The legacy of George Jones - often regarded as the greatest country music singer of all time - will never die. The new George Jones Museum and event center in Nashville will celebrate the legendary star's career achievements and his colorful life.
Nancy Jones, the singer's widow, is behind this exciting development. She paid $4.35 million on Friday (Sept. 26) for a complex at 128 and 130 Second Ave. N. in Nashville, a building which was formerly the Graham Central Station nightclub complex, reports Taste of Country.
The museum will open April 26, 2015, and the date has extreme significance. It marks two years to the date of Jones' passing at age 81.
While the museum is still in the works, Nancy explains that the four-story, 44,000 square-foot facility will host a gift shop, restaurant, event space and music venue. "We are overjoyed to share George's legacy and memory with the Nashville community," she shares. "We hope that this will draw George's friends and fans worldwide to our great city. George and I made this our home, and he would be happy to know that we found a home to continue his legacy in the heart of Music City."
Jones, nicknamed "The Possum" for his marsupial-like appearance, is one of country music's most popular figures, reports Joseph Hudak of Rolling Stone. Known for his unique voice and the unconventional way he delivered a lyric - as well as for his notorious drinking and subsequent "no shows" at concerts - the Country Music Hall of Fame member has recorded such lonesome gems as "The Grand Tour" and "He Stopped Loving Her Today," both included on Rolling Stone Country's list of the 40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time.
The singer died April 26, 2013, at age 81 in a Nashville hospital after being admitted with a fever and irregular blood pressure. He was memorialized this past November, at what was to be his final live performance, with an all-star tribute concert featuring George Strait, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and others.
