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JANUARY 2023:

Genre: Drama, Biopic, Musical drama, Created by Abe Sylvia, Based on "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by Georgette Jones, Directed by John Hillcoat, Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton Goggins, Opening theme "The World's Most Broken Heart" by Tammy Wynette, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Jessica Chastain, Kelly Carmichael, Abe Sylvia, Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Bryan Goluboff, Ron Burkle, John Hillcoat, with Cinematography by Igor Martinovic, Editor: Katharine McQuerrey, Production companies: Freckle Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Mad Chance Productions, Blank Films Inc, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Company, Brolin Productions, Original network: Showtime. (2022 - 2023)
George & Tammy (2022 – 23)

STAND BY YOUR LEGEND…

George Jones and Tammy Wynette were both influential figures in country music, known for their remarkable talent and tumultuous personal lives.

(L-R) Tammy Wynette, & George Jones circa 1976. Photo Credit: Stephanie Chernikowski/Redferns

Here’s a detailed biography of their lives and careers:

George Jones (1931-2013):

American country music star George Jones (1931-2013) performs at Tramps, New York, New York, Thursday, November 12, 1992. Photo Credit: Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images

– George Glenn Jones was born on September 12, 1931, in Saratoga, Texas. He grew up in a poor family and began singing in church and local events at a young age.

Country singer George Jones busking on the streets as a child with a guitar in circa 1940 in Beaumont, Texas. Photo Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

– In the 1950s, Jones pursued his music career and signed with Starday Records. He gained popularity with hits like “Why Baby Why” and “White Lightning.”

George Jones circa 1950s with one of the Starday Records traveling cars. Photo Credit: Google Images
"Why Baby Why" is a country music song co-written and originally recorded by George Jones. Released in late 1955 on Starday Records and produced by Starday co-founder and Jones' manager Pappy Daily, it peaked at 4 on the Billboard country charts that year. It was Jones' first chart single, following several unsuccessful singles released during the prior year on Starday. Photo Credit: Google Images
"White Lightning" is a song written by the rockabilly artist J. P. Richardson, best known by his stage name, the Big Bopper. The song was recorded by American country music artist George Jones and released as a single in February 1959. On April 13, 1959, Jones' version was the first number-one single of his career. The song has since been covered by numerous artists. Richardson never got to see the success of the record, as he had been killed in an airplane accident 6 days before its release. Photo Credit: Google Images

– George‘s emotive and soulful voice earned him the nickname “The Possum.” Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he became one of the most significant voices in country music, with classics like  “The Grand Tour” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” 

George Jones circa 1970s above his nickname in the country music industry, "The Possum." Photo Credit: Google Images
"The Grand Tour" is a song made famous by country music singer George Jones. Originally released in 1974, the song was the title track to his album released that year. The song became Jones' sixth No. 1 song (fifth if only solo entries are considered) on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart in August 1974, and was the fourth-biggest hit of the year. In 2014, Rolling Stone named the song number 38 on its "40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time". Photo Credit: Google Images
"He Stopped Loving Her Today" is a song recorded by American country music artist George Jones. It has been named in several surveys as the greatest country song of all time. It was released in April 1980 as the lead single from the album I Am What I Am. The song was Jones's first solo No. 1 single in six years. It was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman. The week after Jones' death in 2013, the song re-entered the Hot Country Songs chart at No. 21. As of November 13, 2013, the single has sold 521,000 copies in the United States. Since 2008 it has been preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry. The song was ranked no. 142 on Rolling Stone's 2021 500 Greatest Songs of All Time ranking. Alan Jackson sang the song during George Jones' funeral service on May 2, 2013. George Strait and Jackson sang the song as a tribute during the 2013 CMA Awards on November 6, 2013. Photo Credit: Google Images

– Jones struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, which often affected his personal and professional life. Despite his personal demons, he remained a respected and beloved figure in the country music scene.

Upset that his bandmate Peanutt Montgomery had found faith and quit the band, George Jones went to his home drunk and high with a gun and shot at him while saying "See If Your God Can Save You Now" Photo Credit: Google Images
George Jones circa 1970s. Photo Credit: Stephanie Chernikowski/Redferns

– George Jones and Tammy Wynette met during the mid-1960s while both were married to other people. They eventually fell in love and married in 1969, creating one of country music’s most iconic duet partnerships.

George Jones And Tammy Wynette circa mid-1960s. Photo Credit: GAB Archive/Redferns
Tammy Wynette and George Jones perform at Countryside Opry, Chicago, Illinois, October 5, 1980. Photo Credit: Kirk West/Getty Images

– The couple’s tumultuous relationship was marked by highs and lows. They recorded numerous duets together, such as “Golden Ring” and “Near You,” which reflected their passionate and stormy romance.

