The Grand Tour

In a masterful biography laden with new revelations, veteran country music journalist/historian Rich Kienzle offers a de... (more)

In a masterful biography laden with new revelations, veteran country music journalist/historian Rich Kienzle offers a definitive, full-bodied portrait of legendary country singer George Jones and the music that remains his legacy. Kienzle meticulously sifted through archival material, government records, recollections by colleagues and admirers, interviewing many involved in Jones{u2019}s life and career. The result: an evocative portrait of this enormously gifted, tragically tormented icon called g2sthe Keith Richards of country.g3s Kienzle chronicles Jones{u2019}s impoverished East Texas childhood as the youngest son of a deeply religious mother and alcoholic, often-abusive father. He examines his three troubled marriages including his union with superstar Tammy Wynette and looks unsparingly at Jones{u2019}s demons. Alcohol and later cocaine nearly killed him until fourth wife Nancy helped him learn to love himself. Kienzle also details Jones{u2019}s remarkable musical journey from singing in violent Texas honky tonks to Grand Ole Opry star, hitmaker and master vocalist whose raw, emotionally powerful delivery remains the Gold Standard for country singers. The George Jones of this heartfelt biography lived hard before finding contentment until he died at eighty-one{u2014}a story filled with whiskey, women and drugs but always the saving grace of music. (less)

A best-selling author, alcoholic, and Vietnam veteran meets his biggest fan, a sad student with numerous issues, and tog... (more)

A best-selling author, alcoholic, and Vietnam veteran meets his biggest fan, a sad student with numerous issues, and together the unlikely pair take a cross-country trip on a book tour that goes very wrong. (less)