Legendary Texas Tornados Member Speedy Sparks Has Died
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Speedy Sparks was like the patron saint, and was thought of in no less regard than the legendary performers he had the pleasure of performing with over the years.
How to Watch The New Circle Network & The Grand Ole Opry
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The Opry Entertainment Group and Gray Television have officially partnered together to launch The Circle Network, which will include broadcasts of The Grand Ole Opry. But the big question for many country music fans has been where and when can they watch the network? Though some of this is still being determined, here is what we know so far.
Album Review – Elijah Ocean’s “Back to the Lander”
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Built around recording sessions captured in the barn of Elijah Ocean’s parent’s home in Maine back in 2017, ‘Back to the Lander’ finds Elijah Ocean in a deeply reflective mood, rattling off memories like turning pages in a travelogue, fondly recalling the people, places, and moments of the last many years.
New Version of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies” Finally Coming
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Shooter Jennings and Lukas Nelson got together to recreate the magic of their famous fathers on a new rendition of “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” originally written and performed by Ed Bruce with his wife Patsy. But of course you only get a teaser version of the song in the opening segment of ‘The Ranch.’
Grand Ole Opry, Hee-Haw Returning to TV Via the Circle Network
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As first reported by Saving Country Music in October, The Grand Ole Opry will finally be returning to television via the recently-announced Circle Network owned by the Opry Entertainment Group—or at least portions of the show will be, along with expanded specialty programming tied to the iconic country music institution.
Grand Ole Opry Parent Company Buys Austin City Limits Property
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Ryman Hospitality Properties, which owns The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, as well as numerous other important music properties in Nashville and beyond, has struck a deal to purchase the 37-story, full city block-sized mixed-use complex in downtown Austin along second street known as Block 21.
The Best Mainstream Country Albums of 2019
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All country albums, regardless if they emanate from a major label or receive radio play, are considered for Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year nominations. But not every year does a mainstream album make it. Even though one didn’t make it to the top of the heap in 2019, we had a bumper crop of quality mainstream country releases.
The Country Side of Harmonica Sam’s “Broken Bottle, Broken Heart”
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There are a few ways you can attempt to achieve country music perfection. With The Country Side of Harmonica Sam, it is to so expertly recreate the classic era of country music when artists like Lefty Frizzell and Webb Pearce were topping the charts, the results are downright jaw dropping. We’re not talking about close approximations.
Cain’s Is The Country Music Place to Be This New Year’s
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If you’re going to be in Tulsa this New Years, let me just say on behalf of all the country and roots fans that won’t be, we hate you and your ugly stupid face. It’s completely unfair that you’ll get the opportunity to take in some of the best lineups of performers this side of the big festivals.
Country and Roots Christmas Releases for 2019
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In the immortal words of Tom Petty, it’s Christmas … again. That’s means we have a bunch of seasonal releases from a slew of your favorite country and roots artists to round up just in case Christmas music is your thing. Here’s a run down of all the best releases, as well as a playlist to listen to the best selections.
Willie Nelson, Marijuana, and the Elephant in the Room
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n a recent interview, the long-time marijuana advocate revealed that he is no longer smoking pot due to his continued breathing issues. The news came as a shock to some, if not many in the marijuana community, and others that see Willie Nelson’s name as synonymous with marijuana.
The SteelDrivers Announce New Album, New Song, “Bad For You”
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The SteelDrivers have about all you need from music: The drive and instrumentation of bluegrass, the grit of country, the energy of rock, the soul of the South, the songwriting of Americana, and four Grammy noms and a win that prove they do it all better than most. They’re the best elements of American roots music wrapped into one.
Under The Big Sky Festival Is Back After Successful First Year
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In 2019, an interesting new destination festival popped up just outside of Whitefish, Montana called Under The Big Sky. With acts such as Dwight Yoakam, Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, and Amanda Shires on the bill, it got the attention of true country fans, but the question was if it would be worth the trek.