NEW YORK – It was the Music City meets the Rocket City and it paid off in the City That Never Sleeps.

“Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,” a tribute to country music legend George Jones performed and recorded in Huntsville, was a big winner in the 45th annual Telly Awards which honor the best in television.

The tribute, which featured some of the biggest names in country music on stage at the Von Braun Center, brought home a Gold statue for Best Music Performance (Television), a Bronze statue for Best Entertainment Program (Television), and a Bronze for Best Live Event & Experience (Television).

“When we started planning this tribute show, we had no idea who we would have on the show, how big it would become, or even if anyone in the television world would want to air a special about George Jones,” said Nancy Jones, executive producer of the program. “We knew we wanted to do something very special to honor George on the 10th anniversary of his passing, but we really didn’t know if anyone would come.

“To my surprise and everyone else’s, we pulled off something really special, and winning these awards just proves what we did was special.”

Artists including Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna, Jamey Johnson, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Sam Moore, Sara Evans, Justin Moore, Joe Nichols, Lorrie Morgan, Uncle Kracker, Gretchen Wilson, Aaron Lewis, Tracy Lawrence, Michael Ray, Tracy Byrd, Blackberry Smoke’s Charlie Starr, Dillon Carmicheal, The Isaacs, T. Graham Brown, Janie Fricke, Tim Watson, and Lisa Matassa all performed songs that Jones made hits.

The audience at the sold-out show at the Von Braun Center had no idea what was coming next. Song after song, hit after hit, those at the concert were left laughing, crying, and singing word after word to what has now become a musical masterpiece.

The special, owned by No Show Productions and the George Jones Estate, was licensed as part of the PBS “Great Performances” series and is airing on local PBS stations.