This was a poster redone. In 1980, George Jones dominated country music. The sheer mass of his talent had propelled him from the Orange Triangle in the ‘50s in an almost perfect arc to the top at this decade’s start. As happens quite often, the environment of live entertaining – in the wake of vast success - is often informed with torque and pressure, as well as the natural inclination to mitigate those effects -- as well as the means to do so. Antone’s had booked him earlier in the year, but George did not make it. “No-show Jones” was a moniker he wore sometimes in those days, and which in this case was true. However, he re-booked almost immediately and I set about changing the date on the artwork. This was among the first of the country greats that Clifford Antone booked, and as a longtime fan I was appreciative of the work. It was an incredible performance by a giant at the top of his form.               

Like Clifford Antone, George hailed from southeast Texas, but found his inspiration in classical country and western music that permeated the southern states as opposed to the Zydeco and blues that had moved Clifford so deeply. And Mr. Jones learned it well. Perhaps no other singer since Hank Williams had such a signature vocal sound. At the time of this performance, George’s career had already peaked and complications such as his marathon drinking and his divorce from Tammy Wynette earlier in the 70’s put a serious brake on his live performances as the decade drew to a close. Nevertheless, after a false start, the country legend showed up at the doors of Antone’s that wet and cold night.