On Billie Jean Jones — the so-called Black Widow of country music, who turned 93 on June 6th — and what a nineteen-year-old's beauty did to the men who saw her
I worked at Johnny’s Pizza in the 80s in Shreve Island neighborhood. She used to order pizzas from us all the time. I was always excited about it. And would make sure the delivery drivers knew she was a special person.
Female beauty is a concept closely pinned to time. Which is to say…in those photos I see a pretty woman who looked like many other pretty women of that era. Not exceptional. I think that car-crashing power in your anecdote is not beauty, per se, but sexiness. She likely exuded that kind of confidence and allure. Men are flummoxed by that.
There is no force on Earth more powerful than a woman with full command of her sexuality. I’d wager it was a little more than Helen’s face that launched those 1000 ships.
Great article, thanks! Billie Jean seems to have been, and to be, a beautiful, intelligent, talented woman. She most certainly does not deserve the handle "Black Widow"!
As for her third husband--my wife and I have a little joke, "everything we know about history, we learned from Johnny Horton."
Interesting piece. Thank you for sharing. As an aside, I never knew that Johnny Horton died in a car crash. I always thought that after his 3 crossover hits, he just faded back into country music and out of mainstream consciousness.
Thank You for this EXCELLENT article, Zach, and the wonderful tribute to Ms Jones. She really was a fine singer in her own right. What a life she led for the times -- not sure I'd call it a life well lived, but live she did to the fullest. I imagine she has stories and memories yet untold ... 93 ... hope she sees 100, if that's what she wishes.
Nicely done sir! Thanks for bringing me something and someone who i had little knowledge of. Sounds like a life marked by tragedy and redemption. Very interesting and a great read. Thanks again. Well done.
Nicely done sir! Thanks for bringing me something and someone who i had little knowledge of. Sounds like a life marked by tragedy and redemption. Very interesting and a great read. Thanks again. Well done.
I worked at Johnny’s Pizza in the 80s in Shreve Island neighborhood. She used to order pizzas from us all the time. I was always excited about it. And would make sure the delivery drivers knew she was a special person.
This is rad! I would be so freaked!
Loved reading this, and glad to learn about her.
A blast to read, thanks. Very glad to hear she’s still kickin and enjoying the fruits
Wow KIHR HOOD RIVER AM RADIO my dad’s favorite station.
Nice!!
Love this. Thanks. I really love the production in these older songs.
Fascinating. Thank you.
Beautiful story, thank you.
Thank you, Chakriya! 😀
Female beauty is a concept closely pinned to time. Which is to say…in those photos I see a pretty woman who looked like many other pretty women of that era. Not exceptional. I think that car-crashing power in your anecdote is not beauty, per se, but sexiness. She likely exuded that kind of confidence and allure. Men are flummoxed by that.
There is no force on Earth more powerful than a woman with full command of her sexuality. I’d wager it was a little more than Helen’s face that launched those 1000 ships.
Agreed. She's purdy. But far from the only one...
Never knew. Thanks.
Greatly enjoyed the article! Never knew anything about her before, but have always enjoyed Johnny Horton's music.
I cause car crashes too when topless, but it’s because of the light reflecting off my pasty white belly
Great article, thanks! Billie Jean seems to have been, and to be, a beautiful, intelligent, talented woman. She most certainly does not deserve the handle "Black Widow"!
As for her third husband--my wife and I have a little joke, "everything we know about history, we learned from Johnny Horton."
Interesting piece. Thank you for sharing. As an aside, I never knew that Johnny Horton died in a car crash. I always thought that after his 3 crossover hits, he just faded back into country music and out of mainstream consciousness.
Thank You for this EXCELLENT article, Zach, and the wonderful tribute to Ms Jones. She really was a fine singer in her own right. What a life she led for the times -- not sure I'd call it a life well lived, but live she did to the fullest. I imagine she has stories and memories yet untold ... 93 ... hope she sees 100, if that's what she wishes.
Wonderful article! Thank you.
Nicely done sir! Thanks for bringing me something and someone who i had little knowledge of. Sounds like a life marked by tragedy and redemption. Very interesting and a great read. Thanks again. Well done.
Nicely done sir! Thanks for bringing me something and someone who i had little knowledge of. Sounds like a life marked by tragedy and redemption. Very interesting and a great read. Thanks again. Well done.