President George W. Bush Pays Tribute To An Emotional George Jones With Moving Speech

Youtube/CBS

Introducing the 2008 Kennedy Center Honoree, former President George W. Bush paid tribute to George Jones with a moving speech honoring his career and the impart he had on the world country music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRdIf5Q2rZY

“In the unique American art form called country music,” he began. “No voice is more distinctive and no name more respected than George Jones. Garth Brooks said, ‘Anyone who has ever wanted to sing country music, has wanted to sound like George Jones.'”

Taking place at the East Room of the White House, an emotional Jones sat listening the Commander In Chief discuss the immense impact he’s had on the nature of the genre.

“We’ve all heard of great country singer who’ve put 10, 20, 50, or even more songs on the charts,” the President continued. “George Jones has put 167 songs on the charts, and many of them have gone to number one.”

Morgan Freeman, Barbara Streisand, Twyla Tharp, Roger Daltrey, and Pete Townsend all received honors for their contributions to their respective fields that day alongside Jones.

You can watch the moving tribute below.

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About the Author

Jennifer Pernicano

Hi! I'm Jen, a Southern California-based country music fan. One of my favorite things to do is go to a country concert and experience the art of storytelling in person. There truly is nothing else like it!

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