The Grand Tour LP - Large Print by Rich Kienzle (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In the vein of the classic Johnny Cash: The Life, this groundbreaking work explores the wild life and extraordinary musical career of "the definitive country singer of the last half century" (New York Times), who influenced, among others, Bob Dylan, Buck Owens, Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty, George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Garth Brooks.

In a masterful biography laden with new revelations, veteran country music journalist/historian Rich Kienzle offers a definitive, full-bodied portrait of legendary country singer George Jones and the music that remains his legacy. Kienzle meticulously sifted through archival material, government records, recollections by colleagues and admirers, interviewing many involved in Jones's life and career. The result: an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted, tragically tormented icon called "the Keith Richards of country."

Kienzle chronicles Jones's impoverished East Texas childhood as the youngest son of a deeply religious mother and alcoholic, often-abusive father. He examines his three troubled marriages including his union with superstar Tammy Wynette and looks unsparingly at Jones's demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Jones's remarkable musical journey from singing in violent Texas honky tonks to Grand Ole Opry star, hitmaker and master vocalist whose raw, emotionally powerful delivery remains the Gold Standard for country singers.

The George Jones of this heartfelt biography lived hard before finding contentment until he died at eighty-one--a story filled with whiskey, women and drugs but always the saving grace of music.

Illustrated with eight pages of photos.

From the Back Cover

George Jones has been called the greatest country singer of all time. His story is woven out of the greatest and richest American fabric--born poor in East Texas to a God-fearing mother and booze-loving father, one of eight children. When he ran away from home at sixteen to sing and play on the radio, it was music and music alone that drove him.

His voice--raw, emotive, and passionate--coupled with deeply emotional, visceral songs, made him a star and a legend. But as his career ascended to the highest heights, Jones wrestled with his demons. Drugs, drink, divorce, and a list of tabloid-worthy antics threatened to overshadow his musical success.

In this definitive biography, country music critic and historian Rich Kienzle paints a rich portrait of a modest man who created a lasting legacy with his unforgettable voice.

Review Quotes

"This unflinching new biography explains the significance of Jones' music while vividly capturing his wild and wooly life." - Wall Street Journal
"Refreshingly written." - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Rich Kienzle's comprehensive bio of George Jones is a great read and a dispassionate chronicle of his drive-in movie of a life." - Vintage Guitar Review
Kienzle conducts a dazzling, somber, but always candid tour of the legendary life and award-winning music of George Jones...a cracking good story of the singer...This moving biography keeps Jones's voice alive and underscores his central role in American music history. - Publishers Weekly
"Kienzle conducts a dazzling, somber, often sad, but always candid tour of the legendary life and award-winning music of George Jones. Kienzle delivers a cracking good story...Kienzle weaves stories about Jones's songs with stories of Jones's life, creating a richly colorful tapestry. This moving biography keeps Jones's voice alive and underscores his central role in American music history." - Publishers Weekly
"[The Grand Tour] is perhaps the most honest portrayal of one of music's most controversial figures." - Library Journal
"The Grand Tour...doesn't shy away from shining light into the dark corners or giving the highlights of the late George Jones' life a close, critical look." - Winnipeg Free Press