George Jones Talks New Music, Movie Plans

Following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers and Montgomery Gentry, George Jones has struck a deal with Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. 'A Collection of My Best Recollection' will feature 12 of the Possum's best loved hits, including 'White Lightning,' 'Finally Friday' and the award-winning 'He Stopped Loving Her Today,' as well as two previously unreleased tracks -- 'I'm a Long Gone Daddy' and 'I Don't Want to Know.' The CD is available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations.

"They've been a big, big asset for country music and it's getting bigger everyday," George tells The Boot. "They've sold so many records of Dolly's, it showed up No. 9 on the regular charts, and there's nothing that radio can do about that. It's a wonderful thing to see your name pop up in the charts again."

George is excited about fans hearing the two never-before-released tracks. "We rocked up a little bit on a version of 'I'm a Long Gone Daddy' by the late Hank Williams Sr., and I mean it is rockin!'" the music icon says with a smile.

George's wife Nancy describes 'I Don't Want to Know' as "a real tearjerker." Adds George, "It's one of those pretty melody songs that you'll love to listen to."

Both songs were produced by Buddy Cannon, well-known for his work with Kenny Chesney. 'I Don't Want to Know' is George's favorite song on the album. "They never released it because they thought it was 'too country,'" George says of recording it for a previous record company, "but since Cracker Barrel's happy to satisfy the cravings of real country music fans, we're putting it on this record."

The release of 'A Collection of My Best Recollection' coincides with Cracker Barrel's 40th anniversary this year. Look for George to be promoting the release on several national television shows including 'Crook & Chase' (Sept. 3), 'The Late Show with David Letterman' (Sept. 9), 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' (Sept. 11) and 'Huckabee' (Sept. 12).

In other news, Nancy reveals they've been working with a writer on a movie about George's life and are in talks with two companies about making the film. So just who would portray the Possum and his wife? "Johnny Depp would be good," Nancy says, suggesting an actor to play George. "Wynonna's sister, Ashley Judd, she could play me."

"Whoever we get, I want them to be on the road with us and see how you act," George says, looking at his wife of 27 years with a big grin. "Lee Ann Womack could be Tammy. That would be cool."