George Jones photo courtesy of Bandit Records
Check in with Lew Jones for the latest on your favorite country legends!
Q: Lew, I have a song that my grandmother used to play. It is called "One Woman Man." Do you know who sings it?
(Teesha, Ellijay, GA)
A: Think Possum, Teesha — as in George Jones. "I'm A One Woman Man" came out just before Christmas in 1988, and got to No. 5 on the charts in early 1989. George is certainly not a one-hit man. This was one of a remarkable 77 Top 10 hits of George's over a nearly six-decade career. And, that includes 13 that got to No. 1. He was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
Q: One of my favorite artists on the Opry was Johnny Russell. I haven't heard about him for some time. What happened to him?
(Edgar, Colorado Springs, CO)
A: Johnny died of diabetes on July 3, 2001, Edgar. One of his biggest achievements was writing "Act Naturally" for Buck Owens and ultimately The Beatles. His own biggest recording was "Rednecks, White Socks And Blue Ribbon Beer," which charted at No. 4 in 1973. Johnny loved his fans. I recall encountering him backstage at the Opry a few years before his death, obviously a very sick man. Ten minutes later I saw him out on the stage, strutting around as if he hadn't a care in the world! He was truly a trouper, and is definitely missed.
Q: Who sang "Prop Me Up Against The Jukebox"?
(Ona, Oklahoma City, OK)
A: It was Joe Diffie, Ona. "Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die)" came out in 1993, and achieved a No. 3 position on the charts. Joe also had five No. 1 songs, including "Home," "If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)," and his biggest, "Pickup Man." Joe was born up the turnpike from you in Tulsa and had at least 37 charted hits over a bit more than a decade.
Q: At one of Hank Thompson's concerts, I realized he sat down while on stage. How is his health? He's one the greatest country singers.
(Breezy, Pelican Lake, WI)
A: Hank turns 82 on the third of this month, Breezy, so if he wants to sit down and sing his songs such as "The Wild Side Of Life," it's okay by me! I spent a bit of time with the Country Music Hall of Famer backstage at a true country honky-tonk back in 2003, and also saw him perform. And although, as you say, he did his songs sitting down, he still was hitting the notes and thrilling the fans (including me.) Hank had some health issues and spent some time in the hospital about a year ago, but as I write this in late August, he is back to performing occasionally.
Q: Why haven't Jim Ed Brown and The Browns been considered for the Country Music Hall Of Fame? His body of work, TV shows, awards shows, and duet work compare favorably with many artists already in the Hall.
(Mike, Milwaukee, WI)
A: I certainly believe it will happen, Mike, and I totally agree with you. Jim Ed is a great Opry host, and his showmanship and terrific voice should guarantee his induction. The Tennessee legislature even got into the act earlier this year, coming out with an unusual resolution urging just that. Unfortunately, it's not binding on the Hall of Fame. My guess is that it's only a matter of time until it happens.
Q: I am trying to find the artist that sings the song, "Keeper Of The Stars" and the name of the CD it is on. The song is very special to me.
(Evelyn, Inverness, FL)
A: It's Tracy Byrd, Evelyn, and it's available on a number of his albums. The latest, best way to get it is on his newly released, Definitive Collection greatest hits package, which has 18 of his big hits, not only including "The Keeper Of The Stars," but also "Holdin' Heaven," and the relatively recent, "The Truth About Men." You should be able to find it locally, or click above to order it.