"Golden Ring" is a song written by Bobby Braddock and Rafe Van Hoy, and recorded by American country music singers George Jones and Tammy Wynette. It was released in May 1976 as the first single and title track to their duet album of the same name. It was a number-one hit on the Billboard country chart. Photo Credit: Google Images
In 1977, "Near You" became a number-one country hit as a duet for the duo of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, one of the more unlikely compositions the two country legends sang together. Recorded in the winter of 1974, its atypical arrangement showed that country fans still had an appetite for any music performed by the estranged couple, who had been country music's "First Couple" in the early 1970s. In fact, it was their second consecutive number 1 single since their divorce in 1975; they had only managed to top the charts once during their six-year marriage with "We're Gonna Hold On" in 1973.

– Unfortunately, their marriage faced numerous difficulties due to George‘s continued struggles with alcohol and infidelity. They divorced in 1975, but their connection remained undeniable, leading to a brief reconciliation and further collaboration in the music industry.

Country music singer-songwriter Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) and American musician, singer and songwriter George Jones (1931-2013) perform together during a concert event in 1994 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo Credit: Ron Davis/Getty Images

– George Jones continued his successful solo career, releasing hit after hit, but his personal struggles persisted. He managed to overcome his addictions later in life and continued performing until his health declined.

On August 14, 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, "The Grand Tour", with scheduled stops at 60 cities His final concert was held in Knoxville at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum on April 6, 2013. George Jones played his final show on April 6, 2013, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tenn., closing with his signature song, "He Stopped Loving Her Today." While fans in attendance didn't know they were witnessing history, Jones did. Photo Credit: Google Images

– The legendary George Jones passed away on April 26, 2013, at the age of 81 of hypoxic respiratory failure, leaving behind an extraordinary musical legacy and a lasting impact on country music.

General view of the atmosphere at the interment following the funeral for George Jones at Woodlawn Cemetery on May 2, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. Jones passed away on April 26, 2013 at the age of 81. Photo Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Nancy Jones

Tammy Wynette (1942-1998):

Tammy Wynette in performance; circa 1960; New York. Photo Credit: Art Zelin/Getty Images

– Virginia Wynette Pugh, known professionally as Tammy Wynette, was born on May 5, 1942, in Tremont, Mississippi. She faced a challenging upbringing but found solace in singing and performing at local events.

Virginia Wynette Pugh (Tammy Wynette) as a child in Tremont, Mississippi. Photo Credit: Google Images

– In the 1960s, Tammy started her music career, signing with Epic Records. Her breakthrough came with the single “Apartment #9,” and she soon became known for her emotive vocals and heartfelt storytelling.

Tammy Wynette circa 1960s. Photo Credit: Charlie Gillett/Redferns
Epic Records Logo
"Apartment No. 9" (also referred to as "Apartment #9") is a song written by Bobby Austin and Johnny Paycheck. It was originally recorded by American country musician Bobby Austin in 1966 and became a top 40 hit on the Billboard country songs chart. It was recorded soon after by American country artist Tammy Wynette who also had minor success on the country songs survey. Although not the original version, Wynette's cover of "Apartment No. 9" is considered one of her most significant and signature songs of her career. "Apartment No. 9" would be the first song to win the "Song of the Year" accolade at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1966. Photo Credit: Google Images

– Wynette‘s signature song, “Stand by Your Man,” released in 1968, became an anthem for women and remains one of her most enduring hits.

"Stand by Your Man" is a song recorded by American country music artist Tammy Wynette, co-written by Wynette and Billy Sherrill. It was released on September 20, 1968, as the first single and title track from the album Stand by Your Man. It proved to be the most successful record of Wynette's career, and is one of the most familiar songs in the history of country music. The song was placed at number one on CMT's list of the Top 100 Country Music Songs. Released as a single, it stayed number one on the U.S. country charts for three weeks. "Stand by Your Man" crossed over to the U.S. pop charts, peaking at number nineteen. It elevated Wynette—then one of many somewhat successful female country recording artists—to superstar status. It reached number one in the UK Singles Chart when the record was released in the United Kingdom in 1975, and also reached number one in the Netherlands. An album of the same name—which was also quite successful—was released in 1968. The song earned Wynette the 1970 Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female—her second Grammy win in that category—and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Vocal accompaniment is provided by The Jordanaires, who provided background vocals on most of Wynette's hit recordings. The song was selected by the Library of Congress as a 2010 addition to the National Recording Registry, which selects recordings annually that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". In 2021, it was ranked No. 473 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Songs of All Time".

– Tammy‘s personal life mirrored the drama in her songs. She married multiple times and faced difficulties in her relationships, including the tumultuous marriage with George Jones.

