Showing Some Love to Ronnie McDowell Amid Health Scare
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With the way country music so summarily casts many of its legends to the side, it can be easy to forget about the legacy of someone like Ronnie McDowell, even if you’d never forget his hit songs.
It Happened In Tulsa: The Turnpike Troubadours Reunite
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With no effort at embellishment, what happened in Tulsa will go down in history—for the historical venue of Cain’s Ballroom, for the Turnpike Troubadours, for independent country music, and for country music in general. It was that paramount, and that profound.
Steve Earle to Release Tribute Record to Jerry Jeff Walker
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Jerry Jeff Walker died on October 23rd, 2020, but not before becoming a folk hero from the song “Mr. Bojangles,” and helping to set up the conditions in Austin, TX that would ultimately make it the Live Music Capital of the World, and an alternative to Nashville.
Paying a Visit to Billy Joe Shaver
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Billy Joe Shaver could be a hero to someone even if they didn’t give a fig about country music. But eventually, and somewhat inexplicably, Billy Joe Shaver did die, on October 28th 2020. Turns out, only his songs were immortal. But you can still see him.
After Conservatorship Worry, Sam Williams Appears with Hank Jr. & Sister
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In early February, Sam Williams had the music and entertainment world in a stir after a series of social media posts implied that he was in a restrictive conservatorship under the repressive thumb of his father Hank Williams Jr., and half-sister Holly Williams.
KOKEFEST Unveils Killer 2022 Lineup
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No, not all country radio stations suck. Some are downright badass. KOKE-FM out of Austin, TX is one of them. They’ve also put on a kickass festival now for five years where devotees to the KOKE world congregate.
Arlo McKinley Readies New Album “This Mess We’re In”
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The last time Arlo McKinley released a record, the darn thing hauled off and won Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year. All the more reason to not temper excitement that he’s just announced his second album on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records.
Cody Johnson’s “Till You Can’t” Is Becoming The Song of 2022
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Ever since Billboard tweaked their formula for how songs are slotted on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2012, it has given rise to heavyweight tracks that sit atop the chart for weeks and weeks on end. All the more reason that the current song to get stuck at #1.
25 Years Ago: Pioneering Black Country Artist Stoney Edwards Dies
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Stoney’s career may have not been Hall of Fame worthy, but releasing six albums on a major country music label, and scoring Top 20 hits dispels the idea that the contributions of black artists in country music was resigned to just one individual.
Compelling Storyteller Willi Carlisle Readies New Album
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Willi Carlisle is like few things you will experience in music. His songs are strongly literary with rich characters, and his delivery is deeply compelling. And whether he gets you to laughing, crying, feeling unsettled, or infinitely satisfied, Carlisle always leaves an impression.
Travis Tritt Ain’t Buying Eric Church’s Cancellation Excuse
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If it wasn’t for “the slap,” the biggest story in all of entertainment last week would have been Eric Church choosing to cancel his sold-out show on Saturday, April 2nd at San Antonio’s AT&T Center so he could watch the Duke Blue Devils take on his North Carolina Tar Heels.
Album Review – Molly Tuttle’s “Crooked Tree”
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‘Crooked Tree’ is Molly Tuttle going, “Oh, you want a bluegrass album? We’ll then here you go …” and then melting faces in 13 straight original tracks that embrace many bluegrass traditions, while still offering a uniqueness of perspective, and a personal connection to Molly.
Chris Stapleton, Jon Batiste Win Early & Tired Country/Roots Grammys
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The Grammy Awards Premier Ceremony transpired Sunday afternoon, and though some worthy artists and valued projects walked away with deserved awards, it’s hard not to describe 2022’s Grammy haul in country and roots as anything but somewhat deflating.