Saving Country Music’s 2025 Essential Albums List
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This year, using the term “essential” has never felt more important. As AI threatens to upend the music industry in the new year, it’s critical we underscore just how essential music is to all of us.
Texas/Red Dirt Makes Moves on Mainstream Country Radio
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When Jamey Johnson stood on the stage Friday, August 12th in Lincoln, Nebraska, and barked profanities at the local radio station KX 96.9, he wasn’t just angry they had used “his” stage to promote their station, he was venting the pent up frustration many independent, Red Dirt, and Texas music artists feel.
Billy Joe Shaver Tribute Album Announced Amid Estate Dispute
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August 16th, 2022 would have been Billy Joe Shaver’s 83rd birthday, but unfortunately, he passed away on October 28th, 2020 at the age of 81, leaving a legacy of songwriting that set the very foundation for Outlaw country music that is still just as influential and resonant today.
Brit Turner—Heartbeat of Blackberry Smoke—Has Heart Attack
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Sad and scary news out of the Blackberry Smoke camp as word has come down that the long-time drummer for the band, Brit Turner, suffered a serious heart attack on Sunday, August 14th while at his home in Atlanta. Luckily, Turner was able to make it to the hospital on time, where he received a stent.
Album Review – Kelsey Waldon’s “No Regular Dog”
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A strong want to perform music for a living is not enough of a requisite to be able to create something that is worthy of an audience, especially when it comes to country music, or at least, country music that is worth listening to. It is the severity of life and the pain that comes from it …
Country Guitarist Chris Rodriguez Convicted on Assault Charge
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Country musician and current member of the supergroup Generation Radio, Chris Rodriguez, has plead “no contest” to a misdemeanor charge of Assault with Bodily Injury stemming from a 2021 domestic dispute incident with his wife. Rodriguez was initially arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault – Strangulation.
Radio Station Responds to Jamey Johnson’s Scathing Comments
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Jamey Johnson kicked some dust up and had quite a few of his fans fist pumping Friday night, August 12th when he took the stage in Lincoln, Nebraska as part of the Lincoln on the Street event, and berated the local radio station, New Country KX 96.9. The radio station brought out three of their on-air personalities.
Jamey Johnson Goes on Epic Rant Against Local Pop Country DJs
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After Blackberry Smoke had finished playing and before Jamey Johnson took the stage, personalities from the local pop country radio station, New Country KX 96.9, came out to fill time between the set change. The crowd of mostly traditional country fans was not too impressed with the results.
Tyler Childers Earns Platinum Status Yet Again
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Tyler Childers continues to rack up the milestones and the precious metal as the popularity of his album ‘Purgatory’ continues to defy odds. Released five years ago last week, ‘Purgatory’ continues to be one of the most popular titles in all of country music, and it continues to rack up the certifications.
Pickathon Makes Grand Return Amid Big Changes in 2022
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One of the very first festivals that saw the value and rising swell in independent country and roots was Pickathon just outside of Portland, Oregon. This was the place where the very careers of landmark artists such as Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, and many more were launched.
Marty Stuart Signs With New Record Label Ahead of Tour
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For those wondering what Marty Stuart has been up to and when he might release new music, there is some big news. Announced on Friday (8-12), Marty Stuart has signed to the European label Snakefarm Records. No, it isn’t owned by Ray Wylie Hubbard. Snakefarm is a subsidiary of the label SpineFarm.
Album Review – Cahalen Morrison’s “Wealth of Sorrow” (2.0)
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If you’re searching for a good excuse of why you should allow Cahalen Morrison to intercede in your busy listening schedule, simply pipe up his solo record ‘Wealth of Sorrow’ recorded in an old adobe chapel in the remote village of Jaroso near the Colorado/New Mexico border. Prepare to be stunned.
70 Years Ago Today: Hank Williams is Fired from the Grand Ole Opry
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On August 11th, 1952—70 years ago today—one of the most notorious moments in country music history occurred. The original King of Country Music, and the genre’s first undisputed superstar, Hank Williams, was unceremoniously fired from the institution that he helped bring to prominence.