I have been receiving many calls and emails about my recent employment change with George Jones. I would like to make a statement regarding this:
After 28 years of employment with “The Jones Boys,” I was asked to sign a confidentiality agreement. Not only is it highly irregular for someone with such a lengthy record of employment to be requested to sign a confidentiality agreement, it also contained extremely broad terms that were unreasonable and incredibly restrictive regarding the last 28 years of my life. This is the first legal document I have ever been asked to sign while employed by George Jones. I never worked under any kind of a contract since I joined the band in 1982. This agreement that was drawn up by the Jones’ lawyer would be legally binding for the remainder of my life.
All of the band members were asked to sign the agreement. After carefully considering the advice of my legal advisors and The Nashville Musicians Union, I made the decision not to sign the document. As a result of my decision, I was terminated along with Tom Killen, the other longest serving member in the band. These kinds of choices that life gives us are never easy but I am comfortable with the decision that I made.
I want to thank the friends and fans that have shown an interest in this matter. I will be continuing my work in my recording studio as well as the other musical interests that I have. I am very excited about what this change in my career will mean for me and am looking forward to the future and the opportunities that it will bring.
Kent Goodson
June 30, 2011
Update to Update:
I have been receiving many comments regarding my above statement – some positive, and some negative. While I appreciate all of the support, I would encourage you to please not use this as a forum to be mean-spirited, or to insult either point of view. That is not the purpose of this posting. My only intent was to tell my side of the story and to stay in touch with my friends and fans. I do not wish to become involved in any negativity, or to cause adversity among others.
Kent Goodson — July 13, 2011
Kent God opens doors to opportunities this is your chance to do so. You r very talented an loved by many. You treat everybody the same with love an smile an being just you. The band want ever be the same. But I assure u one thing u have our support an will back u always. The Ky girl who thinks urock!:)
Kent
I agree 100% with Ky Girl. God just unlocked a new door for you and Tom. As you know I made a decision similar sometime back. I thought I’d miss it but after getting good sleep for a change and my life back. I was happy to move on. The memories and events during those 28 yrs was your life too. Roll on Son…the ball is in your hands on Your court.
Take care and may God bless.
Woody
KENT MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR NEW ENDEAVOR AND MAY YOUALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED AND STOOD BEHIND IN ALL YOU DO THE JONES BOYS WILL NEVER SOUND THE SAME YOU ARE A VERY TALKENTED PERSON WE THINK THE WORLD OF YOU AND ALWAYS WILLYOU WERE ALWAYS NICE TO ME AND I THANK YOU AND YOU WERE A LOYAL EMPLOYEE I DO HOPE THEY ALL KNOW BY NOW WHAT THEY HAD THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU BLESSINGS MY FRIEND LET ME HEAR FROM YOU YOUR MERIDIAN MISSISSIPPI GIRL
Kent I support you 100% on your decision not to sign away 28 years of your life .
You and I have been friends for over 20 years and I have never known anyone
with such honesty and integrity as Kent Goodsoon . In my books kent Goodson and Tom Killen were the last of the Jones Boys. Irreplaceable
Brad Walston
Sorry to hear this Kent ! I cannot believe George would allow this to happen, but it’s his loss for sure. Now is your chance to do great things and play with anyone you want. God has bigger plans for you. all the best, Cathy Lee
Thank You for all your contributions to “Real Country Music”.
A great musician like you won’t sit still for long; enjoy your ‘vacation’, because I know you’ll be back on the road or producing more musical projects in no time!
Best of Luck to you and your future endeavors!
-Jose Rivera
Kent, hi. You don’t know me from Adam, and the only thing we have in common is that I have a steel or two sitting in my house. I wouldn’t know, but my first guess is George is being driven by someone else who wants to write his auto for him or release a film. Nobody could be so stupid as to throw away 28 years of friendship and loyalty without somone else driving them could they ? . You have absolutely got the higher ground on this, and my second guess is that you will never look back once the thorns have come out of your side. Moving on can be as quick as you want it to be – so best wishes for your new life – why not come over here to the other side of the pond and show us Brits how to do it properly sometime !
