Jami Grooms Stuns The Hook with “Paid For It”
Jami Grooms returned to the second installment of The Hook on September 29th, again with high expectations, and once again surpassed them with his song “Paid For It.”
News
Jameson Rodgers Injured Fan with Full Beer Can, Faces Lawsuit
According to the lawsuit, Rodgers and others threw full, unopened cans of Miller Lite beer from the stage into the crowded audience. One struck Samantha Haws “violently and without warning in the head.”
Kashus Culpepper Announces Debut Album
We’ve been wondering for a while now when a proper album from Kashus Culpepper would hit shelves as opposed to just a trickle of singles. That will finally happen on January 23rd, 2026.
Disgraced Publicist Kirt Webster Behind New “All-Star ’90s Country” Concert
Once again, disgraced country publicist Kirk Webster is using proxies to attempt to promote a big concert. He’s been previously accused by over 20 individuals of rape, sexual harassment, and other serious charges.
Mark Chesnutt Recovering After Latest Health Scare
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.
Leftover Salmon’s Vince Herman Plays Unreleased Song on ‘The Hook’
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.
Kentucky’s Railbird Festival Reveals 2026 Lineup
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.
Clay Street Unit Land On Their Feet With New Label
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.
Waylon Jennings is BACK on the Charts with New Album “Songbird”
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.
New Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#167)
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 of The Steel Woods Returns with Faith-Based Country
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.
Zach Top Is Opening New Doors for Artists, Young AND Old
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.
Ernest Tubb Record Shop Back Open. And Yes, They Have Records
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.
Jackalope Jamboree Pulls Together Killer Lineup for 2026
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.
Website/App Crashes, Sticker Shock for Final Alan Jackson Show
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.
Surging Bluegrass Band Mountain Grass Unit Announces Early 2026 Dates
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.
Kathy Mattea, Suzy Bogguss Part of First Ever Opry Induction/Invitation
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.
One Dead, Many Disgruntled After RedWest Weather Cancellation
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.
Vince Gill Signs Lifetime Record Deal, Readies New Music
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.
Alan Jackson Sets Final Show … With Some Interesting Openers
The details of the final Alan Jackson show have been released. “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” will happen with a big list of supporting talent.
Legendary Texas Tornados Member Speedy Sparks Has Died
Speedy Sparks was like the patron saint, and was thought of in no less regard than the legendary performers he had the pleasure of performing with over the years.
Coupland Dancehall to Remain Open Amid New Partnership
The buzz created in Central Texas from the announced Coupland closing brought a new suitor forward who plans to revitalize the spot, and keep live music happening there into the future.
Entries to Grammy’s New Traditional Country Category Look Very Promising
When the new Best Traditional Country Album category was announced, there was some trepidation. ballot reads like a killer playlist of some of the best country albums released in the last year.
New Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#166)
Don’t allow the purveyors of pop to piss in your ear and call it “country.” There’s an entire universe of actual country artists out there offering a more healthy alternative. This playlist is your window into it.