What do you think?
He Stopped Loving Her Today: George Jones, Billy Sherrill, and the Pretty-Much Totally True Story of the Making of the Greatest Country Record of All Time
When George Jones recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today” more than thirty years ago, he was a walking disaster. Twin addictions to drugs and alcohol had him drinking Jim Beam by the case and snorting cocaine as long as he was awake. Before it was over, Jones would be bankrupt, homeless, and an unwilling patient at an Alabama mental institution. In the midst of all this chaos, legendary producer Billy Sherrill―the man who discovered Tammy Wynette and cowrote “Stand by Your Man”―would somehow coax the performance of a lifetime out of the mercurial Jones. The result was a country masterpiece.
He Stopped Loving Her Today , the story behind the making of the song often voted the best country song ever by both critics and fans, offers an overview of country music's origins and a search for the music's elusive Holy authenticity. The schizoid bottom line―even though country music is undeniably a branch of the make-believe world of showbiz, to fans and scholars alike, authenticity remains the ultimate measure of the music's power.
He Stopped Loving Her Today , the story behind the making of the song often voted the best country song ever by both critics and fans, offers an overview of country music's origins and a search for the music's elusive Holy authenticity. The schizoid bottom line―even though country music is undeniably a branch of the make-believe world of showbiz, to fans and scholars alike, authenticity remains the ultimate measure of the music's power.
209 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 4, 2019
I read an ePub version of this book, that, at 186 pages, was a pretty easy read. Considering the text gave way at page 139 to sources and index, it's even easier.
The book is, nonetheless, exhaustively researched and a joy to read, even though, again, the first 80 pages is set-up to the 60 pages that in their way talk about the recording of the song.
Actually, it's kind of a shaggy dog story about Country Music in general, and Jones' recording of 'Country Music's Greatest Song' in specific.
I had a blast.
The book is, nonetheless, exhaustively researched and a joy to read, even though, again, the first 80 pages is set-up to the 60 pages that in their way talk about the recording of the song.
Actually, it's kind of a shaggy dog story about Country Music in general, and Jones' recording of 'Country Music's Greatest Song' in specific.
I had a blast.
June 11, 2018
Even at just 185 pages the title of this book is a bit of a lie, as the specifics of the tumultuous 18 month process don't really get much coverage until the final 50 pages or so. What Isenhour does do - in his own kind of sloppy way - is cover the broad history and sweeping changes of country music over the past 100 years or so. A pretty fascinating history lesson on money-hungry marketing and perceived authenticity, with some of the most genuinely honest discussions on the mystique of live performances I have ever read.
July 21, 2016
No. I bought this expecting at least a little George Jones. Instead I got a history I did not ask for when laying down my money. I should have picked a different book. The title is sort of a lie.
May 20, 2022
This book is a rambling mess.
I think maybe it's supposed to have an aw-shucks folksiness to it, like someone is telling you the story from their living room sofa, but the story doesn't even really START til page 103. You could start reading there and be fine...that way you'd skip the time jumps, the story of standing on line for VIP tickets, the snarky asides at the way modern Nashville works, and the comments directed at artists that I guess Isenhour just personally doesn't like, such as Bruce Springsteen and The Chicks. By page 103 it has settled down into more of an interview format that makes more sense. Really, from a storytelling perspective, it's almost two separate books crammed into one book.
I included an extra star for the interesting vintage photos in the center spread, and for inspiring me to look up George Jones Sausage Commercial on YouTube ("no possum.")
I think maybe it's supposed to have an aw-shucks folksiness to it, like someone is telling you the story from their living room sofa, but the story doesn't even really START til page 103. You could start reading there and be fine...that way you'd skip the time jumps, the story of standing on line for VIP tickets, the snarky asides at the way modern Nashville works, and the comments directed at artists that I guess Isenhour just personally doesn't like, such as Bruce Springsteen and The Chicks. By page 103 it has settled down into more of an interview format that makes more sense. Really, from a storytelling perspective, it's almost two separate books crammed into one book.
I included an extra star for the interesting vintage photos in the center spread, and for inspiring me to look up George Jones Sausage Commercial on YouTube ("no possum.")
May 18, 2017
A very enjoyable account of the build up to, the making of, and the follow up to what is considered to be the greatest country music song of all time, "He Stopped Loving Her Today: George Jones, Billy Sherrill ..." The first-hand accounts of all the major players in this collaboration were fascinating. It was fun to read about a particular piece of the song as related by the contributor of said piece, and then listen to their role. At times I found the author to be a little too glib, but overall he did a solid job of presenting his research and conclusions and laying out the entire process from writing, recording, and releasing country's GOAT song. Now, where the heck is that Billy Sherrill bio?
