Country music legend George Jones capped off a night of traditional country music at a sold out show at JD Legends in Franklin, OH. I have been fortunate enough to see George Jones play many shows, but I was excited for this particular concert since it was announced a few months ago. I try to take advantage of every opportunity to see the Possum, and an appearance at JD Legends was like a dream come true. It’s one of my favorite venues in Ohio to watch a concert. The entertainment venue, which is nestled in the heart of Franklin, OH, features an outdoor concert venue, as well as a great restaurant, tiki bar, bowling alley, arcade and sand volleyball courts. Having seen many concerts in a variety of venues, I am partial to JD Legends because it provides a more intimate concert experience. The sound, lighting and DJ music between sets is always well done.
The first opening act was Springfield-native Wyatt McCubbin. I was impressed with McCubbin’s voice and his love for traditional country music. Even though he is still a teenager, McCubbin has obviously been influenced by great artists such as Jones, Waylon Jennings, David Allan Coe and more. He’s become friends with Coe and he is featured on “Waylon: The Music Inside Volume II.” The national release also features stars such as Dierks Bentley, Jewel and Hank Williams Jr. Though I loved getting to hear McCubbin sing some of my favorite country classics, I was also impressed with his original songs. I am looking forward to hearing more from McCubbin and hearing a studio album, hopefully in near future.
The second opening act was the Jim Burns Band. He captured my attention as soon as he started singing. Initially, I noticed that he sounding a lot like Willie Nelson, who is another of my favorite singers. It didn’t take long to discover there was much, much more to Jim Burns than sounding like a country music icon. His love for true country music impressed me. His band was very talented and helped bring songs to life flawlessly. I also enjoyed hearing Burns’ take on classic rock songs.
Before George Jones appeared, the video of Eric Lee Beddingfield’s song, “The Gospel According To Jones” played on the video screen. Jones also was featured in the video. It was a great song from a great artist. I’m very happy that artists like Beddingfield honor their influences in this way. The Jones Boys with Brittany Allyn came out and performed two songs before Jones stepped onto the stage.
Jones has gone through some health issues this year and has been hospitalized twice. I was very happy for the chance to see one of my favorite singers perform some of the most recognizable in all of country music. Jones may not have been in perfect health, but he certainly looked and sounded good. He began the song with one of his earliest hits, “Why Baby Why.” The crowd stood in watch Jones almost in awe as he performed.
The set included some of his biggest hits such as “A Picture Of Me Without You,” “Choices,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes?” I am always impression at the bond between Jones and his wife, Nancy. She is extremely supportive and helpful in his career. He also shows his love and devotion for her during his shows. He showed her picture on the video screen after playing a song. Brittany Allyn also joined Jones in singing “Golden Ring,” one of Jones’ hit duets with Tammy Wynette.
The “Live With The Possum” CD was on sale at the show. It was recorded at a show in Knoxville, TN and the CD is only available at concerts.
People at the show were given a raffle ticket and the winner received an autographed guitar by Jones.
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