Bandit Records will proudly release GEORGE JONES – AMAZING
GRACE on September 10th, two days before what would have been
Jones’ 82nd birthday. Jones, a partner in Bandit Records, recorded the gospel
songs with producer Billy Sherrill in 2002 with the exception of one track,
“Great Judgment Morning,” which was produced by Brian Ahern in 1994.
The
Billy Sherrill songs represent the final sessions between Jones and Sherrill.
Sherrill had retired and was not interested in going back into the studio.
Jones was persistent in trying to get Sherrill to do one last project and they
finally agreed to do a Gospel Collection. It also marked the first time that
Jones’ had actually recorded an entire Gospel project and not just isolated
songs tacked onto the end of secular sessions.
“Great Judgment Morning”
was one of those songs tacked onto the end of his Bradley Barn recording
sessions. Assembled that day were friends such as Waylon Jennings, Jessi
Colter, Travis Tritt, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith who all added
their vocal interpretations of that classic gospel favorite.
Jones passed
away on April 26, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. AMAZING
GRACE had already been planned and blessed by Jones before his
passing. Gospel music had always brought peace and calm to Jones throughout his
turbulent life. He was reverential in his approach to singing sacred songs and
didn’t believe vocal theatrics should be involved.
His eloquent and
moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” was used during the video/ bio segment of
his Kennedy Center Honors Induction in 2008 and resulted in hundreds of calls
asking for the recording. The record has not been in the marketplace since 2005
(to the degree that is possible in the digital age).
George Jones was a
partner in Bandit Records and his widow, Nancy Jones, continues to be. Bandit
Records was established in 2000 and served as the first label that Jones had a
vested interest in and the final record label in Jones illustrious career.
During that time and in spite of his advanced age, his recordings continued to
excite audiences, earn major award nominations and sell in respectful numbers.
It is a testament to his talent that Jones had charting records in six decades
and earned Gold certification well into his late 70s.