May 2, 2026
This book made me regret loving George Jones, country music, and the fact that I’m able to read. If you’re in the mood for shambolic musings on, variously, the country music business, what’s art and what’s entertainment, and, occasionally, George Jones and the great song giving this book its title delivered à la Waylon Jennings’ asides on the Dukes of Hazzard … this one’s for you.
October 5, 2019
"Anybody in search of authenticity will have no more luck finding real singing cowboys[...], they were pretty much invented, this time by Republic Studios."
Wherein Jack Isenhour validates my teenage disdain for the spangled-cowboy-western look, aka the Nudie suit, on country singers. As an aside, my first clear memory of George Jones is him riding a John Deere lawn mower in the music video for Vince Gill's "One More Last Chance." Sans Nudie suit.
This book could well have been a story told over drinks and barbecue at a picnic. It's one of those quintessentially southern tales that never really gets to the point but, man, was it a fun ride anyway. Which is appropriate since it's (purportedly) about a country song and the legend himself, George Jones.
In the way only a southerner can understand, Isenhour manages to take a book about a song and turn it into a historical and philosophical analysis of the country music industry.
His conclusion? Everybody loves George Jones. George Jones is definitely country. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is a classic. And nobody can quite pin down the how or why of it all.
The actual writing and recording of the classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today," takes a backseat to a motley crew of characters, country music fans, songwriters, producers, and the man himself. There's probably 2,000 words on the writing and recording of the song. A recounting of the infamous "nobody's going to buy that morbid sonofa[expletive]," quip. And then a tragi-comic exchange between a Sony bean counter and the writer that documents the legend of the song may be just that, a fish story.
In the end I'm not sure any of it matters. When all's said and done, Isenhour teaches you some moral lessons, hangs out for some drinks, and leaves you with a little bit of story and a lot of myth. Which, as any southerner worth his salt knows, can be just as valuable as truth.
(If you're looking for the ultimate expanded liner notes of the song... this is probably not what you're looking for. If, however, you love country music and all the rigmarole that surrounds it- this is your book. More legend than ledger, but a whole lotta fun anyway.)
Wherein Jack Isenhour validates my teenage disdain for the spangled-cowboy-western look, aka the Nudie suit, on country singers. As an aside, my first clear memory of George Jones is him riding a John Deere lawn mower in the music video for Vince Gill's "One More Last Chance." Sans Nudie suit.
This book could well have been a story told over drinks and barbecue at a picnic. It's one of those quintessentially southern tales that never really gets to the point but, man, was it a fun ride anyway. Which is appropriate since it's (purportedly) about a country song and the legend himself, George Jones.
In the way only a southerner can understand, Isenhour manages to take a book about a song and turn it into a historical and philosophical analysis of the country music industry.
His conclusion? Everybody loves George Jones. George Jones is definitely country. "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is a classic. And nobody can quite pin down the how or why of it all.
The actual writing and recording of the classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today," takes a backseat to a motley crew of characters, country music fans, songwriters, producers, and the man himself. There's probably 2,000 words on the writing and recording of the song. A recounting of the infamous "nobody's going to buy that morbid sonofa[expletive]," quip. And then a tragi-comic exchange between a Sony bean counter and the writer that documents the legend of the song may be just that, a fish story.
In the end I'm not sure any of it matters. When all's said and done, Isenhour teaches you some moral lessons, hangs out for some drinks, and leaves you with a little bit of story and a lot of myth. Which, as any southerner worth his salt knows, can be just as valuable as truth.
(If you're looking for the ultimate expanded liner notes of the song... this is probably not what you're looking for. If, however, you love country music and all the rigmarole that surrounds it- this is your book. More legend than ledger, but a whole lotta fun anyway.)
July 18, 2011
When I saw that a book had been written on the creation of the George Jones hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today" I knew I had to read it. I love to listen to Jones and that happens to be one of my favorite songs. I thought the book would be a lot of fluff and talk about George Jones. I was wrong. This book by Jack Isenhour was well researched and I came away with a new appreciation for the music industry. I had always thought that the artist, musicians and back up singers showed up at the studio and played the song until they got it right. Wrong. What was presented here is that no one is really sure just how long it took to record "HSLHT". The studio claims it only took a month to record and mix the tracks for the final song. The musicians and producer Billy Sherrill believe it was more like a year. Jones was on alcoholic and drug related maneuvers at the time so he does not know how long it took. The book also gives some background history on early radio and it's connection to music and history on Nashville as it first became a popular location for the recording industry. On a personal note, I am planning on seeing Jones this September. Isenhour has prepared me for the realization that a recording of the song and the live event of the same cannot be compared. The studio conditions are perfection, the best musicians playing their best instruments. The live event is subject to many variables and no retakes. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about American Music history. Great info.
