Zach Top Scores His First #1 Country Song
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Like Zach Top’s meteoric success, it symbolizes the resurgence of neotraditional country in the mainstream, and is opening up doors for other traditional country artists.
30 Years Ago: IRS Tries to Sell Willie Nelson’s Memories, & Fails
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30 years ago this week, the biggest story in country music, and the biggest story in Texas and many parts beyond was the headlong effort by the IRS to liquidate the empire of Willie Nelson due to unpaid back taxes. They tried to sell his memories. It didn’t exactly go how the IRS planned.
Kris Kristofferson Announces His Retirement
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84-year old country and songwriting legend, actor, veteran, and Country Music Hall of Famer Kris Kristofferson has officially retired from performing. The decision was made in 2020, but was previously unannounced, and comes as the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to most touring over the past year.
Album Review – Uncle Ben’s Remedy – “Easy Ways to Here”
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This is one of those affairs where a band stands in front of cued up microphones, and splits themselves open with rusty, serrated knives, pouring their blood and guts out for you—oversharing about broken dreams, personal problems, harrowing tales, and poor decisions.
Nathaniel Rateliff’s ‘SNL’ Berth is Well-Deserved
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It’s really hard to know how to even quantify the opportunity of the late night TV berth these days, or what sort of impact it may have on an artist’s career. Getting to perform on national television is always a big deal, and a bucket list item for most any performer. But the days of […]
Corb Lund’s Landmark “Cabin Fever” Gets Deluxe Release
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If you’ve been cooped up in close quarters and are hankering for some new music from one of Canadian country’s most iconic contributors, Corb Lund has just released a deluxe edition of his landmark album “Cabin Fever,” which was nominated for Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year
Carly Pearce Should Be Next Contemporary Grand Ole Opry Member
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Placing aside for a second the list of all of the great traditional country artists and country legends that should be considered for induction into The Grand Ole Opry, and it is ample. I mean goodness, what does Jamey Johnson have to do at this point to make it in?
Turnpike Troubadours, Austin Music Featured in ‘Walker’ Reboot
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No, the best band in country music has not announced any intentions of getting back together … yet. The Turnpike Troubadours from Oklahoma called an indefinite hiatus in May of 2019, and have left many fans on edge impatiently waiting for a return. But aside from an announcement from Evan Felker…
James White, Owner of Austin’s Iconic Broken Spoke, Has Died
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The Broken Spoke honky tonk is just about the most authentic thing you can still find within the city limits of Austin, TX. And now it’s long-time owner, mascot, patron saint, and a man that has been a major booster for music in the region and the stepping stone for many major careers has passed on.
Opposition to Dolly Parton Statue is Misguided
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Ensconcing a statue of Dolly Parton in the Tennessee state Capitol to replace the bust of Confederate General and Klu Klux Klan leader Nathan Bedford Forrest is being proposed in the state’s legislature after receiving large grassroots support.
Marty Stuart, Charley Crockett Lead New Adds to Top 25 Playlist (#77)
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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 (see below), or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations.
Lady A is a Bad Pick as New Grand Ole Opry Member
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Sorry Jamey Johnson. Sorry Elizabeth Cook. Sorry Miranda Lambert. Sorry Carly Pearce and Charles Esten, who continue to be some of the most frequent Opry performers who haven’t received membership yet. Sorry cool up-and-coming names like Billy Strings that could be the shot of youth.
Eric Church to Release Triple Album, “Heart & Soul”
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Always looking to shake things up and steal the attention of the music listening public, Eric Church’s next release will be three records instead of one, titled Heart & Soul. Heart will be made available on April 16th, Soul will be released on April 23rd, and ‘&’ will only be available as a vinyl record.