As someone who is not bothered whether it is folk or country and western singing (as I see them both as very similar in many ways) the thread title does not mess with me. Whatever it is he does sing he sings it very well (Vern Gosdin has an extremely similar voice and style).

It's a great pity the man's life has been so full of troughs as well as peaks. Those around him often suffered and Tammy Wynette certainly had a rough ride. You listen him and her sing their songs and it's like a true life story put to music. I have no idea who to feel sorry for the most but tend to side with Tammy obviously.

His songs can bring tears to me in moments, no matter how many times I have heard them, and yet he was also a great showman too... when he shown up. His "No show Jones" parody song tells it as it was.

Great singer, great showman, great songwriter. I hate it that I love his pains and hurt. There is something about him that just touches nerves others don't. It seems his last wife, and manager, was more successful at saving him from self desruction than the other two. His first marraige lasted a year, his one to Tammy Wynette was tumultuous (mostly for her), and his relationships with drugs and alcohol have not been good ones either.

Despite all this I still love his singing and his songs. He is so truly unique and there is irony in his voice when you hear him sing "Whose gonna fill their shoes". I'm not sure who will fill his.

In summary one would love to see and hear him. Meet and chat to him. I doubt you would jump at the chance to marry him but, if you did, all you would want to do is save him. He is worth saving without doubt and I hope his troubled days are well behind him

mp