As Zach Top Cools Off, Gavin Adcock Heats Up
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Don’t look now, but there has been a dramatic shift in the trajectory of two of country music’s hottest up-and-coming stars, and it doesn’t bode well if you’re advocating for the continuance of country music’s resurgence
Album Review – Tanya Tucker’s “While I’m Livin'”
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It’s the voice of Tanya Tucker that compels the country listener to seek her records out. It’s always been a mixture of worn leather and honky tonk smoke, even at a tender age. Some may call it husky, including those who mean that in a demeaning manner. But it’s hard not to fall prey to the “lived it” notions the tone of Tanya Tucker conveys, and how it cracks in all the right places to punctuate emotions in the most important moments.
Brad Paisley Got Screwed: The CMA’s Misguided Hosting Change
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Call me sexist, I don’t care. And on paper, a supposed “purist” such as myself (ha!) would much prefer Brad Paisley being swapped out for a couple of country music broads of such legendary status as Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire to host the 2019 CMA Awards. But this was a bad move to pull Brad Paisley from hosting the 2019 CMAs.
Charlie Worsham is Newest (Temporary) Member of Old Crow Medicine Show
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Singer, songwriter, Warner Bros. Records signee, and critical favorite Charlie Worsham is the newest member of iconic string band and Grand Ole Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show. The Mississippi native officially joined the band before they embarked on their current summer tour in late May.
Eric Church On The Influence of Ray Wylie Hubbard
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Whatever you want to call him, “The Forgotten Outlaw,” “The Dead Thumb King,” “Wylie Lama,” or a host of other nicknames he’s amassed over his many years as a music troubadour, Ray Wylie Hubbard has been going through an elongated career resurgence that most 72-year-old performers could only dream of.
Sierra Ferrell Signs to Rounder. Sierra Ferrell Signs to Rounder
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In a video from GemsOnVHS that now has well north of 1 million views (see below), Sierra Ferrell immediately reveals herself as one of those one-in-a-million country music voices that instantly compels you regardless of what is being sung. A native of West Virginia, Ferrell first began making music when she was a child.
Stoney LaRue Announces New Album “Onward”
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Few can claim direct involvement with the formation of Oklahoma’s distinct mix of country, rock, and roots music known affectionately as Red Dirt, and Stoney LaRue is one of them. Stoney LaRue has been a warrior of the Texas and Red Dirt touring circuit for nearly 20 years. Now he’s getting ready to release a new album called “Onward.”
Album Review – Tracy Lawrence’s “Made in America”
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Tracy Lawrence may not have a shot at radio anymore, but he’s certainly been a beneficiary of the resurgence of interest in 90’s country lately, of which he played a pretty major role. Tracy Lawrence promised back in April that ‘Made in America’ would be “very country,” and he doesn’t disappoint in the 12 tracks of the new record.
Sturgill Simpson’s Premier of New Song “Sing Along” – UPDATED
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Sturgill Simpson will release a new song and video called “Sing Along” on Tuesday, August 20th at noon as indicated by a premier event that populated on YouTube via Sturgill Simpson’s official account on Monday (see below). It’s the first taste of a new album coming this fall called Sound & Fury that will be accompanied by an anime film.
Tyler Childers Announces New Tour Dates – Ryman Residency
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Riding the momentum of his recent #1 album ‘Country Squire,’ Tyler Childers has added to his 2019 tour dates, and added even more dates stretching into 2020, including another big stint in Europe, an important benefit show, and a four-night residency at the Country Music Mother Church, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
KOKE-FM & KOKEFEST Prove Not All Country Radio is The Same
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The commonality of criticizing country radio within the ranks of country music’s classic and independent fans is pretty severe, and for good reason. Generally speaking, country radio is a blob of nationalized playlists and unimaginative music, and no curation by the DJs on the ground in local markets. But this doesn’t mean all radio is bad.
Miranda Lambert Cites Dolly Parton As Her Country Music Icon
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PBS is gearing up for the release of the extensive 8 part, 16-hour Country Music Documentary starting September 15th directed by Ken Burns. And ahead of the release, PBS is trying to engage the country music public by asking people to share who their favorite country music icon is. They started by asking Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, & Ray Benson.
Willie Nelson “Doing Great” After Health Problems – Resuming Tour
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Willie Nelson had a lot of folks worried when late on August 7th, he released a statement saying, “To my fans, I’m sorry to cancel my tour, but I have a breathing problem that I need to have my doctor check out. I’ll be back Love, Willie.” The statement came after Willie had been performing at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.