Introduction:
Country music icon George Jones released a poignant tribute to the genre’s founding fathers with the song “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” in 1985. The song became the title track for Jones’s 45th studio album, also released in 1985 on the Epic Records label. “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” was a commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in mid-1985.
The song, written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, pays homage to country music’s past, specifically mentioning influential figures like Hank Williams, Sr., Jimmie Rodgers, and Elvis Presley. Jones, known for his powerful baritone and expressive delivery, perfectly captures the sentimentality of the lyrics, lamenting the loss of these musical giants and questioning who could possibly replace their immense contributions to the genre.
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” was produced by Billy Sherrill, a longtime collaborator with Jones. Sherrill was a major force behind the countrypolitan sound that dominated Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s, and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” showcases this style with its lush orchestration and prominent backing vocals. However, the song also features a signature Jones touch – the unmistakable steel guitar that adds a layer of twang and heartache to the overall sound.
The impact of “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” extended beyond the music charts. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by David Kershenbaum, won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Video of the Year in 1985. The video features archival footage of the country music legends mentioned in the song, further emphasizing the song’s message of respect and admiration for country music’s foundational artists.
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” stands as a testament to George Jones’s own place in country music history. The song not only honored the genre’s forefathers but also implicitly affirmed Jones’s position as a carrier of their legacy. Even today, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” remains a beloved classic, frequently played on country radio and a staple on many George Jones compilation albums.
Video:
Country music icon George Jones released a poignant tribute to the genre’s founding fathers with the song “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” in 1985. The song became the title track for Jones’s 45th studio album, also released in 1985 on the Epic Records label. “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” was a commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in mid-1985.
The song, written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes, pays homage to country music’s past, specifically mentioning influential figures like Hank Williams, Sr., Jimmie Rodgers, and Elvis Presley. Jones, known for his powerful baritone and expressive delivery, perfectly captures the sentimentality of the lyrics, lamenting the loss of these musical giants and questioning who could possibly replace their immense contributions to the genre.
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” was produced by Billy Sherrill, a longtime collaborator with Jones. Sherrill was a major force behind the countrypolitan sound that dominated Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s, and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” showcases this style with its lush orchestration and prominent backing vocals. However, the song also features a signature Jones touch – the unmistakable steel guitar that adds a layer of twang and heartache to the overall sound.
The impact of “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” extended beyond the music charts. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by David Kershenbaum, won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Video of the Year in 1985. The video features archival footage of the country music legends mentioned in the song, further emphasizing the song’s message of respect and admiration for country music’s foundational artists.
“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” stands as a testament to George Jones’s own place in country music history. The song not only honored the genre’s forefathers but also implicitly affirmed Jones’s position as a carrier of their legacy. Even today, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” remains a beloved classic, frequently played on country radio and a staple on many George Jones compilation albums.