Country music lost one of its legendary talents today with the passing of Jack Greene, who succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 83.
Affectionately nicknamed the “Jolly Green Giant” for his lofty stature, Jack Greene was one of country music’s biggest stars in the late sixties and early seventies, remembered for his classic hits such as “There Goes My Everything” and “Statue of a Fool.” At the very first CMA Awards ceremony in 1967, Jack Greene was one of the biggest winners of the night, winning Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for “There Goes My Everything,” and Album of the Year for his LP of the same name. He had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1967, and was a regular presence on the show up until his retirement in 2011.
In many ways, Jack Greene’s death
feels like the end of an era – truly a huge loss for country music. May the Jolly Green Giant rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of another Legend passing. Mr.Greene was such a wonderful person to work with and learn from. He will be missed by fans and colleagues.
Always liked him, but just recently really got into him & his music. Adored seeing him on Country’s Family Reunion, singing Statue of a Fool & telling ET stories (him & Cal Smith leaving the Troubadours was classic!). At a time when we’re having to fight to keep real Country Music alive more than ever, losses like this are even more heartbreaking. There Goes My Everything AND Wolverton Mountain in less than a week : ( Hillbilly Heaven’s Angel Band is a little sweeter tonight
sorry to hear of the passing of Jack Green. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Jack Greene
Sad news. He was one of the performers at the first grand ole opry show I ever attended about a year and a half ago. He sang the two songs you mentioned and sounded great.
I hate that I never got to see him live. I’ve been to two Opry shows, but he wasn’t on either of them. I heard him many times listening to the show on the radio.
Saw him on the Opry a few times. He was very good and much underated. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Rest in peace dad, we love you !!!
i really loved his music loved statue of a fool the song fits me rest in peace jack
God keep you Jack Greene. There goes my everything sums up my life..
Jack was a country music legend! I had many great memories with him. Rest in Peace Uncle Jack! I Love You!
Jack was a wonderful person as well as a singer and he deserves to be treated with respect as well as his children does.
May you rest in peace and I know Jimmy Elkins along with many others have greeted you at the golden gates.
…on one of my home made samplers of theme songs there’s “that’s why the jukebox never plays home sweet home”. one about honkytonks, which i must have ripped from another sampler, since i don’t own any of his records.
among, dwight, the georges, the keiths, the dougs, diffie, travis & marty and many others, there’s this tune full of witty song title dropping in order to illustrate the prevailing mood of some of the custumors in these places. i always enjoyed hearing it every now and then, because it cleaverly captured one of the essences of country music.
jack greene may musically be remembered best for his now classic country hits, but my favourite remains that lesser one of his. rip.
Jack was still accepting road dates in 2009 and 2010 – I saw him both years and he was still in good voice then
RIP
It is definitely a tragic loss, but we are very fortunate that he recorded at least two great songs that artists of all genres have covered over the years. His legacy will definitely last (IMHO).