Tyler Mahan Coe's biography "Cocaine & Rhinestones: A History of George Jones and Tammy Wynette" provides a comprehensive and unromanticized account of two country music legends. The book delves into the complex lives of George Jones and Tammy Wynette, whose relationship became a defining element of country music history.
George Jones, born on September 12, 1931, in Saratoga, Texas, emerged from an abusive household to become a country music icon. His career was marked by exceptional talent and personal turmoil, earning him the nickname "No Show Jones" due to frequent missed performances. Jones's struggle with alcoholism was a recurring theme throughout his life, impacting both his personal relationships and professional commitments.
Tammy Wynette, born Virginia Wynette Pugh, rose from humble beginnings as a hairdresser to become known as the "First Lady of Country Music". Her 1968 hit "Stand By Your Man" became her signature song and solidified her status as a country music superstar. Wynette's personal life was equally tumultuous, with five marriages and various controversies surrounding her.
The relationship between Jones and Wynette was fraught with drama and substance abuse. They recorded several duets together, including the 1976 hit "Golden Ring", while their tour bus proudly displayed "Mr. and Mrs. Country Music". However, their marriage, which ended in divorce in 1975, was marked by alleged physical abuse and mutual addiction issues.
Coe's book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of their lives. It recounts Jones's descent into "medically diagnosed schizophrenic psychosis" in the late 1970s, living in his car in Nashville. The author also explores Wynette's later years, including her mysterious death in 1998 at age 55 and the subsequent wrongful death lawsuit filed by her daughters against her last husband.
"Everybody loves to root for an underdog, even if he's truly only fighting against himself."
"Cocaine & Rhinestones" goes beyond the personal stories of Jones and Wynette, offering a broader historical and cultural context. It explores the early days of country music, the influence of producers like Owen Bradley and Billy Sherrill, and various cultural elements that shaped the genre.
The biography serves as a work of cultural anthropology, presenting a measured and detailed account of two complex individuals who left an indelible mark on country music. Coe's approach demythologizes the often-romanticized narrative surrounding Jones and Wynette, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of their lives and legacies.
George Jones, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 81, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His 1980 hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is widely regarded as one of the greatest country songs ever recorded. Tammy Wynette's impact on the genre remains significant, with her music often representing a particular stereotype of resilient women in country music narratives.
Tyler Mahan Coe's "Cocaine & Rhinestones" stands as a comprehensive and unsparing portrait of two country music legends, offering readers a deeper understanding of the personal struggles and artistic triumphs that defined their careers and shaped the landscape of country music.