Introduction:
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones is not merely a song; it is a cornerstone of country music, widely regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, country song ever recorded. Its profound lyrical depth, combined with George Jones’s unparalleled vocal delivery, transformed it into a timeless masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries and continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release. The song’s history is as compelling as its narrative, marked by initial skepticism, legendary perseverance, and ultimately, an undeniable triumph that revitalized the career of a troubled superstar and cemented his legacy as “The Possum,” the greatest male vocalist in country music history. It’s a ballad of enduring, albeit tragic, love that uses the ultimate metaphor to convey unwavering devotion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
- Year Released: 1980 (single released April 14, 1980)
- Album: I Am What I Am
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was released as the lead single from George Jones’s album I Am What I Am in 1980. The album itself was released on September 8, 1980, on Epic Records. This period was a critical juncture in Jones’s career, as he had been battling severe personal issues, including drug and alcohol addiction, which had significantly impacted his recording output and public image. His solo career had seen a decline in chart success in the years leading up to 1980, making the success of this song all the more miraculous and impactful.
The song was written by two of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman. Despite its eventual iconic status, the song faced considerable resistance, particularly from Jones himself. When producer Billy Sherrill first presented the demo to Jones in 1978, Jones reportedly disliked it immensely. He found it too long, too sad, too depressing, and believed that “nobody would ever buy that morbid son of a bitch.” Jones famously struggled with the melody, often singing it to the tune of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” during recording sessions, much to Sherrill’s frustration.
The recording process for “He Stopped Loving Her Today” was arduous, spanning over 18 months. A key element of the song, the spoken-word passage near the end, was reportedly recorded much later than the initial verses due to Jones’s unreliable attendance at recording sessions. Braddock and Putman had to rewrite parts of the song multiple times at Sherrill’s insistence, particularly the ending, to ensure the narrative’s full impact. Sherrill’s unwavering belief in the song’s potential, despite Jones’s initial disdain and personal struggles, proved to be a pivotal factor in its creation. He saw the raw emotion and storytelling power that Jones could bring to the lyrics, even when Jones himself couldn’t. This legendary struggle to record the song only adds to its mystique and the profound impact it ultimately had.
Genre of Music:
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is the epitome of traditional country music, showcasing elements of both the classic honky-tonk ballad and a profound, almost operatic, storytelling approach. It is often cited as the “quintessential country song” because it embodies the genre’s core characteristics with unparalleled depth and authenticity:
- Heartfelt Storytelling: The song tells a tragic yet deeply romantic story of a man whose love for a woman endures beyond his lifetime. The narrative unfolds with a clear, concise plot, using vivid imagery and emotional progression. It’s a masterclass in lyrical economy, conveying immense feeling without excessive words.
- Traditional Instrumentation: The musical arrangement is classic country, featuring prominent steel guitar, fiddle, piano, and a steady, unobtrusive rhythm section. These instruments create a somber, melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s theme. The production, overseen by Billy Sherrill, is rich and layered, yet never overshadows Jones’s voice.
- Emotional Vocal Delivery: George Jones’s performance on this song is legendary. His voice, often described as one of the most expressive in music history, conveys every nuance of pain, longing, and finality. His delivery is raw, vulnerable, and utterly convincing, making the listener believe every word. The subtle cracks and inflections in his voice are not imperfections but rather convey the deep emotional scars of the protagonist, making his performance a benchmark for country vocalists.
- Theme of Enduring Love and Loss: The central theme revolves around a love so profound that it can only end with death. It’s a dark yet ultimately romantic exploration of devotion, loss, and the unyielding nature of certain affections. This theme resonates deeply with the human experience, making the song universally powerful despite its specific country setting.
- The Spoken Word Passage: The iconic spoken-word section, where the narrator reveals the woman’s final visit to the funeral, is a dramatic and effective storytelling device common in traditional country music. It adds a layer of theatricality and emotional punch that elevates the song beyond a simple ballad.
Achievements:
The achievements of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” are immense and far-reaching, solidifying its place as one of the most important songs in American music history:
- Chart Success: Despite Jones’s initial doubts, the song became a massive commercial success. It shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in July 1980, becoming Jones’s first solo number-one single in six years. Its success propelled the I Am What I Am album to platinum status, a significant achievement for Jones at that point in his career. The week after Jones’s death in 2013, the song re-entered the Hot Country Songs chart at No. 21, demonstrating its enduring popularity and emotional resonance.
- Major Industry Awards: “He Stopped Loving Her Today” swept the major country music awards:
- Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980.
- Academy of Country Music (ACM) Single of the Year and Song of the Year in 1980.
- Country Music Association (CMA) Song of the Year in both 1980 and 1981, a rare back-to-back win.
- Career Revival: Most significantly, the song is widely credited with revitalizing George Jones’s flagging career. As Jones himself famously stated, “a four-decade career had been salvaged by a three-minute song.” Its success led CBS Records to renew his contract and sparked renewed interest in his music, ushering in a period of sustained success for the artist.
- Cultural Preservation: In 2008, the 1980 recording of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones was inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. This prestigious honor recognizes recordings that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and ensures their preservation for future generations.
- “Greatest Country Song” Status: The song has consistently been ranked as the “greatest country song of all time” in numerous polls and critical surveys. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at No. 142 on its 2021 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and No. 4 on its list of the “100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.” Its profound impact and universal acclaim are a testament to its artistic brilliance.
- Enduring Legacy: “He Stopped Loving Her Today” became George Jones’s signature song and is so intrinsically linked to his artistry that few singers dare to cover it. Those who do often do so as a tribute to Jones’s masterful original, acknowledging its untouchable status. Its narrative power and emotional honesty continue to define the pinnacle of country music songwriting and performance.
In conclusion, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” released in 1980 on George Jones’s I Am What I Am album, is a monumental achievement in traditional country music. Penned by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, its creation was a testament to producer Billy Sherrill’s vision and Jones’s raw, incomparable talent, despite his initial reluctance. The song’s chart-topping success, numerous awards, and its role in single-handedly reviving Jones’s career cemented its status as the quintessential country song. Its enduring legacy, recognized by its preservation in the National Recording Registry and its consistent ranking as the greatest country song ever, ensures that its powerful narrative of eternal love and loss will continue to move listeners for generations to come.