DeFord Bailey: A True Star of Early Country With a Misunderstood History
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Though not technically the first country artist on the radio, nor the first on WSM, Bailey is generally regarded as having been the first Grand Ole Opry performer when George Hay introduced him.
Album Review – Pharis and Jason Romero’s “Sweet Old Religion”
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The music of Pharis and Jason Romero is stripped-down and rootsy, born from the traditions of country and folk similarly, and steeped in songwriting customs and the interplay of harmony. If you’re looking for an entry point into what Pharis and Jason Romero are capable of as a steadfast country fan or otherwise, ‘Sweet Old Religion’ is it.
Music From Season 5 of “The Ranch” on Netflix
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Netflix has released the 5th Season of their hit original series The Ranch, and as per usual, the episodes are textured with lots of great songs from often overlooked and deserving country music artists, hand selected to help set the mood and theme of each scene.
Sorry Sam Hunt, Name Dropping Tyler Childers Doesn’t Give You Street Cred
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Sam Hunt just needs to get out of music and start selling a signature line of flat-brimmed baseball caps, bedazzled ironic fanny packs, and fur murses. Even if he did a complete 180 in his career right here, right now, it would be impossible for him to reverse all the irreparable damage he’s done to country over the last few Godforsaken years.
Song Review – Cody Jinks’ “Must Be The Whiskey”
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Ahead of the July 27th release of Cody’s new album Lifers comes the debut track “Must Be The Whiskey” written by underground country artist Josh Morningstar. A bit more than just your average drinking ode, the song delves into the revolving door that hard alcohol can be—drinking to numb the pain of a broken heart…
I’m With Her Announce Extended “Overland Tour” with The Brother Brothers
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Getting to see singers, songwriters, and string aficionados Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins, or Aoife O’Donovan live in concert individually is probably justification enough to spring for the babysitter and call in sick to work the next morning. Stack them together as the bluegrass supergroup known as I’m With Her, and it makes the decision even easier.
Lee Ann Womack: “What They Call Country Now is Obviously Not Country”
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Over the last few years, Lee Ann Womack has been one of the biggest firebrands and proponents for true country music out there, taking any opportunity presented to her to speak out about what’s happening to the genre, and how she feels about the country music of today. The topic came up yet again in a recent discussion.
Album Review – Josh Ward’s “More Than I Deserve”
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There’s no mistaking Josh Ward as anything but country. We’re not talking about close approximations or the blending of styles in some way. When you think traditional country in the style of classic George Strait, this is Josh Ward. It’s steel guitar, it’s fiddle, it’s twangy lead guitar overlapping lyrics of heartache, sin, and redemption.
Song Review – Mason Ramsey’s “Lovesick Blues” (Studio Version)
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See, this is what they should have been doing with the Wal-Mart Yodeling Boy from the start, not sticking him in some studio with Joey Moi of Nickelback fame to record a song left on the cutting house floor after a Florida Georgia Line session. Mason Ramsey doesn’t even need to be singing original songs at this point.
NFL Quarterback Turns His Team Onto the The Turnpike Troubadours
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All you have to do to turn your friends and family into Turnpike Troubadours fans is to play them the music. If there was one artist, one band out there that can bridge all gaps between your pop country friends to your hard rock buddies, it’s Turnpike. Young or old, male or female, city, country, or suburban, the music resonates with all.
This Upcoming Garth Brooks Single Could Be Very Interesting
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Granted, you’re making a perilous decision pinning your hopes on someone like Garth Brooks to help turn the needle to the positive in popular country. But a big honky tonk song from him could give the emerging movement a big boost. We’ll just have to see.
Beefy Lineup Announced for Willie Nelson Makeup Show
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Remember a couple of weeks back when the 85-year-old Willie Nelson had the runs so bad he couldn’t perform in Charlotte? They’ve announced additional performers for the makeup date, and all of a sudden what was supposed to be a simple makeup performance for Willie has turned into a pretty badass show all unto itself.
Jason Isbell Announces New Album “Live At The Ryman” + New Ryman Dates
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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit’s next album will be a live one recorded at the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. And as part of the release, he will play another one of his historic residencies at the historical landmark—a place he’s sold out for 14 consecutive dates and counting.