NASHVILLE—The man generally regarded as the greatest living country singer is planning an extensive return to touring for the year 2001.

Sixty-nine-year-old George Jones, who almost died in a car wreck in March of 1999, had recovered sufficiently from his injuries to sing at Fan Fair in June of that year and has performed sporadically since.

Jones has scheduled 54 dates for 2001 and a representative for the singer said additional dates would be added.

Tour dates for George Jones are as follows:

January 20; Paducah, Kentucky; Executive Inn

January 26 & 27; Robinsonville, Mississippi; Sam's Town

February 2; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Brady Theatre

February 3; Fort Worth, Texas; Billy Bob's

February 4; San Antonio, Texas; San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

February 6; El Paso, Texas; Abraham Chavez Theatre

February 7; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kiva Auditorium

February 9 & 10; Las Vegas, Nevada; Sam's Town Casino

February 11; Salt Lake City, Utah; Abravanel Hall

February 13; El Cajon, California; E County Performing Arts Center

February 14; Cupertino, California; Flint Center

February 16; San Rafael, California; Marin Center

February 17; San Bernardino, California; California Theatre of Perf. Arts

February 18; Phoenix, Arizona; Celebrity Theatre

February 20; Amarillo, Texas; Amarillo Civic Ctr.

March 1; Plant City, Florida; Strawberry Festival

March 3; Silver Springs, Florida; Silver Springs Park

March 15; Williamsport, Pennsylvania; To Be Announced

March 16; Bristol, Tennessee; To Be Announced

March 17; Chattanooga, Tennessee; To Be Announced

March 29; Dayton, Ohio; Ervin J. Nutter Center

March 30; Louisville, Kentucky; Palace Theatre

March 31; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Embassy Theatre

April 5; Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; Ramblers Ranch

April 6; Fairfax, Virginia; Patriot Center

April 7; Greensboro, North Carolina; To Be Announced

April 20 & 21 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Alabama Theatre

April 27; Suttons Bay, Michigan; Leelanau Sands Casino

May 31; State College, Pennsylvania; To Be Announced

June 1; Salem, Virginia; To Be Announced

June 2; Knoxville, Tennessee; To Be Announced

June 8; Little Rock, Arkansas; To Be Announced

June 9; St. Charles, Missouri; Family Arena

June 22; Double Springs, Alabama; Looney's Amphitheatre

June 23; McMinnville, Tennessee; Pish-La-Ki Village

August 10; Vicksburg, Mississippi; Ameristar Casino

August 11; Branson, Missouri; Grand Palace

August 17; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; American Music Theatre

August 30; Du Quoin, Illinois; Du Quoin State Fair

September 13 & 14; Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; Soaring Eagle Casino

September 20; Hinckley, Minnesota; Grand Casino Hinckley

September 21; Newtown, North Dakota; Four Bears Casino

September 22; Mahnomen, Minnesota; Shooting Star Casino

September 28 & 29; Renfro Valley, Kentucky; To Be Announced

October 4 & 5; Bossier City, Louisiana; Horseshoe Casino

October 6; Branson, Missouri; Grand Palace

October 19; Biloxi, Mississippi; Grand Casino

October 20; Cumming, Georgia; Lanierland Music Park