More than a decade has passed since the legendary George Jones left us at 81, but fans of the country icon will soon enjoy a new album showcasing his iconic voice.
It’s been confirmed that a brand-new album titled George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions will be released in the coming weeks. The collection includes 16 songs originally recorded for radio in the 1970s, now resurfaced and brought back to life with enhanced audio quality.
According to Music Universe, the upcoming recordings were originally made for artist promotion and typically completed in one or two takes. Once aired, they were usually discarded by the station. That changed when Thomas Gramuglia, president and executive producer of Country Rewind Records, discovered the original boxed master tapes. With the help of producer Paul Martin, they decided to preserve and restore the recordings.
The songs on the upcoming album are rare finds that haven’t been heard much in the past 50 years. A few well-known tracks featured on the project include classics like “White Lightnin’” and “The Race is On,” while lesser-known songs like “She’s Mine” and “Four-O-Thirty-Three” will also make an appearance
“Music truly is the gift that keeps giving,” Jones’ widow, Nancy, said. “Even after all these years, we’re still releasing new music from George. This collection features sixteen songs, and while some may be familiar hits, these versions are ones you’ve never heard before. I’m thrilled to share them with all of his devoted fans.”
When is The Lost Nashville Sessions Available?
The full album is set to be released on November 15. However, the first track became available today, October 18. A newly restored version of “The Honky Tonk Downstairs,” originally recorded by Jones in 1968 for his album George Jones Sings the Songs of Dallas Frazier, is out now.