George Jones

The country music legend lived like a Southern gentleman.

When your head gives a song more spins than your local radio station, that song becomes what's called an "earworm."

It's a home fit for country music royalty!

On Sept. 12, 1994, Jones had triple bypass surgery, on his 63rd birthday, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

On Aug. 31, 1974, Jones earned a No. 1 hit with his song "The Grand Tour," which was the title track of his 41st studio album.

He knew he would not live to see them born.

He comes by the influence honestly.

What's your No. 1 pick?

Country music is filled with songs proclaiming love and devotion to the United States, but for many artists, their patriotism runs much deeper.

In a 2009 interview, Jones remembered hearing himself on the radio for the first time.

The Boot rounds up a list of 50 country, Americana, alt-country, bluegrass and folk songs that everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime.

Cheers!