known for, not show up at all, put on a breathtaking performance. However, before we dip into the tumultuous past and shell-shocking performance of Jones, let’s give a little credit where it is due with the guys and gals who put together an amazing tribute to country music icon Conway Twitty.

“Conway Twitty, The Man, The Music, The Legend, The Musical,” graced concertgoers from all over Kentucky, the presence of a musical legend and the story of a past legend even brought out a few northerners. The family show not only told the story of Twitty through his music, but his daughters, Joni and Kathy, were there to recount their memories of their iconic father.

The band played some of Twitty’s most famous hits including “(Lying Here With) Linda On My Mind,” “I’d Love to Lay You Down” and “Hello Darlin.’” But what got the crowd roaring was Twitty’s successful duets with country music singer Loretta Lynn “After the Fire Is Gone,” “Lead Me On” and, lastly, the famous “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man.” While Twitty did have other women in his life, Loretta Lynn was said to have stole his heart being his one and only musical soul mate.

Even though the iconic stars could not perform the songs themselves, the actors chosen to represent the singers did an amazing tribute, which is sure to have Lynn reminiscing about the golden days and Twitty doing an Elvis-like dance from the grave.

Now, for what you folks have been waiting to read, and what concertgoers had been waiting to hear – the legendary George Jones. Despite old age woes, Jones put on a historical show. The best thing about this one, and those who were fans of George Jones back in the day can attest to this, is he actually showed up, sober and in one piece, without a police escort.

“Bless your hearts,” Jones said to the audience; however, it was his heart that needed blessing seeing as each song left him more winded and gasping for air than the previous one. But, despite a little shortness of breath, Jones trudged through to put on an amazing show.

Jones was rather comical throughout the evening, causing random fits of laughter at various points throughout the night. The first laughter battle came when Jones started ranting on about the new tone of country music.

“It is all about new, hot, young country radio. They don’t play none of them good ole drinking songs, cheating songs. If it weren’t for them Lord knows I would be without a job,” Jones said receiving many laughs.

After a few more jokes about how water is the best drink in the world, Jones got back to the music, and that is what he did for the rest of the evening. Jones even went as far as to bust a move during a few songs, as backup singer Brittany Allyn, clad in high heels and a smile, weaved her way around stage throwing up a few moves of her own.

Songs like “Once You’ve Had the Best,” “White Lightening” and “Why, Baby, Why” filled Rupp Arena, while the audience cheered and raised their glasses up to the singer. Despite the simple, non-flashy stage set up, the audience seemed to enjoy the only visual element to the show – a projector screen. But it wasn’t just any screen, Jones’ screen was constantly going through slides featuring words to song, pictures of Jones from back in the day, other country singers like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson, and the crowd pleaser, Jones apparently getting arrested.

Known for his high profile marriage to Tammy Wynette, Jones only has eyes for one woman today, and he sang a special song for his wife, Nancy. With a smile that spread across his whole face, Jones sang for her, and as he wrapped up the song, Nancy made her way on to the stage to give her husband a peck on the check.

With the show coming to an end, Jones had a few more songs up his sleeves, and as the houselights dimmed “He Stopped Loving Her” started playing while members of the audience got out their cell phones, which replaced the usual Zippo lighter, to hold up. To end the evening on a good note, Jones went with one of his greatest hits, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair,” and the crowd immediately went wild, jumping out of their seat before he could even get the first word out.

The man, even at his old age, still lives for being on stage in front of thousands. And while it is safe to say Jones will be around in the country music scene for years to comes, it is still accurate to say we witnessed history Friday because for once, Jones wasn’t a no show.

Guest Blogged by: Kelly Wiley
House Photographer: Wes Allen
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