Sorry about the gig. But it lasted a long time for both you and Tom. The only comment I’ll make about the “issue” is that I’m working with one of Jones’ ex band managers and hear about things that happened during his time there.
Hi Kent,
Just want to let you know I support you all the way in this decision. You did the right thing!
Wishing you many blessings to come.
Danny Raymond
Wow what is the music industry coming to ? I havn’t heard George sing lately but from what i hear he needs all the help he can get ! George has long time been one of my favorite singers along with Haggard ,and some of the older singers . I have heard that when some of the great steel players get a little age on them that they will be replaced . I havn’t heard and negative talk about other players . I don’t understand the ” private thing ” ,are the stars now doubling as secret agents ? What secrets could there be in the music industry ??? You play ,sing and play sing ,etc … Someone will have to enlighten me i suppose ! Anyway i wish the best to you and Tom . G.P.
Hi Kent
Long time no see, I miss the times in the Nashville area.
Brad told me what went down. I don’t blame you one bit for not signing something as ridiculous as that. Me and Brad and my mom are behind you 100%.
Kent,
Sorry to hear about the sour deal that was handed to you, I would have done the same by not signing the document. Sometimes legal issues and lawyers need to step out of the picture, they’ve got their noses stuck in everyones’ bizness.
Best be with you’
Rich
Hi Kent. to bad it had to go down that way,but i’am sure you and Tommy will not have any proublum finding work i met tom a few times when you guys were here in Nova Scotia.and to say the least you guys are awesome musicians.and for 28 years gave everyone that George Jones sound. Thank you
Kent – I got an email from Bobbe Seymour mentioning about a raw deal you got from the jones organization ( notice the small letter j ) I believe I know what the problem is. I never did like that guy for many reasons and this is now another one. Besides, i am a steel player (since 1950) Am now 87 years old, been around, still play steel and I know a raw deal when I see one. Go for other things my friend, it’s all out there for you. Yes, decent things happen to decent people. Am a World War II combat infantryman, so I have been around and know that good things do happen to REAL people. A friend from Montana. Louis
Kent , you have made a wise decision that you will not regret .Good luck to you and Tom both.
I am sure many good things will be waiting for the both of you.
Delbert
Kent, Tom, I have been in broadcasting since 1958 and have watched both of you all the years you played for George. I have had visits with both of you over the years and were always so loyal to George even during the no show days. I can’t understand their thinking or their attorneys thinking about asking you to sign a confidentiality ageement, knowing if you didn’t sign it would give you both the opertunity to tell all. You two guys were the Jones Boys because you knew everything he wanted and you both gave it and most of all being loyal. You both have a lot of fans that will be disapointed when George comes to your home town to do our fair. I have had many calls about your dismissal, no one understands it. It can be blamed on someone else, but the buck stops with the man you played and stood behind for almost thirty years. He will be able to find a key board and steel player, but he won’t find a Kent or Tom. I will still play his music, he is a legend, but am very disapointed in their decesion. You both will soar. Ever thought about writing a book? The Cuz
Hey Carl
Haven’t thought of you in years. I guess you are still in the Boothill area. I used to listen to you when I lived on the TN side of the big muddy. Always loved your show.
Woody Woodruff
Cowboy Poet/Humorist/Actor/etc
Wish you the best in any new endeavor yoiu may choose. Things will not be the
same for Jones any more. I think you made the right choice. I played steel for many
many years but never came close to your talent. I am; now 89 years old and still
love everything you have done. KEEP GOING
Hi Kent,
I’ve seen George Jones recently and the best thing he had was his band. Without you he has lost a very good talent. Who can say why he doesn’t retire except that it is sad to watch someone who had so much talent perform so badly because of his declining health. As far as the confidentiality agreement, that just shows how despirate they are to keep the truth about George from his fans. Good luck and at least you got out before the fall.
kent wishing you the best of luck we love you you are a good friend
I just want to say I have been friends with both parties for years an remain neutral here for George’s music I’ve listened to for years growing up as a child an met Nancy years ago an stayed in touch thru the years an as far as Kent we all know I’m a Kent fan! Peoples differences are between them not me!!! I pray God will bless both of them an watch over them an protect them. My daddy taught me if you can’t say anything nice dont say anything at all. I think if people post here they should put their last name as well keeps down the racket of confusion. If u say it stand behind it. Putting others down only belittles u in case u didn’t know that.
