.....but great memories and his music will be around forever.

I have several great memories of George.  The picture below was taken in the early 80's behind the Greenville Memorial Auditorium before one of George's shows.  Some think it might have been snapped before a show at the Greenwood Civic Center.  Either way, those were fun times.

I remember during George's "no show" days that he bailed out at the last minute on a concert at the Greenville Memorial Auditorium.  I was standing in the lobby of the Auditorium and a very angry man backed me up against one of the pillars claiming that we knew all along that George wasn't going to be there.  It was at that point that I realized how passionate George's fans were about him and his music.  The late Vern Gosdin filled in that night and if you know your Country music, he could sing a pretty fair tune.

George was also part of the 2nd Annual WESC Family Reunion in 1985 at Big Oaks Music Park in Mauldin along with The Bellamy Brothers, Johnny Lee, Leon Everette, Gene Watson, and Kathy Mattea.  In addition to George headlining the show, it was the same day Leon Everette accidentally threw Bob Hooper off the stage and broke his foot, strong storms including tornados were touching down all around, and tour buses and fans were stuck in the mud at the end of the day.  Needless to say the following shows were held at the Greenville Braves Stadium.

A couple of years ago, I went to see George in Spartanburg.  I was still impressed how energetic and enthusiastic he was performing for his loyal fans.  I believe it's only fitting that George left us doing what he enjoyed doing most.  We should all be so lucky.

Feel free to comment or post your favorite memories below.

From the Associated Press......

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Country singer Billy Currington has been indicted in Georgia on charges that he threatened bodily harm to a man over the age of 65.
A Chatham County grand jury indicted Currington on Wednesday on charges of making terroristic threats and abuse of an elderly person. The indictment says only that Currington threatened "to cause bodily harm" to a man named Charles Harvey Ferrell on April 15.
District Attorney Meg Heap spokesman Daniel Baxter says a warrant was being issued for Currington's arrest.
A representative for Currington did not immediately return a phone message. It was not known if he had hired an attorney.

Danica Patrick was not a happy camper after Sunday's race in Kansas.  She was very vocal over the in car radio toward David Gilliland saying, "He tries to take me out every time. Tell his spotter that I'm coming after him if he does it again. In fact, I might just do it right now."  Gilliland's response after the race to what Patrick said was four words....."Shut up and race."  Gilliland finished 23rd and Patrick 25th.

We need more of this.

.....but only from her role singing the opening to Sunday Night Football.  She tweeted earlier today that it was a difficult decision and "kinda emotional," but it was time for someone else to "rock the open."  Here's what we'll be missing.....and for the men......REALLY MISSING!

I've read a number of Facebook posts and Tweets today from people who are Country music fans and did not feel like last night's ACM Awards Show was "Country enough."

Having been with WESC over 30 years, I've seen a few changes.  When I came to WESC in 1979, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and Kenny Rogers were the Superstars of Country music.  There was no Alabama, no George Strait, and certainly no Garth Brooks.

The Urban Cowboy phase came along and brought a "new sound" to Country.  Kenny Rogers started recording crossover hits that were anything but "Country" in the early 80's.  George Jones gave us "He Stopped Loving Her Today," but pretty much after that there were a series of novelty songs like "High Tech Redneck," and "No Show Jones."  This in NO WAY diminished the previous work of any Country artist at that time.  Their fans were their fans. 

Fast forward to today.  I am 30 years older.  I still love George Jones, Tammy, Willie, Waylon, Merle and the list goes on.  From the 80's, I love Barbara and Eddie.  Then there was Randy Travis...then Garth.....then Shania...mix in Tim and Faith....and the list goes on and on.

My point is that Country music is always changing.  There are artists that will always try to push the boundries of what Country music fans will like.  Remember Rockin' Sidney with "Don't Mess With My Toot Toot?"  Silly, but people loved it.

With advanced technology, people younger than me have access to all kinds of music.  To them, it's just music....not categorized in any way.  Sure, it was a "Country" Awards show, but who didn't enjoy a song from Stevie Wonder we all grew up to.  Country music will always evolve and change.  The classics like a George Jones song will always be around for you and me.  For others, it may be George Strait.....and then Kenny Chesney...and then Blake....and then.......   Well, if you can predict the future, I want to know you so you can pick my Lottery numbers.

There is something about George Strait coming to town on his last "official" tour that got me to thinking about all the concerts I had been to over the years.

Here's one of the worst I was a part of.

Someone who thought they were smarter than you and me put Marie Osmond and Hank Williams Jr. together on tour.  It was the "Leather And Lace Tour."  Back in the 80's when Hank was truly in his prime, and Marie had started a Country career with a certain level of success...the "idea" was to have Marie open the show for Hank.  Worst idea EVER!!

Knowing Hank Jr.'s rowdy fun loving crowd, the Promoter also decided to make the floor of the auditorium General Admission and a low dough ticket.

Night of the show, the lights dim.....I walk out on stage to introduce Marie Osmond.  Before I could get to the microphone, the auditorium is chanting...."We Want Hank!"  I am confident no one heard what I said, but that's OK.  It was my worst concert experience ever.  Both Hank and Marie have continued great lives....and here we are in 2013!