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By Matthew Diebel, NBC News
Opinion: Johnny Cash had a stock answer to that oft-asked question, “Who is your favorite singer?” “You mean,” he teased, “apart from George Jones?”
Yes, there’s pretty much universal agreement among country singers that Jones, who died Friday at age 81, was the greatest of all time. From the oldies – Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard – to the relative newbies – Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis – all were of one mind.
Opinion: Johnny Cash had a stock answer to that oft-asked question, “Who is your favorite singer?” “You mean,” he teased, “apart from George Jones?”
Yes, there’s pretty much universal agreement among country singers that Jones, who died Friday at age 81, was the greatest of all time. From the oldies – Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard – to the relative newbies – Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis – all were of one mind.
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GEORGE JONES FUNERAL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC...
'That's the way he would have wanted it,' says wife Nancy....
from Grand Ole Opry May Thursday May 2
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Vince Gill: ”There aren’t words in our language to describe the depth of his greatness. I’ll miss my kind and generous friend.”
Garth Brooks: ”The greatest voice to ever grace country music will never die. Jones has a place in every heart that ever loved any kind of music.”
Alan Jackson: “Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’”
Hank Williams Jr.: “Today is a sad day in Country music. We have lost another piece of history. George Jones was not only a good singer, but was a good friend. He will be missed by many.”
Merle Haggard: ”The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”
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to pursue careers in entertainment and praised him for his vast contributions to show business. “REST IN PEACE to the DICK CLARK!! U were pioneer n a good man!! Thank u sir,” said rapper Snoop Dogg, as Loni Love thanked him “for helping black artists to get the exposure they needed so we could ALL enjoy their music!” Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, stated that “Dick Clark was an entertainment icon, bringing music into the homes of millions of Americans over his nearly 60-year career.” “Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends, fans, and all who have enjoyed his great contributions to music and entertainment,” Portnow continued. “He will be terribly missed, and his legacy will live on forever." Others remembered Clark for more than just his youthful love of music and fanfare. “You may remember Dick Clark as the world's oldest living teenager,” wrote Danny Bonaduce. “I'll remember him as the man who beat me in a pushup contest – he was 74.” Dick Clark, New Years Eve, American Bandstand and even Ryan Seacrest all became top trending topics on Twitter as news of his death circulated, with hundreds of thousands of fans joining celebrities in sharing their favorite Clark-related moments. But for some, the most fitting way to pay tribute was by retweeting one of his most memorable quotes. “If you want to stay young-looking, pick your parents very carefully,” thousands tweeted on Wednesday.
