Go See Joshua Ray Walker on His “Ain’t Dead Yet” Tour
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He’s Joshua Ray Walker, and only someone uninitiated with the kind of power he can conjure on stage would pass up an opportunity to see him live, especially after we almost lost him in 2023 due to Cancer.
Album Review – Elijah Ocean’s “Born Blue”
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What just a great little country record this is, with one solid song after another that’s well-written, well-performed, and delivered with heart. It proves that when it comes to actual country music, you don’t have to push the envelope or reinvent the wheel every time.
1st Drummer, 1st Steel Guitarist Inducted into Country Hall of Fame
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Monday morning (8-16) was a moment of firsts for the Country Music Hall of Fame announcing their inductees for the 2021 class. It was the first time in 11 years more than three people were inducted, and the first time both a drummer, and surprisingly, a steel player have made it into the Hall.
The Judds Announced as Newest Country Music Hall of Fame Members
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One of the most successful and influential duos in country music history can now claim the distinction as Country Music Hall of Famers. Naomi and Wynonna—the mother and daughter combination known collectively as The Judds—have just been named the newest Hall of Fame inductees.
Why Ray Charles Is Deserving of Country Hall of Fame Induction
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With his 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, and Volume 2 released later, Ray Charles opened up the gift and the joy of country music to an entirely new audience that may have otherwise not have been exposed to it. It wasn’t just the contributions of Ray Charles….
How Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down to GA” Was Copyright Law Lynchpin
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Sometimes when the late Charlie Daniels spoke it was like hearing a shotgun go off in the woods. That voice, deep and searing, rounded by a lingering drawl—firing fast then settling over things, like buckshot scattering through the trees. That’s how he sounded when I picked up the phone in 2010.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#88)
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Not all playlist updates are built the same. Sometimes you’re hunting and pecking for new songs that are worthy to add, and sometimes you can wait to share a stacked draft class of some of the finest country music you can find in the modern era. This particular update is the latter kind.
Details on the Unreleased Randy Travis “Storms of Life” Tracks
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Recorded in 1985 around the time of the rest of the Storms of Life album, the three unreleased songs slide perfectly into the original track list. Why they were left on the cutting house floor in the first place is anyone’s guess, but they capture Randy Travis in peak form.
Songwriter and Performer Nanci Griffith Has Died
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Singer, performer, guitarist, and songwriter Nanci Griffith who was known for her foundational influence on Texas music, and for contributing greatly to the Americana community in Nashville passed away on Friday, August 13th at the age of 68.
Josh Ward Recovering After Horse Riding Accident
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After playing a KOKEfest just north of Austin last weekend, Josh Ward was horseback riding on Sunday, August 8th when the accident occurred. At first Ward reportedly tried to “walk it off,” but suffering massive internal bleeding, eventually emergency help was called.
Country Music Hall of Fame to Finally Announce 2021 Inductees
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It’s been a very long time coming. But the Country Music Hall of Fame has finally announced when they will reveal the newest inductees. Though country fans got used to Hall of Fame inductees being announced in the spring most every year in recent memory, due to COVID-19…
The Isaacs Are The Latest Grand Ole Opry Inductees
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Bluegrass gospel group The Issacs have been around in one incarnation or another since 1992, but really since the early 70’s, paying dues and putting in service time, making fans in both the country and Christian markets. And now they will be the next members of the Grand Ole Opry.
Houston Venue Refutes Jason Isbell’s Claim It Refused Covid Policy
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According to multiple sources at the non-profit Woodlands Center that operates the Cynthia Woods Mitchel Pavilion, this characterization by Jason Isbell they “flat-out refused” to implement his policy is untrue. The venue did attempt to implement Isbell’s policies.