May 22, 2013
Isenhour's writing is a breath of fresh air in a stuffy academic room. Although a little jokey at times, Isenhour is a good researcher AND a good storyteller. This is exactly what academia needs. It's almost painful to read books from professors who are good researchers, but not bright enough to realize they can't write. This is probably the best compliment Isenhour could ask for.
I wondered how he was going to make an entire book from a song, and this was my interest in checking this book out. As expected, a lot of background and setting (particularly the country music scene) information is here. For someone who knows nothing about Jones or country (I had to look up the song once the book arrived)I found this information informative and interesting.
My biggest concern was with the whole "authenticity" thing. It's almost as if Isenhour is self-conscious about hailing this "the greatest country record of all time" or Jones as "the greatest country singer of all time" (which, I'm positive, both the writer and any listener realize are completely subjective statements). Isenhour broke the cardinal writing rule of "show don't tell" making the book a bit preachy and dissertationey. If its so great, let the song speak for itself (I guess he's taking a page from Sherill to give it some sensationalism to make a buck :-) ).
I wondered how he was going to make an entire book from a song, and this was my interest in checking this book out. As expected, a lot of background and setting (particularly the country music scene) information is here. For someone who knows nothing about Jones or country (I had to look up the song once the book arrived)I found this information informative and interesting.
My biggest concern was with the whole "authenticity" thing. It's almost as if Isenhour is self-conscious about hailing this "the greatest country record of all time" or Jones as "the greatest country singer of all time" (which, I'm positive, both the writer and any listener realize are completely subjective statements). Isenhour broke the cardinal writing rule of "show don't tell" making the book a bit preachy and dissertationey. If its so great, let the song speak for itself (I guess he's taking a page from Sherill to give it some sensationalism to make a buck :-) ).
May 2, 2013
George Jones is dead and I'm not feeling too good myself, but this is a great book and you should read it anyway. It is primarily a debunker's guide to country music, whose thesis is that the threat posed to traditional country music by the legendary "Nashville Sound" is all a bunch of hokum, and that the most well-loved depressing country song (note that I don't say the MOST depressing country song ever) has more to do with the "Nashville Sound" that you ever realized. This is a scholarly work, and it takes a little while for the durn thing to get started, and the author is NOT ONE BIT afraid to beat you over the head and shoulders with his contention that there ain't no such thing as traditional country music anyway, and that if there were the durn thing wouldn't sell anyway, so there. But it's still a good read and you ought to pick it up and listen to a whole mess of George Jones songs while you read it.
March 31, 2012
One might doubt if a decent BOOK could be written about a single song. Well, Isenhour succeeds here. Plus, rather than being too academic, he employs a pleasantly demotic, wise-cracking voice as he takes us through the push-and-pull between commercialism and art (a set up for thinking about the strings and backup vox on the song, and the very calculated designing of the song and performance for sales), the tricky business of authenticity, the artistry of Billy Sherrill and the Nashville studio pros, the process of editing and revision of the song's lyrics (one of the highlights of the book), the enigma that is Jones, and, of course, the session. Really liked it.
April 19, 2014
Not having heard this song before, I didn't quite know what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised. The author didn't spend too much time on George Jones unless it has to do with the song's context. The creation of the song was interesting and I appreciated that the author was willing to say that commercialism had as much to do with the song selection as the content. The one thing I did find grating was the author's voice at times. The folksy, in on the joke style got to me by the end, but that's just personal preference.
July 11, 2016
The title pretty much summarizes the entire book.
Jones' relationship with Tammy Wynette was so full of passion both good and bad. Having said that, it wasn't until it was over that he realized he wanted a relationship with her.
If you are a Jones fan you know the story doesn't end there. There were the better, the Nancy years before he died.
It's so sad that a significant number of performers during the 60s-90s seemed determined to destroy themselves with alcohol or drugs or both. I'm not sure the current performers are any wiser.
Jones' relationship with Tammy Wynette was so full of passion both good and bad. Having said that, it wasn't until it was over that he realized he wanted a relationship with her.
If you are a Jones fan you know the story doesn't end there. There were the better, the Nancy years before he died.
It's so sad that a significant number of performers during the 60s-90s seemed determined to destroy themselves with alcohol or drugs or both. I'm not sure the current performers are any wiser.
August 2, 2011
Not a bad story, and not poorly written, but really more suitable to an extended essay rather than a full-fledged book. Outside of details from the recording sessions, there's really nothing spectacularly new here. If you are a fan of George Jones or country music (as if that isn't redundant) you will surely enjoy this story.
*I received my copy free from the publisher.
*I received my copy free from the publisher.
August 30, 2011
I've read a lot of books about the music business. This is one of the best. Warts and all. Great insight into a great song and a legendary artist.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews