Guitar Stolen in 1962 to Be Returned to George Jones

A guitar stolen 46 years ago from country music legend George Jones will be returned to him by a Texas man who said he bought it from the two teenage boys who took it from a nightclub where Jones was appearing. Larry Berry, of Chandler, Texas, said he has been trying to contact the singer since the 1960s to try to return the instrument.

Berry said the two teenagers, who lived in the same apartment complex with him in Ft. Worth in 1962, wanted $25 for the acoustic Martin-000, but he offered them $10 instead and they accepted it.

The guitar's strap had Jones' name on it with streaks of "White Lightening," one of Jones' early hit songs. Berry said he began trying to contact Jones to return the guitar since the 1960s.

"I've written letters for years and called recording studios trying to find him. You can't believe how hard it's been," Berry told reporters. He said the guitar, one of the first Jones ever owned, is still in excellent shape.

Berry will return the guitar to Jones on June 14 at a performance in Bossier City, Louisiana.

See Also:
Country Singer Jones Getting Stolen Guitar Back

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^{Photo: Michael Buckner / Getty Images}