About the song
George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today”: A Country Music Masterpiece
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a song written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman and recorded by American country music singer George Jones. It was released in September 1980 as the second single from his album I Am What I Am. The song tells the story of a man who goes to a funeral and learns that the deceased man had stopped loving his wife the day she died. The song’s powerful lyrics and Jones’s emotional performance made it a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Background and Recording
The song was written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman in 1979. Braddock was inspired to write the song after attending the funeral of a friend. He was struck by the fact that the friend’s wife was so grief-stricken, and he wondered how long it would take for her to stop loving her husband. Braddock and Putman wrote the song in about 30 minutes.
Jones was initially hesitant to record the song. He thought it was too depressing, and he didn’t think it would be a hit. However, his producer, Billy Sherrill, convinced him to record it. Jones recorded the song in one take, and it was released as a single in September 1980.
Critical Reception and Commercial Success
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was a critical and commercial success. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its powerful lyrics and Jones’s emotional performance. The song was also a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male.
Legacy
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is considered one of the greatest country music songs of all time. It has been covered by many artists, including Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, and Brad Paisley. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “Thelma and Louise” and “The Sopranos.”
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a powerful and moving song that tells a timeless story of love, loss, and grief. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed by country music fans for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
“He Stopped Loving Her Today”
He said, “I’ll love you till I die”
She told him, “You’ll forget in time”
As the years went slowly by
She still preyed upon his mind
He kept her picture on his wall
Went half-crazy, now and then
He still loved her through it all
Hoping she’d come back again
Kept some letters by his bed
Dated 1962
He had underlined in red
Every single ‘I love you’
I went to see him just today
Oh, but I didn’t see no tears
All dressed up to go away
First time I’d seen him smile in years
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today
You know, she came to see him one last time
Oh, and we all wondered if she would
And it kept running through my mind
This time he’s over her for good
He stopped loving her today
They placed a wreath upon his door
And soon they’ll carry him away
He stopped loving her today