Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

On June 3, 2025, a bronze statue of George Jones was unveiled outside Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Nancy personally chose a moment from his early sixties—clad in a Nudie suit and cradling his own guitar—to be immortalized in bronze, believing this was the image George “wanted to be remembered by most,” after he’d conquered his addiction and thrown himself wholeheartedly into his music. In the words of his own classic “Same Ole Me,” it’s a tribute to the man who, through every high and low, stayed true to himself.

Introduction

“Same Ole Me” was recorded in April 1981 at Nashville’s Columbia Studio, during sessions for Jones’s Still the Same Ole Me album released in November 1981. At this time, Jones was battling addiction and erratic behavior—missing shows in Jackson, Tennessee and even throwing a bottle through a motel window—but his raw personal struggles fueled his artistry rather than derailed it. In later interviews, Jones reflected that the anguish of his private life seemed to mirror the soaring arc of his career, and nowhere is this “reverse parallel” more vivid than on “Same Ole Me.”

Penned by future hitmaker Paul Overstreet, the song’s lyrics affirm loyalty, self-worth, and the unchanging core of one’s character. Overstreet’s words—“Been around this world and back again, but I’m coming back home to the same old me”—capture the comfort of knowing who you are, even when life knocks you down. The Oak Ridge Boys’ steady harmonies add a reassuring warmth to Jones’s plaintive lead, turning the track into both a personal confession and a communal singalong.

Upon its release, “Same Ole Me” scaled to No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles and claimed the top spot in Canada, later earning a Year-End position of No. 22 on the U.S. country chart for 1982. Its enduring appeal led to a 1989 documentary titled Same Ole Me, cementing the song’s place as a signature moment in Jones’s storied career.

There’s something timeless about a song that admits you’re not perfect—just genuine—and pledges to stay true. In an era of glossier productions, “Same Ole Me” stands out for its unvarnished honesty and Jones’s world-weary delivery. Every time that familiar riff kicks in, it’s a reminder that real connection comes from embracing who you are, scars and all.

Video

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Country Music

George Jones didn’t let a missing car key stop him from a liquor run. Twice. In the late ’60s, his wife hid every set of car keys to keep him from driving drunk. But George spotted his riding lawnmower under the porch light—keys in the ignition—and drove it 8 miles to the liquor store at 5 mph. Years later, married to Tammy Wynette, he pulled the same stunt. She woke at 1 a.m. to find him gone… and found him 10 miles away, mower parked outside a bar. He looked up and said, “Well fellas, here she is now. My little wife. I told you she’d come after me.” The legend lives on: Vince Gill’s “One More Last Chance” nods to the story—“She might have took my car keys, but she forgot about my old John Deere.” And in the video? Vince passes George Jones… riding a lawnmower. You can’t make this stuff up and these are our true country legends!

Country Music

On February 3, 1959, Waylon Jennings narrowly avoided the Beechcraft Bonanza crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson—he’d given up his seat to the ailing Richardson and taken the tour bus instead. Haunted by survivor’s guilt, Jennings later recorded the spoken-word tribute “The Stage (Stars in Heaven)” to honor his fallen friends and the enduring legacy of “The Day the Music Died”

Country Music

Under a canopy of twinkling lights in their Nashville garden, friends gathered to celebrate Nicole Kidman’s 57th birthday. The air smelled of roses and vanilla cake, laughter echoed over soft jazz, and Nicole, glowing in a pearl silk dress, held hands with her daughters. Then Keith Urban quietly took the stage. “This is for you,” he said, strumming his guitar. The crowd hushed as he sang Thank God I’m Yours — a song written just for her. Nicole’s eyes filled with tears. When the last note faded, Keith knelt before her. She whispered, “Best birthday ever.” And the stars seemed to agree.

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Country Music

On June 3, 2025, a bronze statue of George Jones was unveiled outside Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Nancy personally chose a moment from his early sixties—clad in a Nudie suit and cradling his own guitar—to be immortalized in bronze, believing this was the image George “wanted to be remembered by most,” after he’d conquered his addiction and thrown himself wholeheartedly into his music. In the words of his own classic “Same Ole Me,” it’s a tribute to the man who, through every high and low, stayed true to himself.

Country Music

George Jones didn’t let a missing car key stop him from a liquor run. Twice. In the late ’60s, his wife hid every set of car keys to keep him from driving drunk. But George spotted his riding lawnmower under the porch light—keys in the ignition—and drove it 8 miles to the liquor store at 5 mph. Years later, married to Tammy Wynette, he pulled the same stunt. She woke at 1 a.m. to find him gone… and found him 10 miles away, mower parked outside a bar. He looked up and said, “Well fellas, here she is now. My little wife. I told you she’d come after me.” The legend lives on: Vince Gill’s “One More Last Chance” nods to the story—“She might have took my car keys, but she forgot about my old John Deere.” And in the video? Vince passes George Jones… riding a lawnmower. You can’t make this stuff up and these are our true country legends!

Country Music

On February 3, 1959, Waylon Jennings narrowly avoided the Beechcraft Bonanza crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J.P. Richardson—he’d given up his seat to the ailing Richardson and taken the tour bus instead. Haunted by survivor’s guilt, Jennings later recorded the spoken-word tribute “The Stage (Stars in Heaven)” to honor his fallen friends and the enduring legacy of “The Day the Music Died”

Country Music

Under a canopy of twinkling lights in their Nashville garden, friends gathered to celebrate Nicole Kidman’s 57th birthday. The air smelled of roses and vanilla cake, laughter echoed over soft jazz, and Nicole, glowing in a pearl silk dress, held hands with her daughters. Then Keith Urban quietly took the stage. “This is for you,” he said, strumming his guitar. The crowd hushed as he sang Thank God I’m Yours — a song written just for her. Nicole’s eyes filled with tears. When the last note faded, Keith knelt before her. She whispered, “Best birthday ever.” And the stars seemed to agree.