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George Jones Has Strong Words for Carrie and Taylor

George Jones says he's been robbed. Not of his personal belongings, but of something perhaps even more valuable: his role as a country singer.

Referring to some of today's biggest stars, including Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, the country legend tells the Associated Press, "they've stolen our identity." And, he maintains, they need to give it back and move on to another genre. "They had to use something that was established already, and that's traditional country music. So what they need to do really, I think, is find their own title, because they're definitely not traditional country music."

George, who recently spoke out against modern country radio, says he still sees hope in some of the current chart-toppers. "It's good to know that we still do traditional country music. Alan Jackson still does it, so does George Strait. We still have it, and there's quite a few of us that are going to hope that it comes back one of these days."

Current country artists aren't the only ones the Possum is going after. Asked if he would ever branch out into another style of music, like heavy metal or rap, the Hall of Famer lashed out in response. "Rap? That's tacky ... how can you call that music? Now, I love music, too. I love all kinds. I really do. I've got Brook Benton. I like his singing. Ray Charles. I've got an open mind. But now, you can't call rap, talking stuff like that, music. No, no, no, you've got to have another name for that."

The 78-year old, whose career has already spanned six decades, still has one goal for his future ... and it isn't retirement. "Only thing I would like to keep accomplishing is music for my fans and achieving some goals to keep them happy with what I record in the future," says George. "I've done just about everything else. The good Lord's been good to me ... I'm going to enjoy the rest of my life."

George recently released 'A Collection of My Best Recollection' exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. He joins a long list of artists, including Montgomery Gentry, Sara Evans and most recently Alan Jackson who have inked exclusive deals with the restaurant chain.


http://www.theboot.com/2009/11/03/george-jones-carrie-underwood-taylor-swift/