Why was Jones so great?

Now George Jones has passed on.  He may have
been my favorite singer of all, but Elvis and Roy Orbison make me a liar there. Favorite country singer for sure.
Without much thought or knowledge one might think he was just a drunk with a good voice.  That will only get you so far. George I have read, worked at his craft and developed himself beyond the honky tank singer. His voice had a certain timbre? I'm not sure of the word, but it spoke to me like I was listening to a close friend or relative. I trusted what he said.

If you watch some of his performances you notice the great backup musicians and other things that go into making a polished product.
I'm sure glad he made so many recordings.  I read he charted more hits than anyone. I loved him.  There were times in my life when I heard one of his songs and it was perfect for me at that time.  Try "The Cold Hard Truth" on for size or "Walls Can Fall".  So many classics.  "He Stopped Loving Her Today" may be his best known.  "The Door" was powerful when I got divorced and there was a point when the goodbye was final and the door closed. I know he affected millions of people the same way.

I think whoever did the video for Walls, really screwed up.  Great men like George, me and you can really get screwed over by lesser people who don't have the AUTHENTICITY, Heart and Soul that we do.  It is understood, (unfortunate), and forgiven. I'm listening to "If Drinking Don't Kill Me" right now.  Thanks, George.