Introduction:
Country music royalty, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, joined forces in 1978 to create a duet that would become a timeless tribute to the genre’s roots. Titled “Good Old Fashioned Singing”, the song was released as a single from their collaborative album, “Epic Duets”. This project solidified their place as country music legends and offered a nostalgic look back at the traditional sounds that shaped their careers.
George Jones, nicknamed “The Possum” for his distinctive, powerful vocals, was already a well-established artist by the late 1970s. Known for his heart-wrenching ballads and an ability to convey raw emotion, Jones had built a dedicated following with hits like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “The Race Is On.” Tammy Wynette, the “First Lady of Country Music,” possessed a voice that was both sweet and sorrowful, perfectly capturing the complexities of love and loss. Her signature songs, including “Stand By Your Man” and “D.I.V.O.R.C.E.,” resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying her reputation as a voice for women in country music.
“Good Old Fashioned Singing” was produced by Billy Sherrill, a powerhouse figure in country music production during the 1960s and 70s. Known for his “polished” or “countrypolitan” sound, Sherrill had worked extensively with both Jones and Wynette on their solo careers. For this duet, however, Sherrill took a more stripped-down approach, aiming to recapture the essence of classic country music.
The song itself is a declaration of love for the traditional style of country singing. The lyrics, delivered in a call-and-response format between Jones and Wynette, express a yearning for simpler times in music. They reminisce about “good old gospel singing” and the emotional power of hymns like “Amazing Grace.” The song also references “good old country preaching” and the communal nature of gathering around music. This focus on storytelling and emotional connection stands in contrast to the more pop-oriented sounds that were gaining traction in country music at the time.
“Good Old Fashioned Singing” was a critical and commercial success. The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, proving that there was still a strong audience for traditional country music. While the song itself didn’t win any major awards, it has become a beloved standard among country music fans and a staple on classic country radio stations. More importantly, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s artistry and their unwavering commitment to the genre they loved.
Video:
Lyrics:
I just love that good old gospel singing
‘I’ll Fly Away’ is my favorite song
I just love that good old time religion
This old world has gone without it much too long Oh, how I love to sing and tell
When they ring those golden bells
And I just can’t stand in one place
When they sing ‘Amazing Grace’ I just love that good old country preaching
This old world has gone without it much too long Yes, I love them good old fashioned gathering
Where all of God’s children came to pray
And oh, how I really miss those old brush arbors
How I wish we had more of these days today Oh, how I love to sing and tell