Wynette married Euple Byrd (who was five years her senior) when she was 17, one month before her high-school graduation. She originally intended to marry his brother, D.C., but the relationship ended when he remarried his first wife. Wynette was not yet of legal age so her mother would be required to sign the marriage paperwork, but she refused and instead forced her daughter to leave the family home; her grandfather signed the papers that legalized their marriage. Byrd and Wynette fought throughout their relationship. Many of their marital conflicts stemmed from Byrd being unable to hold down a steady job. After becoming pregnant again, Wynette asked Euple to leave but he kept returning. After one argument, Wynette suffered a "nervous breakdown", according to biographer Jimmy McDonough, and her family took her to a psychiatric hospital. Doctors diagnosed her with depression and gave her 12 rounds of electric shock treatment. Upon returning from the hospital, she still insisted on filing for divorce. However, her mother disapproved and Wynette secretly moved with her children to Birmingham, Alabama. While in Birmingham, Byrd returned and Wynette agreed to give their marriage one more chance. However, their problems continued and they eventually divorced in 1965. In one of their final encounters, Wynette told Byrd her ambitions of becoming a country performer. He then replied, "Dream on baby, dream on." A decade later, Byrd appeared at one of her concerts. When he asked for her autograph, she signed it, "Dream on, baby. Love, Tammy". Wynette and Byrd would later see each other at family functions when he began attempting to re-establish his relationship with their three daughters. In 1996, Byrd was killed in a car crash. Photo Credit: Google Images
Wynette met her second husband, Don Chapel, upon moving to Nashville in 1965. Chapel was a front desk attendant at the Red Anchor Motel in Nashville where Wynette was staying. The pair developed a romantic relationship through their day-to-day interactions at the motel. Chapel was also an aspiring songwriter and musician. He would later write several popular country songs, including one made commercially successful by George Jones titled "When the Grass Grows Over Me". The couple did not marry until 1967, and their courtship was brief. Her growing affection for George Jones would lead to the couple's divorce in 1968. Wynette later claimed in her autobiography that Chapel had taken and traded nude photographs of her to other male colleagues. Chapel denied the allegations and later filed a lawsuit against her for $37 million. The couple had no children and Chapel died in 2015. Photo Credit: Google Images
Wynette then met real estate developer Michael Tomlin through her friend Nan Crofton. It was a brief courtship, as they married only weeks after meeting. The couple wed on July 18, 1976, at her Nashville home. Tomlin was known for renting private jets, drinking Dom Pérignon, and driving a Mercedes Benz. It has since been claimed by several of Wynette's friends that Tomlin was not truthful about his life. "It was all a facade. The furniture in his office was rented," remembered Joan Dew. Following the couple's honeymoon in Hawaii, Wynette claimed that Tomlin spent a lot of money and attempted to fire a gun on the beach, which scared her children. The marriage was annulled six weeks following their wedding. Photo Credit: Google Images
On July 6, 1978, Wynette married her fifth husband, George Richey. Richey had previously been a songwriter, music publisher, and record producer. Many of the songs Richey wrote had been recorded by George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Wynette herself. The two already had a professional relationship but a series of events in Wynette's personal life changed their relationship. This included several instances when Richey visited Wynette while she was recovering from illnesses at the hospital. After a recording session one evening, Richey professed his love for Wynette. The pair then married. Richey then became his wife's full-time manager. Among his first moves as manager was to fire several of Wynette's female road crew members. "I cannot start a life with and build a relationship with Tammy and her girls when I'm livin' in a female dormitory," he told a female coworker. He also took control of her finances. Wynette's marriage to Richey caused friction between her loved ones. According to Wynette's youngest daughter, Georgette Jones, Richey attempted to keep his wife away from her close friends. Georgette also claimed to have been estranged from her biological father (George Jones) because Richey did not want her to see him. Older daughter, Jackie Daly, claimed that Richey had helped to "enable" her mother's drug addiction. Singer Lorrie Morgan believed that Richey was only interested in his new wife's money and earnings. George Jones commented, "I believe a lot of things went on that shouldn't have went on. Let me put it that way." Wynette told the press that she loved Richey, while family and friends claimed that she regretted her decision to marry him. "It was an emotionally abusive relationship," reported Georgette Jones. Nonetheless, the couple remained together until her death in 1998. Richey married Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Sheila Slaughter in 2001. Richey died in 2010 at the age of 74. Photo Credit: Google Images
Wynette first met George Jones while on tour with him in the late sixties. Jones was also friendly with her second husband, Don Chapel, and the three often spent time together. According to Wynette, Jones helped her one evening when one of her children was hospitalized with food poisoning. The following day, Jones stopped by Chapel and Wynette's home. Chapel was irritated with Wynette because she would not stop playing Jones's music on their record player. Chapel then began directing derogatory words and profanity at her. Angered by Chapel's conduct, Jones overturned the couple's dining room table. Jones and Wynette then proceeded to confess their love for each other to Chapel. Immediately after the incident, Jones escorted Wynette and her three daughters out of the Chapel home. They never returned. After leaving Chapel, they flew to Mexico to get a quick divorce. However, her marriage to Chapel was later annulled because she remarried quickly after her first marriage to Euple Byrd. Jones and Wynette officially wed on February 16, 1969, in Ringgold, Georgia. The couple then proceeded to move into a 6,000-square-foot (560 m2) plantation home in Lakeland, Florida. They later built a performance venue on the property, which they titled "Old Plantation Music Park". Jones and Wynette's marriage was tumultuous. A major factor that affected their relationship was Jones's alcoholism. When he drank, he became difficult to control. This led to Wynette becoming angry with Jones's behavior. For a short period, Jones stopped drinking but then relapsed. In an effort for Jones to retain sobriety, they moved from Lakeland back to Nashville in 1972. However, Jones relapsed again, which caused further friction in their marriage. Wynette also attempted to stop his drinking herself. To stop Jones from driving under the influence, Wynette began hiding his car keys. On one day, Jones could not find where Wynette had hid his keys. As a result, he took the keys to their riding lawnmower and successfully rode it into town and back to purchase alcohol. In a separate incident, Wynette claimed in her autobiography that Jones had chased her through their home with a loaded rifle. Jones later denied this in his own autobiography. Wynette filed for divorce in 1973, but the couple ultimately reconciled. By this point, they had moved to a larger home, also located in Nashville. However, their problems continued. Jones would often disappear for days at a time. In one attempt to locate him, Wynette drove her children and two friends down to Florida but were unsuccessful in their search. After a recording session between the couple in late 1974, Jones disappeared again. Disappointed and upset, Wynette filed for divorce for a second time. It was finalized on January 8, 1975. After the divorce became public, Wynette told the press, "George is one of those people that can't tolerate happiness. If everything is right, there's something in him that makes him destroy it." Wynette and Jones's relationship was portrayed in the 2022 miniseries "George & Tammy", starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon. The miniseries was created by Abe Sylvia based upon the memoir of the couple's daughter, Georgette, and directed by John Hillcoat. It was released on Showtime, CMT and the Paramount Network. Photo Credit: Google Images

