Introduction:
George Jones & Dolly Parton, two titans of country music, joined forces in 2005 for a poignant duet titled “The Blues Man”. Released on Jones’ final studio album, Hits I Missed…And One I Didn’t, the song stands as a testament to their enduring talent and the power of collaboration.
George Jones, nicknamed “The Possum” for his distinctive high tenor that could effortlessly shift into a soulful growl, was already a legend by the time he recorded “The Blues Man.” Renowned for his raw and emotional delivery, Jones had carved a niche in country music with his portrayal of heartbreak, hardship, and the struggles of the working class. Hits like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “The Grand Tour” cemented his status as a country music icon.
Dolly Parton, a singer-songwriter with a sparkling personality and a voice as bright as her signature blonde hair, had already established herself as a country music powerhouse by 2005. Known for her uplifting anthems, storytelling prowess, and unmistakable voice, Parton had garnered critical acclaim and commercial success with songs like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
“The Blues Man” marked a rare duet opportunity for these two country giants. While they had crossed paths on award shows and collaborated on charity projects, a full-fledged duet was a treat for fans. The song, though credited to no single songwriter, is believed to be a compilation of various writers’ contributions. The exact production details remain unconfirmed, but it likely fell under the purview of Joe Galante, the president of Sony Music Nashville at the time, who oversaw the production of Jones’ final album.
“The Blues Man” isn’t a chart-topping smash hit, but its significance lies in the sheer brilliance of the pairing. Jones’ weathered voice, imbued with a lifetime of heartache, perfectly complements Parton’s empathetic and hopeful tones. The song delves into the world of a lonely man drowning his sorrows in the blues, with Jones taking the lead on the verses and Parton offering a sympathetic counterpoint in the chorus.
The release of “The Blues Man” was met with critical praise. Fans cherished the opportunity to hear these two legends sing together, and critics lauded the song’s raw emotion and timeless themes. Though not a commercial juggernaut, “The Blues Man” stands as a powerful duet that showcases the magic that can happen when two country music icons come together. It’s a testament to their enduring talent and a reminder of why they continue to hold such esteemed positions in the genre’s rich history.
Video:
Lyrics:
(George Jones)
I’m just a singer
A natural-born guitar ringer
Kind of a clinger
To sad old songs
I’m not a walk-behinder
I’m a new note finder
But my name’s a reminder
Of a blues man that’s already gone
So I started drinking
Took some things that messed up my thinking
I was sure sinking, when she came along
I was alone in the spot light
Not too much left inside
She changed all that one night
When she sang me this song
(Dolly Parton)
Hey baby, I love you
Hey baby, I need you
Hey baby, you don’t have to prove to me
You’re some kind of macho man
You’ve wasted so much of your life
Running through the dark nights
Let me shine a little love light down on you blues man
— Instrumental —
(George Jones)
I got so sick from speedin’
All the stuff they said I was needin’
If I was to keep pleasin’
All of my fans
I got cuffed on dirt roads
I got sued over no-shows
She came and took all that old load
Down off this blues man. That’s right
(Both)
Hey baby, I love you too
Hey baby, I need you too
Hey baby, I do get tired of this travelin’ band
(Dolly)
(I know you do get tired)
(Both)
Oh, I’m up in my years now
Nights would be cold now
If you hadn’t stuck it out with this blues man
(George)
Oh, I’m up in my years now
(Both)
Nights would be cold now
If you hadn’t hung around with this blues man