GEORGE JONES UNIVERSITY TO OPEN IN MARCH

Country legend GEORGE JONES' lessons in life are set to be taught at a new Nashville, Tennessee university dedicated to the singer. Students attending the George Jones University will be given a "no-nonsense, straight-ahead" education about "the basics of how the music industry works", according to the new concept's press information. The first lessons will take place in March (07) at a venue to be confirmed. Nashville music industry veteran TANDY RICE, Jones' wife NANCY and tour merchandising executive MATTHEW WILKES will be among the first teachers. Rice insists Jones himself is not expected to lead any classes: "This is not about George but about lessons learned the hard way. It's about life lessons he wishes he'd known when he fell into the industry."