Paul Franklin Was Nominated 33 Times for a CMA Award. #33 Was The Charm
24 Comments
What do these silly awards mean? Should we devalue music into a competition? These are fair questions. But for Paul Franklin, the win has to be especially sweet, perhaps more sweeter than anyone…
Album Review – Lauren Mascitti’s “God Made A Woman”
53 Comments
“God Made A Woman” is a great specimen of true country music in both the stories and sounds, and offers a strong counterargument to the prevailing wisdom that such a thing can’t be relevant in these times, while introducing a songwriter and singer we’ll hopefully be hearing much more from in the future.
Loretta Lynn Covers Patsy Cline Ahead Of New Book
8 Comments
A brand new book from Loretta Lynn is on the way called ‘Me & Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust,’ and ahead of the new memoir Loretta has released a new rendition of her covering Patsy Cline’s iconic “I Fall to Pieces.” Though you have a few options for books on the life of Loretta Lynn, this one focuses specifically on the friendship between Loretta and Patsy.
How Music & The Rolling Stones Helped Save Toronto After SARS
16 Comments
At the moment, it may be hard to imagine a world after the Coronavirus mass quarantine. Undoubtedly, there will be a new normal once we emerge from it. We just don’t know what that new normal will look like, and what role live music will play in it. But there is a little precedent that could help shed some light on the matter.
Kenny Rogers On Top of the Charts Once Again
12 Comments
If you’re wondering just how much the music of Kenny Rogers meant to fans, this is a pretty good indication. The Country Music Hall of Famer passed away on March 20, and since then sales and streams of his music have spiked dramatically, putting The Gambler on the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart for the first time in 35 years.
Cody Jinks Joins Casper McWade to Cover Alice in Chains
20 Comments
For the benefit of a good cause, reigning Saving Country Music Artist of the Year Cody Jinks has joined forces with Oklahoma-based Outlaw country artist Casper McWade to cover the song “Don’t Follow” by Alice in Chains. Perfect for a country rendition since the original version released in 1994 was performed with acoustic guitars and harmonica.
Ashley McBryde, Terri Clark, Lauren Alaina on Grand Ole Opry
32 Comments
Scheduled to appear on the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage Saturday night (4-4) will be Ashley McBryde, who just released a critically-acclaimed new album ‘Never Will,’ Canadian country artist and Opry member Terri Clark, as well as former American Idol contestant turned country star Lauren Alaina.
Album Review – Ashley McBryde’s “Never Will”
33 Comments
Ashley McBryde was already considered one of the best artists from mainstream label crowd, and a bright spot for country music moving forward. With her new album ‘Never Will,’ she cements her place as one of the best current artists in country music, period. Inspired, inspiring, well-performed and written, make ample room in your listening rotation
Florida Georgia Line Tests Positive for Sucking on “I Love My Country”
114 Comments
Our worst fears when seeing that the name of Florida Georgia Line’s new song was “I Love My Country” is that we were in store for some jingoistic anthem slathering it on thick about how much they support the troops and the good ol’ stars and stripes, exploiting people’s patriotism circa Toby Keith 2003. Oh, if we could have only been so lucky.
On This New “Indigo” Playlist on Spotify
46 Comments
Any effort to give more emphasis to artists who are deserving of a greater share of the spotlight in country music should be seen as a sum positive, and generally supported, including this Indigo playlist. But there are some serious issues with Indigo, first and possibly foremost being that the name.
Album Review – Jessi Alexander’s “Decatur County Red”
25 Comments
Beware of the women who write songs for the mainstream of country. To make it in that evil world often dominated by men, you’ve got to be a real tough mother cut from a different cloth, capable of being told “no” over and over again and still continue on, and agile enough to deliver songs that can succeed.
Ray Benson Tests Positive For the Coronavirus
65 Comments
Western Swing legend and frontman of Asleep At The Wheel Ray Benson is the latest country artist to test positive for the Coronavirus. The 69-year-old who lives in the Austin area said on Tuesday morning (3-31) he’s been feeling tired for the last 10 days. He was tested Monday and was positive for COVID-19.
Jan Howard’s Quiet Support of Servicemembers Remembered After Passing
4 Comments
Jan Howard’s death was marked with obituaries enumerating her many accomplishments in country music, including her hits, her collaborations with John Anderson, and her long tenure at the Grand Ole Opry. But when it comes to Jan Howard, it was just as much about the work she did off the stage, and out of the spotlight.