Grand Ole Opry Star Jack Greene Passed Away
Country Music has lost one of the legendary greats of all time. Grand Ole Opry Star, Jack Greene passed away yesterday at approximately 6PM-CST at the age of 83 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Saying that we will miss Jack Greene will never cover the hurt of his passing, but in our hearts we know that he no longer will have any pain, as he will walk the Golden Streets of Heaven with His Creator, who has called him home.
The Jolly Green Giant as most of us know him in the country music industry, had been battling health issues for some time. It is most difficult at this sad time to put into words eloquently enough the life and career of Jack Greene’s. He has given so much to our music industry and to the millions of country music fans all over the world. What he has meant to country music, is almost impossible to say what is in our hearts at this time. Jack is one of the kindest human beings that I have ever known in my life.
Jack was born a superstar and that will be his legacy forever. Surely his crowning glory will be when he enters the Hall of Fame rotunda as a member. I was honored to be at Jack’s 83rdbirthday party and I had the opportunity to hear him sing one last time, although I have all of his music for my memories. Then I went to see Jack this past Tuesday and I am so glad that LeeAnn called and asked me to stop by and see my friend. As usual when I got ready to leave I told Jack that I loved him, and he said “Love you too Brother.” Little did I realize that this would be the last words that I would speak to him and I was really saying goodbye to a dear friend. I know that he is in the peaceful arms of our Blessed Savior as his earthly chores have been completed.
I am sure that Jack will be spending time with his mentor Ernest Tubb and we all know that E.T. no doubt will make sure that Jack is in the heavenly band.
Over 40 years of thrilling millions of fans worldwide during his career, and being in the country music history books forever by reaching his pinnacle of success in 1967. Jack won every major award from the CMA that year including Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Song of the Yearfor “There Goes My Everything.” I do not think any artist in my lifetime will ever climb the mountain of success that belongs to Jack Greene only. He conquered the tallest mountain in country music, that could only be reached by this Giant of a Man.
I hope that he looks down on us and knows that his spirit is within us, his music will live with us, and the memories that he has left will always be with us.He was a gentle man of conviction, love for his fellow man, love of his music and the Grand Ole Opry Family, and the love of his Father in Heaven.
I will miss you Jack, but I thank you for being my friend, a real true friend. You are a priceless treasure to all that know you, and you have given so much to so many-now Rest in Peace. You will be missed by all of us who have been privileged to call you friend, and have no fears, you have left a platinum legacy for us to follow. “I Love You Brother.”
Marty Martel©
*At this time I have no information from on funeral arrangements or memorial service and as soon as I know I will send it to everyone.
I appeared on several shows with Jack Greene and also on national TV shows. I always loved his music and was honored to recieve endorsements from this great country music legend throughout the years. I send prayers to the family of Jack Greene. He was the best.