“The Possum ,” his nickname after giving up drinking 20 years ago, says he plans to finally retire from touring in 2013. In a message on his website, George, who will turn 81 in September, says, “It is tough to stop doing what I love, but the time has come.” George has a wild past that at one point earned him the nickname “No Show Jones.” But he also has 14 Number One records under his belt, starting way back in 1959 with “White Lightning” and he’s recorded hundreds of timeless gems as “She Thinks I Still Care,” “A Good Year for The Roses,” “Choices,” “The Cold Hard Truth,” and, of course, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” READ MORE: NYC Ramping Up COVID Testing Capacity As Omicron Fears And Holiday Plans Lead To Record DemandĪll this makes the news that Jones will be saying farewell in one last “Grand Tour” more than a little bittersweet. He doesn’t just sing, he gets inside the lyrics, turning the simplest words into something gut-wrenching. mikerosengarten.Few would argue that Texas-born artist George Jones is one of the greatest country music legends of all time, thanks to his gorgeous voice, unique vocal style (he can pull single words apart like pieces of taffy), and impeccable sense for ear-catching honky-tonk. He has the greatest family and friends a guy could ask for, and would really like to get a dog but his landlord won’t allow it. A NY native, Mike currently lives in Astoria, Queens. He also plays regularly with several bands, and is an instructor with NY Guitar Teachers ( ). Mike has performed in over 60 plays and musicals as either a musician or actor, on Broadway and off, on national and international tours, and on regional stages across the country.
Mike knows how to play the accordion, but chooses not to.
MIKE ROSENGARTEN (Lead Guitar) is proud to be a part of The Grand Tour! He is the true definition of a gentleman. Although he lives in the big city, Mike looks forward to the day he moves out to the country to live good ol’ fashioned ranch life. He’s performed in cabarets with Barb Jungr, Tracy Stark, and Brad Simmons. Mike is currently the drummer on the Broadway National Tour of Chicago, and played for the 68th Annual Tony Awards. MIKE LUNOE (Percussion) is a classically trained percussionist and drummer who likes to boogie. He’s thrilled and honored to be playing the music of George Jones. He has toured as an actor and musician on three National Tours including Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story, and performed in hundreds of music and theatre venues from coast to coast as well as in Canada, Alaska, and overseas. ĪNDREW CROWE (Fiddle/Keyboard) entered the world of music as a classical violinist but he underwent a miraculous conversion in his twenties, saw the light, and is now proud to call himself a genuine fiddle player. When he’s not leading a band with The Grand Tour, he’s acting in a show, doing stand-up comedy, or writing music.
“Red” comes from New York City, where he has led bands for musical events featuring Lena Hall ( Hedwig on Broadway), Eric Summers ( Motown, Wedding Singer), Julius Thomas III ( Motown), Chris Jackson ( In the Heights), and many others. He has directed music and led bands all over the country including: Stand by Your Man (2 national tours), Ring of Fire (Director, MD, all over the country), live appearances by Broadway singer Felicia Finley, live appearances by Carrie Tillis, and many theatrical, rock and country performances. The rest, as they say, is history.ĬHRIS “RED” BLISSET (Musical Director/Arranger/Bass/Harmonica/Lap Steel) loves leading Larry’s band.
A professional actor since childhood, Larry took on the role of the Ol’ Possum for the national tour of Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story in 2004, and has been playing at playing “No Show” ever since. Jones, “His are mighty big shoes to fill, but if I put enough tissue paper in the toe, they seem to not hurt my feet so much.” As a lifelong fan of REAL country music, Larry has played in country and rock bands since his teen years, playing such places as New York’s venerable Carnegie Hall as well as its infamous CBGB’s. LARRY TOBIAS (Lead Singer/Creator/Acoustic Guitar) is thrilled and delighted to bring this music and the legacy of George Jones to audiences all across the world.