He may have been known as "No-Show Jones" earlier in his career, but George Jones was sure to be on time during last weekend’s Kennedy Center Honors. The honors, which are regarded as one of the highest achievements in the arts, pay tribute to the lifetime work of the award recipients. This year’s award recipients included Jones, actor and singer Barbara Streisand, actor Morgan Freeman, choreographer Twyla Tharp and The Who’s Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey. The two-day gala, which brings the glitz of Hollywood and Nashville to Washington D.C., honors the award recipients with lavish parties, performances and toasts from the honoree’s closest friends. Jones was honored by First Lady Laura Bush – the first time a first lady has spoken at the annual event. “As for me, I have been very lucky to walk through this world with my own George, and in that walk we have heard few sounds more lovely than the voice of George Jones,” Bush said. Jones also was honored by Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks. Each performed their own take on a Jones hit. Paisley performed “Bartender’s Blues,” and Travis took on “One Woman Man,” by saying, “The Lord only made one George Jones…probably thought ‘That’s enough. Better stop right there.’” Jackson performed “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and Brooks played what he referred to as “The Possum Medley,” -- “White Lightning,” “The Grand Tour” and “The Race Is On.” Jones, who will celebrate his 40th year as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2009, first hit the charts with “Why, Baby, Why” in 1955. He garnered his first Grammy Award with his signature song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” which was named “All Time Country Song” in 1992. Jones, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, has had more singles than any artist in any musical format with 166 and counting. The 31st Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast on CBS Dec. 30.
