Songwriting Legend, Writer of “The Gambler” Don Schlitz Has Died
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They gave Don Schlitz all the accolades they could, because Don Schlitz gave us so many of the songs that contributed so much to our lives. Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” might have been where it started.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#84)
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As we head into the Memorial Day weekend when many will be letting loose, taking it easy, and remembering our fallen heroes, what better time to juice up the Top 25 playlist, especially with the round of great new songs that have just come down the pike.
The Hidden Story Behind the Songs of The Steel Woods
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What some studious fans of their music may have picked up on, and others may have missed, is a continuing story line across the band’s now three albums, with a recurring cast of characters and events, similar to the character “Lorrie” in Turnpike Troubadours songs.
Album Review – Shannon McNally’s “The Waylon Sessions”
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Yes, it’s the fact that a woman is singing these songs is what makes this exercise so interesting, and more than just an average tribute record. Without really rearranging much of anything, the songs take on an entirely different though paradoxically similar inverted meaning.
Marty Stuart, Glenn Douglas Tubb, & “Skip A Rope”
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It’s crazy how things sometimes work out, making it hard to doubt divine intervention. Marty Stuart selected the song “Skip a Rope” for his latest installment, releasing it on Tuesday, May 25th. Lo and behold, the next day we find out that the song’s writer has passed away.
It’s Sturgill / Tyler Childers Producer David Ferguson’s Time to Shine
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So often when an artist or band announces or releases an album with a star producer assisting them, it’s the star producer whose name preempts the actual artists themselves in headlines and promotional copy. That’s never happened with the projects the Grammy-winning David Ferguson has produced.
Album Review – Brock Gonyea’s “Where My Heart Is”
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Here comes this surprise EP from upstart country artist Brock Gonyea that will deliver you and your country-loving heart smack dab into 1950’s country music bliss, warming your cockles about the prospects for the future of the country genre.
“Friends in Low Places” Songwriter Dewayne Blackwell Dies
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There may not be a more recognizable song from the catalog of country music in the last 35 years than “Friends in Low Places” performed by Garth Brooks. Garth may have popularized it, but like so many of country music’s most legendary compositions, someone else wrote it.
State Chapters Help Support Texas/Red Dirt Beyond Texas & Oklahoma
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Red Dirt music chapters have cropped up across the United States that are turning people’s passion for the music into palpable and important support for musicians who may draw hundreds or thousands in Texas, but may only draw a smattering of fans in other locations.
Hank Williams III Drops Surprise Cover – 1st Song in 8 Years
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Releasing it solely on YouTube, and addressing it simply as an “Outlaw Classic Country Cover, Played and Sang in real time no editing,” his slowed-down and echo-rich version of the country classic clocks in at almost 7 minutes, and is being lapped up by thirsty and grateful Hank3 fans.
Album Review – The Shootouts – “Bullseye”
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The Shootouts are Ohio’s preeminent throwback Golden-era classic country band that looks to put a smile on your face, a rhythm to your step, and a fullness in your heart with their well-written original songs rendered in a vintage style, backed by slick country instrumentation.
Randy Travis Sets Alan Jackson Straight About Today’s Country
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For years, any time a country music artist lashed out about the direction of country music or the quality of its current stars, they received pretty loud applause for their bravery and leadership from the true country music community. That’s still the case, but things are changing as well.
George Strait Welcomes New Member to His Ace in the Hole Band
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Though mostly known for rock, Bobby Jarzombek has played in numerous country outfits as well, including with Freddy Cruz and the Noble Outlaws, and in the Texas Jamm Band, which is the Ace in the Hole’s other gig when not on tour with George Strait.