Country musician Sammy Kershaw pays an honest and beautiful tribute to George Jones by playing the perfect rendition of “You’re Still On My Mind.”
“George, I love you, baby. Thank you,” says Kershaw at the end of his performance at the George Jones And Friends 50th Anniversary Tribute Concert 2007.
Sammy Kershaw Honors George Jones
The singer, who is best known for his classic hit “Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer,” made his love for George Jones known by covering one of the legend’s songs “You’re Still On My Mind.”
His true country sound with the perfect deep, twangy vocals is what country music is all about. Accompanied by a band, including a perfect fiddle tune, steel guitar, and Kershaw’s own guitar-playing skills on his bright blue acoustic renders the memory of the classic country genre.
As he walks on the stage, he enthusiastically says, in a rich country voice, “How’s everybody doing? Good to see ya’ll. We’re going to have us a good time.”
The crowd erupts in applause following Kershaw telling the band, “Boys, kick it off.” As he begins to sing “You’re Still On My Mind,” excitement fills the packed audience as they honor the country legend that is George Jones.
George Jones & Friends 50th Anniversary Tribute Concert
In 2004, Jones celebrated 50 years as a country music star with a tribute concert on PBS’s SOUNDSTAGE program. The celebratory event was hosted by Reba McEntire. Other than Kershaw’s performance, the concert featured live music by prominent artists who covered Jones’s biggest hits.
20 well-known country acts were invited to appear on stage. Country greats, such as Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, and Martina McBride, all sang the melodies that the true country icon created and is continued to be played and well-loved.
Kershaw’s Love and Respect for A Country Legend
Kershaw is also one of the special artists in the genre’s music industry as he stands true to the roots of the gritty, raw country sound we know and love. He plays his truth without trying to create some sort of pop-country sound.
The country artist has released a respectable number of 16 studio albums. Three of those records are RIAA platinum certifications, and two have received gold certifications. Over 25 of Kershaw’s singles have reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. This includes the number one hit “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” and 10 more Top 10 hits.
Kershaw even made a tribute album to George called Do You Know Me?
The ceremony to honor the great George Jones is a definite success. First-time performances of several songs result in a celebration.
The Performance of Never Before Heard Duets
“You’re Still On My Mind” is off Jones’ album Burn Your Playhouse Down – The Unreleased Duets. It’s is his 60th and last studio album. The record debuted in August 2008 and features several duets that had yet to be released. Jones’ special and final album features songs that have been cut from his 1994 duets album The Bradley Barn Sessions.
In fact, the only new song on the album is “You And Me And Time,” that he recorded with his daughter. His duets from non-country artists also heighten the variety of sounds on the album. It was an obvious success as it reached the No. 15 position on the Billboard country album charts.
Honoring George Jones’ success, musical stylings, writings, and impact on the country music genre, was a thrill. Artists, including Kershaw, found great joy in celebrating Jones’s half a century of providing audiences with an authentic country sound in the way only George knows how.
