Hayes Carll Takes Reins for Ray Benson at 75th Birthday Bash
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If it wasn’t for Ray Benson and his long-running band Asleep At The Wheel, the term “Western Swing” might have been completely forgotten in the country music lexicon, let alone the vocabulary of America.
Gary Stewart’s Complete Life Story to Finally Be Told
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Gary Stewart’s influence was incredible. His top songs and albums were unforgettable. But he was always on the outside looking in, falling right after a big rise, and perfected the role of being his own worst enemy.
Billboard’s Senior Country Chart Manager Departs. What It Could Mean
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The name Jim Asker probably doesn’t ring a bell to you. But as Billboard’s senior manager of the country music charts, some of his decisions over the last decade have been the most titanic, and historically significant.
The Legendary Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Closes Its Doors
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The plight for legendary, mid-sized country music venues continues to worsen as the legendary Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California has been forced to abruptly close.
Exploring the Legacy of the Clement House Recording Studio
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This unassuming building, formerly known as the Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa, was once the home and creative nucleus of legendary producer and songwriter Cowboy Jack Clement.
Album Review – Charley Crockett’s “Dollar A Day”
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With ‘Dollar A Day,’ the grandiose promises Crockett is prone to slipping into are fulfilled. With 15 tracks, a variety in sound, and a grand scope, it’s everything what you want an album to be, from Charley Crockett or anyone else.
Closing of Coupland Dancehall Speaks to Deeper Concerns in Music
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Along with Luckenbach, TX and Gruene Hall, The Coupland Dancehall in Coupland, TX about 25 miles east of Austin is one of the legendary spots where so much Texas music history has been made.
Country Artist Spencer Hatcher’s Mother Killed, Father Injured in Home Invasion
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Up-and-coming traditional country artist Spencer Hatcher is having to go through the unthinkable after a home invasion has left his mother dead, and his father injured.
Kathy Mattea Invited to be Next Grand Ole Opry Member
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“Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and thank you!” was Mattea’s response after fellow West Virginian Charlie McCoy posed the question. McCoy came out on stage while Mattea was singing her iconic “18 Wheels and A Dozen Roses.”
Billy Strings Lands Role in “King of the Hill” Reboot
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The new 10-episode season is currently streaming on Hulu. “King of the Hill” featured quite a few country music icons throughout its original run, but this new series features one on every single episode.
Album Review – Hayes Carll’s “We’re Only Human”
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“We’re Only Human” captures an acclaimed songwriter evolving with his music, and challenging an audience to evolve with him.
Joshua Hedley Announces New Western Swing Album “All Hat”
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Mr. Jukebox. The Mayor of Lower Broadway. The Singin’ Professor of Country & Western. Whatever you want to call him, Joshua Hedley has been a radical preservationist of actual country music for years.
Hayley Williams vs. Morgan Wallen, and Understanding Lower Broadway
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Hate on Lower Broadway all you want. But if you really want to make a difference about how that area is evolving, steer people to the places down there that are still doing it right, that act like beacons of true artistic expression.