Facts about “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones
The Song’s Meaning
The song’s narrative centers around a man who never ceases to love a woman despite her departure from his life. His surroundings become a shrine to her memory, preserving everything as it was when she was still with him, in hopes of her return.
His friends observe his torment and yearn for his liberation from the sorrow that’s enshrouded him. The twist arrives in the chorus, revealing that he indeed stopped loving her, but only through his death.
It’s a sorrowful ode to undying love, portraying an emotive picture of commitment, despair, and the inescapable pain that sometimes accompanies unreciprocated affection.
Facts about “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” performed by George Jones, is widely regarded as one of the greatest country music songs of all time. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Release and Acclaim: The song was released in 1980 and is often hailed as a masterpiece in the country music genre, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Country Chart.
Impact on Jones’ Career: At the time of its release, George Jones was struggling both professionally and personally. The success of the song revived his flagging career, propelling him back to stardom.
Reluctance to Record: Interestingly, Jones was initially reluctant to record the song. He thought it was too morose and was skeptical of its potential success.
Grammy Award: “He Stopped Loving Her Today” won the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980.
Legacy and Honors: In 2003, CMT (Country Music Television) named it the greatest country song of all time. It’s a staple and often referenced as a benchmark in the genre.
Narrative Depth: The song narrates a heart-wrenching story of a man who never stops loving a woman, maintaining his affection for her until his death. The twist in the narrative, revealing that he stops loving her when he dies, is a central element to its emotive impact.
George Jones’ Personal Life: The emotional depth of Jones’ performance was often linked to his own turbulent personal life, including his own experiences with heartbreak and substance abuse issues.
Iconic Funeral Song: After its release, the song has often been used as a memorial or funeral song, connecting to the feelings of loss and remembrance.
Jones and the Opry: After performing “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at the Grand Ole Opry, Jones received a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes, indicating the deep emotional and cultural impact of the song on listeners and the country music community.
Chart Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
Billboard Hot Country Songs: Upon its release in 1980, the song soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, demonstrating its immense popularity among listeners and critics alike.
Crossover Success: Although it is primarily a country song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” managed to transcend its genre and find a place on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 41, which was a remarkable achievement for a traditional country track at the time.
Accolades: Beyond its chart performance, the song earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and a CMA Award for Song of the Year in 1980.
Revival of Career: Notably, the song is often credited with reviving George Jones’ career, propelling him back into the limelight during a period when he was struggling both personally and professionally.
Enduring Legacy: Even decades after its release, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” continues to receive recognition and airplay, attesting to its timeless appeal and enduring legacy in the country music genre.
Did George Jones write “He Stopped Loving Her Today”?
The answer is NO. The song was penned by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman.
Braddock and Putman were notable figures in the country music songwriting arena, having penned some of the most iconic and beloved songs in the genre.
Bobby Braddock
- Full Name: Bobby Karl Braddock
- Birth: Born on August 5, 1940, in Lakeland, Florida, USA.
- Songwriting Career: Braddock is one of the most respected songwriters in country music, with a career that spans decades.
- Hits: Besides “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” he’s known for writing hits like “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” performed by Tammy Wynette and “Time Marches On” by Tracy Lawrence.
- Awards and Hall of Fame: Braddock is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the genre.
Curly Putman
- Full Name: Claude Putman Jr.
- Birth and Death: He was born on November 20, 1930, in Princeton, Alabama, and passed away on October 30, 2016.
- Songwriting Career: Putman was an influential songwriter, crafting melodies and lyrics that touched the hearts of many.
- Iconic Songs: Apart from “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” he’s also known for writing “Green, Green Grass of Home,” which was covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Tom Jones and Elvis Presley.
- Legacy: Putman’s songs have been widely recognized for their emotive storytelling and have been covered by a plethora of artists, attesting to his universal appeal.
The collaboration between Braddock and Putman on “He Stopped Loving Her Today” brought forth one of the most poignant and celebrated songs in country music.
Some Interesting Facts about George Jones
George Jones, one of the most significant and influential singers in country music history, left an indelible mark on the genre with his expressive voice and poignant performances. Here are some facts about him:
Remarkable Career Span: George Jones had a career that spanned over 50 years, establishing his prowess and longevity in the music industry.
Prolific Output: Jones was incredibly prolific, recording over 150 albums during his career, a testament to his dedication and love for music.
Chart-Topping Hits: He had numerous hits throughout his career, including chart-toppers like “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which is often cited as one of the greatest country songs ever recorded.
Nicknames: Jones was fondly known by several nicknames, such as “No Show Jones” (due to his notorious reputation for missing performances) and “The Possum” (for his facial features and the shape of his nose).
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Jones collaborated with a plethora of artists, including Tammy Wynette, his former wife, with whom he recorded several duet albums and singles.
Personal Struggles: Jones faced significant personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism and cocaine addiction, which often affected his professional life.
Awards and Honors: His exemplary contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Biographical Work: Jones was open about his life’s tribulations and triumphs, chronicling them in his autobiography, “I Lived to Tell It All,” which provided fans and readers an intimate look into his tumultuous journey.
Memorable Final Performance: His final performance was in Nashville in 2013, and he was on a farewell tour titled “The Grand Tour” before his passing.
Legacy: Jones left behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of country musicians, and his music is celebrated by fans worldwide even years after his passing.
George Jones passed away in 2013, aged 81, from hypoxic respiratory failure, leaving behind a storied legacy and a gap in the country music genre that can never truly be filled. His songs, especially those that deal with heartbreak and hard living, continue to resonate due to the genuine emotion he brought to every performance.
