The Road Traveled

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

My friends know that I stopped playing more than a year ago because of a special family circumstance. That problem is now under control, but because of an absence of motivation to play any longer and my age of 72, I have decided to retire permanantly from active playing.

Before going, I have updated my web-site to include a new page, "The Road Traveled", a summary of my 60 years in the music world.

You are invited to visit and to share some of those experiences with me.

In friendship and good wishes to all,

Gene Jones www.genejones.com

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

DONT DO IT Cowboy

You are going have a little girl and her grandpop missing you.

Think it over.You still have much to offer.

Roy Ayres · From: Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Gene:

I am sad to hear that you have decided to retire from music – and even sadder to hear that you are no longer motivated to play. I know that each of us has his own reasons for doing what we do, and I respect your decision, although it saddens me. I know you must have given the decision much thought. I certainly hope you continue to post on the Forum, as your posts are always intelligent and inspiring. And. if you ever decide to pick up the steel again, you will make a lot of your fans happy -- including Jody Carver, his granddaughter, Casey, and myself.

Your friend,

Roy

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

I could say Old Friend but that might misinterpeted because to me, you are in every sense of the word A New Friend !

I know in every word you posted, what you are doing because you and all of our friends were with me earlier in this year when I realized what you now know. We have shared a long and troubled trail but I also know, as you do now, it was worth every step of the way. I've been gone from it for six months and those memories and this Forum are what keep me alive. Be well and know that there are many more stories and memories to be recalled.

Warmest Regards, Paul

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Gene, don't quit actively playing that steel guitar. You gotta keep going.

You say you're not motivated. I know what you mean. But 72 is young and I wish that I was 72.
On Dec. 10, I will be 82 years old, and I am not motivated like I used to be, expecially after 67 years of playing. However, I'll still play the old tunes for the Seniors at the community center. They still like to dance, and they enjoy it. So if they like it, I'm happy.

So, think about it Gene, I have heard a couple of your sound clips and you are too good a player and musician to quit now. Try it for another 10 years.......al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

What a wonderful trip down memory lane, Gene-great job- it was really a pleasure reading your musical autobiography!

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Gene
You see all what these fella's think of you?,look at what they said, If you stop playing,I'll stop tellin all those loooooong stories,and would you want that???

I had something told to me a looooong time ago.

We Dont Stop Playing Because We Get Old.
We Get Old Because We Stop Playing.

Keep on Playing..

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Gene, I will never have, what you are about to give up, and that is a gift. Not a gift that is just handed to you, but a gift that has come with years of practice, playing, and life experience. To give this up completely, is to give up a part of your life. If I had that gift, I would keep it.

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best.

David Wright · From: Pilot Point ,Tx USA.

Gene,
What a great life you've had with steel guitar, good luck with were ever your retirement takes you, I don't think you'll be to far from steel guitar !!!!!!it has been such a big part of your life......
Take care my friend and hope to see you soon............

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DavidWright.us

M.S.A. Millennium

S-12 9 & 6

Bb is where it's at!

Peavey-2000-PX-300

John P. Phillips · From: Folkston, Ga. U.S.A., R.I.P.

Gene, Gene, Gene, Are you gonna let those heartfelt reviews that I gave your CD's go for naught? WE expect to see more of them come available in the future. And besides, if you totally quit, I'll never be able to collect what Jody promised me for writing them. (just kidding) You want ole Jody to become a deadbeat steeler? hehe.
Seriously tho, we all respect your decision and wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. love ya man !!

(edited to say, There goes my hopes of being a singing star, I lost my steel player. BOO-HOO ! )
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JUST 'CAUSE I STEEL, DON'T MAKE ME A THIEF

[This message was edited by John P.Phillips on 15 November 2003 at 10:11 PM.]

Tony Davis · From: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Hey Gene My Friend.....you're still young...you have given pleasure to many..dont give up...even if it is just saying to young ones.."Look.....you just flatten this note..makes it a minor..listen to this raise this and it makes an augmented..leading to.........you know it is so much easier to make the sound and then do it on paper!
I have also had many years on the road with my band and had enough....but please still offer your knowledge of music to whoever needs it...it is a gift and lets not lose it!
Your Buddy Tony

Chuck McGill · From: An hour from Memphis and 2 from Nashville, R.I.P.

Gene
These stories and pics are great. I love to hear and see what's gone before.It makes me feel like a part of it. Thanks

[This message was edited by Chuck McGill on 16 November 2003 at 06:32 AM.]

