Country great George Jones [ tickets ] turns 72 on Sept. 12, but age hasn't stopped the Texas native from keeping one of the busier tour schedules in the business.

Jones, who already has played dozens of concerts in 2003, will work just as hard through early December, performing at a mix of casinos and theaters.

If anything, Jones--long considered to have one of country music's best voices--is becoming a more reliable performer as he ages. Years ago, he earned the nickname "No Show" because of his previous penchant for canceling shows at the last minute.

"The Gospel Collection," Jones' latest album release, hit stores on April 1. The set was inspired by his near-fatal, alcohol-related 1999 car accident. The two-disc set houses Jones' interpretations of two-dozen spirituals, including "Amazing Grace," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Jones' previous material tended toward more mainstream country.

Georgette, the daughter of Jones and ex-wife Tammy Wynette, will appear as a special guest during Jones' Sept. 18 appearance at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.

In August, Jones announced the release of "George Jones Country Sausage," the slogan for which is "pure pork, no possum." ("The Possum" is another one of Jones' nicknames.) According to a press release, the product is available in about 2,000 U.S. supermarkets. Jones' name also adorns a line of marinades and sauces.