Country music is constantly slotted as second-class when it comes to the greater American culture, even when it’s more popular than ever like it is now, and more popular than any other genre.
Mark Chesnutt was rushed to the hospital late last week right before he was set to open a show for country group Alabama on October 16th in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is currently recovering at home.
The legendary frontman for Leftover Salmon, Vince Herman, showed up to start ‘The Hook’ off, and then stuck around the whole show to add his songwriting insight and signature humor to the program.
For next year’s festivities June 6th and 7th, 2026, Railbird is once again mining talent from other genres for some of their headliners. But this time it’s from the roots side of indie rock.
Leon Majcen reinvigorates the spirit of the hobo poet, singing what he lives, living what he sings, and experiencing a level of freedom we all wish we had the ability or courage to pursue.
Clay Street Unit has released their first song through new label Leo33 called “Choctaw County,” featuring bluegrass singer/songwriter Lindsay Lou. A debut album is on the way.
Fans are loving the new posthumous release of Waylon Jennings songs called “Songbird.” The appeal for the album is reflected in the sales and streaming numbers for the release so far.
Social media algorithms, AI-generated songs, astroturfed Tik-Tok stars, and all kinds of other hijinks make it harder to find authentic songs from real artists. But that’s all you’ll find on this painstakingly-curated playlist.
Wes Bayliss leaning into his faith might have meant walking away from The Steel Woods. But luckily, it doesn’t mean he’s walking away from music. He’s now released two singles.
It’s time you graduate from “never heard of him” or “sounds familiar” to “he’s my new favorite traditionalist” when it comes to fielding queries about Hayden Baker.
Opportunities are opening up for older artists, many of whom were put out to pasture during the Bro-Country era, or forced to capitulate to the current sound. There might not be a better example than Joe Nichols.
Don’t ever give up on hope in country music, or its most storied institutions. That’s the lesson to draw from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop in downtown Nashville that recently quietly reopened its doors.
The Jackalope Jamboree has just announced their 2026 lineup, and it is a doozie, with Kaitlin Butts headlining Thursday night, Shane Smith & the Saints on Friday, and the Turnpike Troubadours on Saturday.
The pre-sale for the concert officially started on Wednesday morning (10-15) through Seat Geek, and immediately the app and website were crashing, with those getting through experiencing sticker shock.
Not since Caitlyn Smith have we heard this combination of top-caliber songwriting with a superior voice brought to music that can appeal to country and pop fans without losing credibility with either.
2025 hasn’t seen that many breakout artists, in country, or really in music in general. Mountain Grass Unit is one of the exceptions, with guitarist Luke Black feeling like one of the next great American pickers.
It took 100 years, but it finally happened, and for two deserving women of country music. As part of the Grand Ole Opry’s year-long 100th Anniversary celebration, it saw its first induction/invitation.
Due to inclement weather, the sets for the Saturday night headliners were washed out, with many fans taking online to complain, one fan dying, and now a class-action lawsuit is being threatened.
From humble beginnings and low expectations to the very pinnacle of the country genre, George Strait is an inspiration for all those country performers getting up on stage to play their first professional gig.
It’s a celebration of generations of country women and excellent songwriters, reminding us how important women were to the foundations of country, and how critical they are to preserving those traditions today.
‘The Wall Street Journal’ stepped in it pretty good late last week while strangely deciding to step into the realm of country music by initially characterizing Johnny Cash as “uncool.”
‘Magnolia’ is certain the right thing when it comes to country music. It’s an exploration of the history of Wesley Hanna and his family rendered in traditional country style.
In an unprecedented move, country music legend Vince Gill has signed a lifetime recording deal with his current and long-time record label MCA. Gill is also prepping to release multiple EPs.
What do I think of the new Zach Bryan song? I have no idea what I think about it, because I’ve never heard it. You may think you have all kinds of opinions about it. But you’ve never heard the song either.
