Best Country and Roots Albums of 2025 So Far
68 Comments
As we reach the halfway pole of the musical year, it’s time to reflect back on the best albums that have been released so far. There are some great projects that you should make sure don’t slip under your radar.
Meet Shota Adamashivili, (Republic of) Georgia’s Only Country Singer
25 Comments
The State of Georgia in the Southern United States boasts a strong stable of country legends from the past, and plenty of contemporary heroes as well. But the the former Soviet Republic of Georgia that sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia is another story.
New ‘Definitive’ Merle Haggard Biography ‘The Hag’ on The Way
42 Comments
If you love Merle Haggard and Hoover up anything with his name on it, you’ll be happy to hear that a brand new 464-page “definitive” biography on The Hag is coming shortly from Hachette Books and New York Times Bestselling author Marc Eliot.
Colter Wall Cancels Winter Tour Dates, Addresses Criticisms
105 Comments
It’s hard enough for artists to know how to navigate touring and live performance in the pandemic era with the constantly changing restrictions, the lifting of restrictions, the re-implementation of restrictions, as well as lockdowns and mandates that are different for every locality.
Top Kentucky/Appalachian Songwriters Raise Funds for Tornado Relief
2 Comments
It seems these days that life pinballs back and forth from one disaster to another. You almost have to be reminded that on December 10th, a cluster of tornadoes ravaged Western Kentucky and the surrounding areas and states, leaving a large swath of destruction.
On The New Details of Country Legend Tom T. Hall’s Death
225 Comments
When country music Hall of Famer Tom T. Hall passed away on August 20th, 2021 at the age of 85, it was safe to assume his death was due to health or natural causes, as is commonly the case with someone at such an advanced age. It was likely an open and shut case.
Billy Strings Adds More Dates to Already Sold-Out Spring Tour
15 Comments
Look alive, and get ready for this Friday, because that’s when a slew of new Billy Strings dates go on sale, and it’s not a question of if they will sell out, but how fast. We can confirm this since every single venue Strings played in the Fall/Winter of 2021 sold out.
Album Review – Connie Smith’s “The Cry of the Heart”
26 Comments
Bold, confident, and clear-eyed, with a voice as striking as it was when she first broke onto the scene in the 60’s, Connie Smith puts her superior and apparently timeless talents to work on eleven songs on her first album in 10 years.
Randy Travis “First Impressions” Live Album Unearthed
27 Comments
Taken from a Westwood One radio broadcast with announcer and all, what makes this recording unique is it includes all kinds of stage banter, stories, and jokes from Randy, and it comes from a legendary spot in Gilley’s during a really important time in Randy’s career.
Saving Country Music’s 2021 Song of the Year
56 Comments
The benchmarks a Song of the Year winner must meet, and the stress test it must endure is more strenuous than any other in music. We’re not looking for some infectious fanny shaker here, or even a song that might stir an emotional moment.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#95)
2 Comments
Out with 2021 and on to 2022, which means getting you ready for the new albums and songs that are about to break out in country music for the new year. What better way than giving the ‘ol Top 25 Current Playlist a refresh with the best stuff to get 2022 started.
Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for 2022
114 Comments
Welcome to 2022, and another (hopefully) exciting year for albums releases in the greater country and roots music world. In the spirit of trying to keep you informed, you can find a detailed list of confirmed album releases for 2022, and the always-exciting “Rumor Mill.”
In Memoriam: Country Music’s Fallen Greats of 2021
50 Comments
As we look back on 2021 and before we look forward to 2022, it’s important we take the time to pay tribute to these individuals who left a mark on the country and roots music world that will never fade. Here are the performers, players, songwriters, and others we lost in 2021.