The Overlooked Country Music Legacy of Connie Francis (RIP)
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Though most know Connie Francis for her major pop hits, it shouldn’t be surprising that she also found favor with country music in the way the music often centers around heartbreak.
Album Review – King Margo’s “Waters Rise”
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Not entirely country, but country enough, with interesting and curious textures throughout, unique and unexpected approaches to songs, and inspired songwriting graced by soaring performances, King Margo’s new album ‘Waters Rise’ begs to be remarked upon, and heard by a wider audience.
Johnny Cash Tribute / James Hand Reissue Coming from Hillgrass Bluebilly
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A new Johnny Cash compilation, as well as a 10th year Anniversary/Deluxe Edition of the James Hand studio album ‘Mighty Lonesome Man’ is coming from the Austin, TX-based independent record label Hillgrass Bluebilly Records. The releases are part of a last hurrah and Grand Finale from the label after releasing multiple original albums, compilations, and reissues over the past 15 years.
Tyler Childers Going Gospel on New Album ‘Take My Hounds to Heaven’
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It’s official now. Tyler Childers is going back to his Gospel roots and religious upbringing in his latest album Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven, which is actually a collection of three albums in a unique concept where all eight songs are rendered three different ways. Announced Thursday…
Zach Bryan Got Screwed: The 2022 CMA Awards Nominations
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Congratulations CMA Awards, you had an opportunity to save your relevance. And instead, just like much of the press, you have ignored the biggest cultural phenomenon in country music in 2022. But the CMA nominations aren’t all bad. Lainey Wilson leads all nominees with six.
Florida Georgia Line: 2010-2022
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On Wednesday, August 31st, 2022, Florida Georgia Line played its final show as a duo at the Minnesota State Fair. “This is our last official concert as Florida Georgia Line… let’s see what we got left in the tank,” Tyler Hubbard said at the start of the performance, goading the crowd. It’s been a long, slow, painful death.
Texas / Red Dirt Artists Get Big Opportunities on Grand Ole Opry
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Things in country music are changing, and across the board, even at an old relic like the Grand Ole Opry. Of course, it’s days of launching stars overnight are long gone. But you ask any artist in country music, and they’ll tell you that making their Grand Ole Opry debut is a lifetime bucket list achievement.
Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for Final Part of 2022
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The final months of 2022 are here, and just like the first portion of the year, it is jam packed in an increasingly cluttered environment for new releases. Instead of being overwhelmed, use this guide to help you navigate through the crush of titles, with the first 20 albums listed considered some of the top releases.
It Happened in Helotes: Robert Earl Keen Takes His Final Bow
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They love to say that in Texas, the women are more beautiful, and the beer is colder. I’m not sure that can be scientifically proven. But there is something that is most certainly palpable—though in many ways indefinable—that does make the musical moments down in Texas feel significantly more meaningful.
Album Review – Jon Pardi’s “Mr. Saturday Night”
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This Jon Pardi guy must’ve taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque or something. He’s all wrong side up. Doesn’t he understand that the arc of a country music star is to start off real twangy so you get support from the grassroots, and then as soon as you start to blow up a little bit, switch to pop or rock to cash in.
Eric Church, Phil Lyne Toast Robert Earl Keen at Penultimate Show
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It is a bittersweet time this Labor Day weekend down in Texas, and specifically at the legendary Floore’s Country Store in Helotes where Robert Earl Keen is wrapping up 41 years of touring with three final shows. Eric Church, and rodeo legend Phil Lyne showed up to help.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#107)
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The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats, or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations.
Luke Bell Joins Martha Spencer For One of His Last Recordings
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This week has been very bittersweet for Martha Spencer. It happened to be that Luke Bell picked the same week to grab everyone’s attention that she was releasing her new album called ‘Wonderland,’ which also happens to feature Luke Bell appearing on one of the album’s tracks—one of Luke’s last recordings.