Honoring a Country Music Hall of Famer
George Jones with his George Jones Tribute Rifle
“If you’re gonna sing a sad song or ballad, you’ve got to have lived it yourself” George Jones once stated, making the connection between his often tumultuous life and his “pure country” music career. With the natural ability to transform his voice into a dramatic instrument with tremendous range and sentiment, George Jones’ lyrics convey sadness and despair as he wrestles the last bit of emotion from his many hit songs. George experienced many highs and lows in his career, but throughout his six decades of singing, he established himself as a true legend in country music.
George Glenn Jones, the eighth and last of the couple’s children, was born in the small town of Saratoga, Texas on September 12, 1931. Out of his impoverished youth came George’s love of music – his mother played piano and the family sang gospel in their church. The magic of the radio introduced young George to his idols: Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Lefty Frizzell, and later, Hank Williams. George’s father bought him his first guitar when he was nine years old, and the course of his life was set. The young barefooted boy who sang and played in the dusty streets of Beaumont, Texas for tips would become one of America’s most beloved country music performers.
In his teens, George worked with local performers, imitating the music of his heroes in local honky-tonks. After a failed marriage and a stint in the Marines, he returned to Texas and honed his skills. The young artist drew the interest of Harold “Pappy” Daily, who signed George to his first contract with his Starday Record Label in 1955. Daily insisted that Jones develop his own style of performing rather than imitating the stars of the era. And what a style it was!
George’s first top ten hit, “Why Baby, Why” was followed by his first number one song, “White Lightning,” in 1959. The next several decades were a blur of hit songs, overindulgence in temptations, and lost love. Timeless hits such as “She Thinks I Still Care” in 1962, and “The Race Is On” in 1964, were followed by his marriage to Tammy Wynette, and the couple teamed up for many successful duets. George played and partied, recording hit after hit as his third marriage crumbled.
In 1980, after a year of delays, Jones released “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” The song turned his career around, and transformed him into a country music superstar. The song was given the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year Award in 1980 and again in 1981, and George was also awarded the CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year that same year, also recognizing his huge hit song. Jones’ humble “Big Thicket” upbringing made him feel unworthy of his fans praise and uneasy accepting industry awards. His reputation for feigning illness to avoid presentations earned him his nickname “Possum.”
However, there were more hits and awards to come. George sang duets with many star vocalists, such as “Yesterday’s Wine” with Merle Haggard and “We Didn’t See A Thing” with Ray Charles. His 1992 hit, “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” featured many of Nashville’s new generation of country singers, proud to record with the man who greatly influenced their own music. His efforts were rewarded with the CMA’s Living Legend Award in 1987 and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992.
George Jones’ remarkable career spanned decades, produced over 150 album releases and dozens of hit singles. This humble man who sang about the pain in his soul witnessed his career come full circle. His marriage in 1983 to Nancy Sepulvado provided him with the love and support he needed to change his life and once again enjoy the music that is George Glenn Jones.
At America Remembers, we take pride in honoring American Heroes and Legends. In honor of his lasting influence on America’s country music and rightful place as a true musical legend, we proudly announce the George Jones Tribute Rifle.
Just as George Jones is a bonafide country music classic, the Winchester is a legendary American firearm. Our special tribute to the “Possum” and his lifetime of musical excellence is a genuine working Model 94 Winchester in caliber .30-30. Only 300 Tribute rifles have been authorized in the edition. Specially decorated for America Remembers by skilled craftsmen we have commissioned for this project, the Model 94 is a classic firearm and reflects the Western influence on country music from the early days through today’s modern era. For over a century, the Model 94 has been a Western standard, “The Rifle That Won The West.”
Beautifully Decorated in 24-Karat Gold & Silver
The rifle’s blued receiver provides an impressive canvas for the George Jones Tribute. Painstakingly decorated in 24-karat gold and silver, the receiver is a perfect complement to the blued 20-inch barrel and the elegant handsome walnut stock.
The receiver’s artwork is the focal point of the tribute. As you gaze at the left side of the receiver, you are greeted by a portrait in gold of George in a classic pose, playing his guitar and outfitted in one of his trademark Western jackets. Delicate silver scrollwork gently flows around his likeness, surrounding a golden record honoring the “Possum’s” all-time biggest hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Many of the awards bestowed upon George Jones flank his portrait, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Living Legend, and Single of the Year. The entire receiver is bordered with the titles of a half-dozen songs made popular by George.
The right side of the receiver is equally magnificent. The intricate silver scrollwork is entwined with gold features, with George’s nickname “Possum” contained within a banner of gold. Also in 24-karat gold is George’s “No Rockin’ Chair” logo and the title of the tribute with a portrait of a smiling George Jones, “The Standard Bearer” of country music, in the center of the scene. Again, several of the titles of George’s hit songs surround the scrollwork on the receiver.
The quality of this tribute is evident in all the details. The classic combination of blueing, 24-karat gold and silver is carried throughout the firearm. The blued steel barrel features the title “The George Jones Tribute” and the rifle’s edition number is in gold.
An Exclusive Limited Edition
Order now, and you can add this handsomely decorated Tribute rifle to your collection. The Tribute will be an on-going reminder of the legendary George Jones. There will never be another like him. I hope you will join us at America Remembers in celebrating the career of a very special American.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “George Jones Tribute” is a working Winchester Model 94 rifle, we will arrange delivery through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve the “George Jones Tribute,” a working Model 94 rifle, at the current issue price of $2,495*. Each rifle is numbered within the edition limit of 300 and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per rifle. I will pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.