Review – James McMurtry’s “The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy”
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James McMurtry is such a master class songwriter, you might even hear other songwriters referred to as the “James McMurtry” of their era or region. But James McMurtry is the James McMurtry of James McMurtry’s.
Yes, Zach Bryan is Releasing Another Album, “Summertime Blues”
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Yes, Zach Bryan just released a 34-song album in May called American Heartbreak. Yes, it’s been in one of the top 3 spots on the Billboard Country Albums chart ever since and is one of the biggest releases in country music all year, cementing Zach Bryan as one of the biggest artists in country music at the moment.
25 Years Ago: Marty Stuart Fulfills Vow to Marry Connie Smith
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It all started when Marty Stuart was just 11-years-old, in the summer of 1970, when Connie Smith—17 years Marty Stuart’s senior—was already an established star, and had landed over a dozen Top 10 hits. Connie Smith happened to be Marty Stuart’s mother’s favorite singer, right behind Marty Robbins.
Mike & the Moonpies Make It on Billy Bob’s Famous Wall of Fame
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It’s not exactly the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but down in Texas, it might as well be. Whenever a band becomes a regular at the “World’s Largest Honky Tonk” Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, it’s customary for them to be added to the venue’s legendary Wall of Fame with the hand prints of the artists…
Tyler Childers Leads 2022 Healing Appalachia Lineup
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After two years away due to COVID-19, the annual Healing Appalachia concert event is returning September 23rd and 24th to Lewisburg, WV, with Tyler Childers once again headlining the event that looks to raise funds and raise awareness about the opioid crisis gripping Appalachia, and so many parts of the US.
Turnpike Troubadours’ “Diamonds & Gasoline” Gets Limited Edition
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Though Turnpike Troubadours fans would probably prefer a album of new music (which is reportedly on the way), to tide fans over, a special limited-edition metallic gold version of Diamonds & Gasoline is being released by Vinyl Me Please. Limited to 1,500 copies, the double gatefold LP…
The Best Country & Roots Songs of 2022 So Far
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Songs are the most important unit of measurement in music, and the specific moment a life can change, a perspective can shift, a deep emotion that has gone dormant is re-awakened, and life is enhanced positively henceforth. When we talk about potential “Song of the Year” nominees, were not looking for the toe tappers.
Album Review – Aaron Watson’s “Unwanted Man”
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Aaron Watson might be one of the hardest artists to get a read on in country music. He’s a fiercely independent and principled performer who embodies the DIY Outlaw spirit of the music as much as anyone. Yet Watson also covets many of the sounds and accolades of the mainstream.
Maren Morris Criticized for Disallowing Local Openers
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It’s a cool program the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion has put together, with local bands opening for big-named acts all summer. But apparently when the team for Maren Morris caught wind that there would be a local act playing on the Hazy Little Stage, they cited a “no local openers” clause.
Willie Nelson to Tell Untold Stories in Book on Drummer Paul English
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There are few friendships as legendary in country music as the one Willie Nelson shared with his drummer Paul English. Much more than a drummer, Paul English was also the long-time manager and right hand man of Willie, and a close personal friend. A member of Willie’s band from his start…
Kris Kristofferson Chooses Garth Brooks for Songwriter Award
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The Nashville Songwriters Association, or NSAI will be holding their annual Nashville Songwriter Awards on September 20th at the Ryman Auditorium, and the big name that will be making a big splash for the event will be Garth Brooks, who will receive the organization’s Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement.
49 Winchester Gets Big Opportunities, Drops New Tour Dates
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The accolades and opportunities for 49 Winchester continue to pour in, as they’re quickly becoming one of the biggest emerging bands in independent country here in 2022. Riding off the momentum of their recent album Fortune Favors The Bold, the band has just released a slew of new tour dates.
Town Mountain Announces New Label, New Album, New Member
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Boy is there some Town Mountain news, and lots of it. The Asheville, NC-based outfit has been like the house band for the country music revolution for the last 10 years or so, paling around with Tyler Childers and Billy Strings among others, playing many of the cool independent festivals…