I am sure that you would not stay with any group for 28 years that you didn’t love and respect each of them. I am also sure that George Jones would not have kept you in the group if you were not an extremely talented and gifted performer. As with all things, they change. Regardless of the reason, this does give you the chance to do different things. In my opinion you are a very young man…
I don’t see how anyone could limit what you do, only you can do that. Best of luck to you and your family.
Kent, I find truth still today of my Father’s words that you’ll never ever truly know the people you work for nor can you ever trust them completely. I can say that I am grateful that I met this man Kent Goodson and he has remained a damn great friend to me. I have seen his loyalty and professionalisim first hand. His record stands before me. Oh and Kent I won’t ask ya to sign anything bout us and our endeavours. LOL…. Love ya man!
Don’t you love people who want to change the existing relationship with new rules? Good luck on your new life. I worked for an architect for 26 years and when they changed the chairman, I was out.
It took me a few years to realise it, but i’m much better off now and should have left years ago.
Good luck comes to good people.
Kent, I have known you since before Kindergarten. And have met Tom about 6-8 times in the past 25 years through you. Your character has always been sterling in my eyes. While I regret the hurtful way that your time with GJ has ended (really, why ask that of 28 years of loyalty??), I do agree with Romans 8:28. So I do know that there are wonderful things ahead . . . for all involved.
Thanks for all your years of hard work and talent. You too, Tom! I have to tell you that all those shows were great! It took you all to produce them.
Now, on to the future! It’s gonna be great!
Love,
Margaret
it really is a shame that it had to end that way after so many years. it seems that if geo couldn’t trust you he wouldn’t have kept you in the band so long. i can’t imagine what else there is to say that could be worse than what has already been told over the years. you are a good piano player and i’m sure you will find other singers in the country music. , Love Lois
I admire you and your gift from god, MOVE on and up. The future is yours to hold and to share with us all. Waiting for that moment. Little old Steel guitar Player in Idaho.
Hi Kent,
With all your talents in music, especially songwriting we will be hearing and seeing great things from you in the near future. A friend always.
Gail
Kent, it’s all such a shame for you and Tom Killen. I can see all sides of this issue (the Jones organization’s too) but ultimately I would -not- have signed any confidentiality agreement either. Hey, It was 28 years of your life and times, and you and Tom saw what you saw. The great irony is you two will probably never “violate” the desired terms of the agreement the rest of your life… but, if you do, make the book a good one. Haha. Seriously, though, best of luck to you and Tom.
-Ghost
PS: Joe West is better musician than MLB umpire.
Go Nats!
Kent
Its obvious you are a monster on the keys! You are also the most loyal person I know you and always the constant professional! Any organization is lucky to have you!
Kent,
I wish you the best as always, you are a great person and I wont forget being in Nashville as a young artist years ago going to that Jones show when I met you and Ron. You invitied me to your home with Ron and The Cousin to hear Ron cut “When the Red Leaves The Roses”. I’m still greatful for that experience your hospitality and kindness.
Eddie Lee
Kent,
You and Tom are a part of a much bigger plan!
You two were probably the most dedicated players George ever employed.
I wish you both the very best, and God bless you both
Love ya, Buddy!
Kent and Tom.
Gonna miss hearing ya Play. sorry things worked out the way it did. 28 yrs with the king of country aint a bad record, not a bad record for anyone. you were chosen because your both special. Good luck too you both.
Your incredible Musicians you make magic happen through your fingers, painters have brushes potters have clay you have Instruments and notes, together with lyrics and a voice you all make a magical sound, many people only wish they could do. best of luck too you both. Hope to hear from you in the future. Rock On!
Sorry to hear about this Kent,have seen you perform several times,and your as good as it gets,prayers for you ,for God to open doors,that you need. My son is on his 3rd CD and Nashville is cut throat,promised the world,then it blows up in a split second.Just remember when God closes 1 door he opens up another.
Kent,
Exciting news about your new career. Now you become “Chief.” When I finish my current Jazz CD,I want you to produce a Country CD on me. From the heart son.
Straight Ahead,
BC