Accusing someone of “gatekeeping” is just an intellectually lazy, thought and discussion-ending enterprise designed to win arguments online as opposed to addressing the very real and systemic issues.
Ever since Merle Haggard’s passing on his 79th birthday on April 6th, 2016, there’s been talk of some 300 to 400 unreleased songs sitting in an archive somewhere in the bowels of the Merle Haggard estate.
It happened again, and the fear is it could continue to happen more frequently as the dystopian reality surrounding digital music continues to deepen. The latest victims are Cam Pierce and the Piedmont Boys.
Silverada’s show at the inaugural Unbroken Circle Fest in Madison, Indiana on Friday (9-5) evening was so epic and complete, it included an engagement. But even without it, it was one for the ages.
Wyoming native and independent country artist Luke Bell was an enigma in life, became a cult legend upon his death, and despite his scant output, has become an influential artist as his legend has only grown.
He played as a primary musician in the band for The Highwaymen. He was the final steel guitar player and producer for Waylon Jennings. He played on albums from Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. He earned the nickname the “Man of Steel.”
No rest for the Willie. Along with still constantly touring at 92, he’s also good for about a two-per-year clip of new albums. This year, both of those albums will be tributes. Next up is Merle Haggard.
In 2022, an effort was undertaken to erect a memorial that would incorporate the “weeping angel” design at Keith Whitley’s final resting place. It has finally been completed.
Despite all of his achievements, Earl Scruggs never had a dedicated music festival in his lifetime. That has been rectified with the annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival, now in its fourth year.
Summer is winding down, and it’s time to put away the swimsuits and party songs, and bust out the sweater and sad bastard tunes. There’s so much great music coming out right now, it’s kind of ridiculous.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band took the stage at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival for a special performance of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” with many big name special guests.
the bigger you get, the brighter the spotlight shines, and the greater the scrutiny comes down, especially when you’re scrutinizing others. Charley Crockett is starting to feel those effects.
Margo’s back, reunited with original producer Matt Ross-Spang, and just released perhaps the best album since her debut, maybe the best album of her entire career, and maybe one of the best country albums so far this year.
Zach Top illustrates the timeless appeal of true country music. He isn’t just making music that’s curiously popular for its older sound. He’s ushering in an entirely new era for the country music genre.
After slurring through numerous songs, making an extended slurred speech, and personnel attempting to escort him off stage, Martin was ultimately forcibly removed by Sheriff’s office officials.
“Diamonds & Gasoline” has been the ever-present fuel and gem to the Turnpike Troubadours phenomenon that never tires, never gets old, will never fall out of style, and will continue to be relevant and resonant.
The people of Texas haven’t forgotten about the tragic flooding in the Hill Country on July 4th, and continue to show up for their fellow neighbors, with no fatigue displayed.
Many can capture the sound. Few can deliver it so effortlessly like it’s what they were born to do. Country music might’ve just found its next great traditionalist star.
Country music isn’t just here to entertain. It is here to heal. And few songs have the healing power, and present such grace and adulation for a fallen friend, loved one, or fellow country great.
Whoa, the release day we have lined up for Friday, August 29th is going to be WILD. Some of the names you might recognize. Some of them might be new to you. But they’re all worth paying attention to.
The Field & Stream Music Festival has been cancelled for the second year in a row. The festival was set to be held in Winnsboro, South Carolina October 3-5, 2025
What is The Hook? It’s a songwriting showcase filmed live that features established songwriters, and ANYONE else who wants to perform for a live audience and a panel of experts.
They’re always showing up to functions and award shows, making big impressions at places like the Grand Ole Opry, yet they’ve always been on the outside looking in when it comes to breaking out into country stardom.
It’s not just that it isn’t country. It’s that it’s just not good. If this is who you want to integrate country music with, and use to highlight the genre’s Black roots, you will do significantly more harm than good in that pursuit.
