Jones performed at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton seven months ago
George Jones NASHVILLE, Tenn. – George Jones, the peerless, hard-living country singer who recorded dozens of hits about good times and regrets and peaked with the heartbreaking classic "He Stopped Loving Her Today," has died. He was 81.
Publicist Kirt Webster says Jones died Friday at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after being hospitalized with fever and irregular blood pressure.
Known for his clenched, precise baritone, Jones had No. 1 songs in five separate decades, 1950s to 1990s, and was idolized not just by fellow country singers, but by Frank Sinatra, Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello, James Taylor and countless others.
In a career that lasted more than 50 years, "Possum" recorded more than 150 albums and became the champion and symbol of traditional country music, a well-lined link to his hero, Hank Williams.
Jones last performed in Western Massachusetts in September 2012 at the Calvin Theatre in Northampton.
Jones was introduced by backup singer Brittany Allyn, who said he had been sick and "knows you'll understand if you send not 100 percent."
It was evident during the concert that he had lost some power in his voice, as it was hard to hear the vocals at first. However, he was sharp and engaged in stage banter with his band and the audience.
He told the Calvin crowd that modern country artists have a different audience than he had coming up. But he protested that they still should record some of the classic older tunes.
"I understand reaching your audience, but they didn't have to leave us out."
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.