George Jones

Earned his nickname, "No-Show Jones" after missing numerous concerts during the 1970s.

Most famous duet partner was (and remains) Tammy Wynette, his third wife. Together, they released a string of duet hits which included the No. 1 hits "We're Gonna Hold On" (1973), "Golden Ring" (1976) and "Near You" (1977).

Is considered by many experts to be among the finest, if not the finest, country music singer of all time. His 1980 No. 1 hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," ranks as the all-time greatest country song, according to several fan polls.

Elected to the Country Music Association's Hall of Fame in 1992.

His wife, Nancy, unexpectedly had to accept his 1993 Country Music Association award because he was inconveniently disposed in the restroom at the time.

Suffered lacerated liver and bruised lung in car accident [6 March 1999]

In the fall of 2001, released "Beer Run (B Double-E Double-R You In?)," a duet with country superstar Garth Brooks (who cites Jones as one of his idols). "Beer Run" continued Jones' amazing country hitmaking career, which extends back to the fall of 1955 and "Why Baby Why." In the ensuing 46 years, Jones has placed more than 150 singles (solo recordings and duets) on Billboard's country chart.

He was awarded the 2002 U.S. National Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts.