George Jones is an example of many things but one thing you can say about him on a positive note is that he was performing up until the year he passed away in 2013. That’s some serious dedication to the craft, though initially it was created by a father that would come home roaring drunk and demanding that he perform for he and his friends. As a young child this was understandably frightening and no doubt created the psychosis where music was absolutely necessary to still whatever demons lurked in his psyche. Still, George went on to have a long and storied career that eventually included his one-time wife and legend Tammy Wynette. Throughout his life he did a lot of stuff right and a lot of stuff wrong, but you can still say that he was a legend thanks to his career.
Here are a few of his songs as used in TV and movies.
5. George Jones and Tammy Wynette – We’re Gonna Hold On
Only the Brave is the movie that this song is featured in though finding a clip is kind of difficult. But the whole gist of the story is that it’s based on a true story and thus is that much more impressive since the men that brave the fires and try to divert them from towns and keep them from spreading in every direction are in fact heroes that risk their lives for the well-being of others. The job is dangerous as well as deadly and unfortunately not everyone gets to come home as this film shows, though those that do are lucky, not to mention reforged in fire, without any puns intended.
4. Crazyheart – Color of the Blues
Sometimes every old dog has one more spark of life left in them and needs only a bit of inspiration to make what they love work for them again. But wanting it and going out and getting it are two separate things as it’s discovered in this film, and the getting isn’t always the easy part. Doing what it takes to make life right not only for you but for those in your life that you’ve wronged at one point in time is one of the most important parts of the healing process that can ease a troubled soul and garner true redemption in the face of overwhelming despair. Sometimes all you need to do is put in the work.
3. Mad Men – Cup of Loneliness
Do you get the feeling the Don Draper wasn’t always the happiest of people? It’s kind of obvious after watching the show but given that so much in the program was geared towards showing how the world was changing in the 60s, primarily around Draper, it was easy to think that he was going to go through a few stages of development. It’s kind of funny to think that Jon Hamm hasn’t been offered a wide array of roles following his work in this show since he’s more than proven that he can carry a role and be absolutely great at it. Perhaps they’re simply priming him for something really special.
2. White Men Can’t Jump – He Stopped Loving Her Today
With all respect due to Mr. Jones, going to him from Jimi Hendrix seems like a step down in a couple of ways. It’s a step down in intensity for certain, and a step down in the momentum of the movie as well since at least when Jimi is playing there seems to be some sort of peace in the car. The moment Jones comes on there’s nothing but a continuation of the argument that was already fully formed when Sidney decided to tell Billy that he couldn’t ‘hear’ Jimi. It’s great that Sidney thinks that ‘hearing’ Jimi is important since it really is, but allowing someone to listen to what they want isn’t the worst thing in the world.
1. Tin Cup – Just One More
A guy with all the talent and no ambition and a guy with both talent and ambition are the kind of opponents that don’t always get to meet. But when they do it usually turns out to be a free for all that ends up entertaining just about everyone watching as they put on a clinic to see who can outsmart and outplay who. In this case however Costner lets his pride and his ego get out of control an Johnson tends to outdo him more than not. The only saving grace however is that Costner can do more with less while Johnson honestly needs his bravado and attitude to get by. So really, who’s better, a guy with no ambition but overwhelming skill, or a guy that’s all ego and skill?
George Jones made his share of mistakes in life, but throughout it all he did learn, sometimes the hard way. But he still learned.
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