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

One More Time

DONT QUIT.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

Thanx for Trip down Memory Lane Gene

i'm sure you don't mean to say that you won't have a Steel Guitar or PSG round the house right ?
so i'm sure you'll still be pickin' and before you know it you'll make an exception of your decision
All the Best to Ya' Gene

Jerry Horner · From: Tahlequah, OK, USA

Gene.
I won't ramble on here about you because after almost 50 years, I think you know how I feel about our friendship. I will only say that I wish you and Charlotte the very best of everything. You both have it coming.

Jerry

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

Please accept my appreciation and thanks to all who have commented herein and by private e-mail with kind words of encouragement. That means more than you know.

...but, I do need to clarify the term I used, "permanant retirement from active playing". That only meant that I am not going to "accept work anymore for compensation". Nothing else will change.

I actually stopped playing in May of last year when my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I cancelled my pending jobs and have accepted none since. However, now that she is doing much better it was time for me to decide if I was going back to work and I have decided not to work in the future, thus the term "retirement"......but I expect nothing else to change!

.....I have no hidden agenda - I am happy with my life and circumstances!

.....My rig will remain set-up in my music room for when and if I choose to "doodle" around with it!

.....I am in excellant health!

.....My wife is supportive of whatever I decide to do about music!

.....I will continue to monitor the Forum and stay in touch with the good friends I have found through the Forum!

Because I derive much of my inspiration from others, I am closing with this quote from one of my heros......

"Youth is not a period of time. It is a state of mind, a result of the will, a quality of the imagination, a victory of courage over timidity, of the taste for adventure over the love of comfort. A man doesn't grow old because he has lived a certain number of years. A man grows old when he deserts his ideal. The years may winkle his skin, but deserting his ideal wrinkles his soul. Preoccupations, fears, doubts, and despair are the enemies which slowly bow us toward earth and turn us into dust before death. You will remain young as long as you are open to what is beautiful, good and great; receptive to the messages of other men and women, of nature and of God. If one day you should become bitter, pessimistic, and gnawed by despair, may God have mercy on your old man's soul."

General Douglas MacArthur

www.genejones.com

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Eleoquently said by Gen. Doug Mac Arthur and
echoed by an eloquent and wonderful father, human being and friend all rolled up into one

Keep those CD's alive and my best as always
to the "Class" of this Forum. My friend GENE
JONES
And may God guide you through your future years..My best to Charlotte.

Be Well Cowboy.

dont stray too far.

Ernest Cawby · From: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Gene I do not know you personally but have read many of your post so full of good advice, thank you kindly.
I WILL be 73 Nov. 22. I travel 350 miles a week playing for seniors, for thier enjoyment and dancing pleasure, and love every minute of it and like you do not intend to quit, till that last gig. I quit playing paid gigs when I left the Hayride in 1950, and do not plan to go back to that life. I know where you are comming from.
Have great time with your decision and pray you enjoy life and happenness to the fullest.

ernie

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · From: Denham Springs, LA. USA

That is no excuse Gene. I am 75 and they are gonna have to pull that steel out of my clutching fingers to bury me. After a while you're gonna want to fiddle with it again so don't go and sell everything. It's not over till it's over buddy. Anyhow it's a great hobby.

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

My sincere thanks again for the words of encouragement from my Forum friends. My guitar is plugged-in and ready when I become motivated again. The last time I lost interest and quit it took me 14 years to start over......I sure hope it doesn't take that long this time!

www.genejones.com

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Gene, that quote from the General sure hits home and is so true. Stay young at heart and you won't go wrong. Happy Thanksgiving to all, we have so much to be thankful for.....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Bob Carlson · From: Surprise AZ.

Gene, March 3rd i'll be 72 and I know just how you feel. That steel feels like it gained at least 30 pounds.

Nice web site and it looks like the world has been kind to you. Enjoy it.

That might have been you playing steel for Bobby Barnett when he played in Flagstaff. He was up there for three months or so playing the honky tonks.

Bob

[This message was edited by Bob Carlson on 27 November 2003 at 09:04 AM.]

Rick Schmidt · From: Prescott AZ, USA

Dear Gene (and all the rest of our more experienced members...Al, Jody et all)...

Today being Thanksgiving, I'd just like to say how much I appreciate reading all your wisdom and facinating posts here on b0b's forum! Thank you all so much!!! I'm fortunate that my mom Livvy Taylor(stage name),is still an inspired 82 year old jazz pianist. When I say that she is heavily rooted in Art Tatum, I'm not exagerating one bit. She's played professionally almost her entire life, and even though her fingers are almost deformed with arthritis, she still plays circles around most guys my age. When you truly have music in you, it will always find some way to come out and make life more meaningful for all of us. Thanks again & happy Thanksgiving!

Rick

p.s. Loved the "ruminations" page on your website Gene! Great stuff!

[This message was edited by Rick Schmidt on 27 November 2003 at 09:54 AM.]

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