– Despite her personal struggles, Wynette‘s career continued to flourish, and she earned the title “The First Lady of Country Music” for her contributions to the genre.

Tammy Wynette circa early 1970s. Photo Credit: GAB Archive/Redferns

– Tammy Wynette and George Jones’ marriage ended in 1975, and both artists struggled with the emotional fallout from the divorce.

Country Artists Tammy Wynette (1942-1998) and George Jones perform live on stage at the Country Music Festival, Wembley Arena, London in April 1981. Photo Credit: David Redfern/Redferns

– In 1992, Tammy faced a medical scare when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening intestinal condition. She underwent multiple surgeries to treat the issue.

Portrait of American Country Music singer Tammy Wynette (1942 - 1998) as she poses at the Holiday Star Theater, Merrillville, Indiana, October 1, 1993. Photo Credit: Paul Natkin/Getty Images

– Tragically, Tammy Wynette‘s health further deteriorated over the years. She passed away on April 6, 1998, at the age of 55, due to a blood clot in her lung. Her passing was a significant loss to the country music community.

A public memorial service, attended by about 1,500 people, was held at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on April 9, 1998. The service was televised live by cable networks CNN and The Nashville Network. Parton gave remarks and performed a specially written song, closing her performance with a chorus from "I Will Always Love You." Country stars Wynonna Judd and Lorrie Morgan also performed while Merle Haggard offered his performance through a prerecorded video. Eulogies were given by other notable country artists, including Naomi Judd. A private, graveside service had been held earlier with a crypt entombment at Nashville's Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Photo Credit: Google Images

Both George Jones and Tammy Wynette left behind a remarkable legacy in country music. Their music continues to resonate with audiences, and their troubled yet passionate love story remains an enduring part of their legend. Despite the hardships they faced, they will always be remembered as two of the greatest and most influential voices in the history of country music.

Genre: Drama, Biopic, Musical drama, Created by Abe Sylvia, Based on "The Three of Us: Growing Up with Tammy and George" by Georgette Jones, Directed by John Hillcoat, Starring: Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton Goggins, Opening theme "The World's Most Broken Heart" by Tammy Wynette, Country of origin: United States, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Jessica Chastain, Kelly Carmichael, Abe Sylvia, Andrew Lazar, Josh Brolin, David C. Glasser, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Bryan Goluboff, Ron Burkle, John Hillcoat, with Cinematography by Igor Martinovic, Editor: Katharine McQuerrey, Production companies: Freckle Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios, Mad Chance Productions, Blank Films Inc, Aunt Sylvia's Moving Picture Company, Brolin Productions, Original network: Showtime. (2022 - 2023)

George & Tammy is available now to stream on Showtime…

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