Traditionalist Hudson Westbrook Makes Wrong Turn with Marshmello
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It was less than a year ago that we were praising young up-and-coming West Texas country artist Hudson Westbrook as one of the names responsible for the surging popularity of traditional country.
Burt Reynolds Helped Prove That Country Music Was Cool
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By the bullet points on the resume, Burt Reynolds had little to do with country music. Not since Gram Parsons did a figure in American pop culture act like a bigger bridge to country music, and proved how it could be cool. For most famous humans, the myth precedes them. But with Burt Reynolds, the myth really was the man.
Tyler Childers’ Success Following The Same Path as Sturgill Simpson’s
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Nobody has benefited more from the momentum of Sturgill Simpson than fellow Kentucky songwriter turned burgeoning star Tyler Childers. But now Tyler is enjoying a momentum all his own, and if anything, is even further ahead than Sturgill was at this point in his career.
John Prine Plans Inaugural “All The Best Fest” with Killer Lineup
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About the only thing hotter than John Prine in Americana music at the moment is the is the foreign country destination festival, so why not combine the two. And if you have a boatload of money, and/or a boat or plane to get your ass to the Dominican Republic, then you too can be part of John Prine’s inaugural “All The Best Festival.”
Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty” Tanks at Country Radio
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A couple of days after Carrie Underwood called out country radio for not supporting strong women, it’s become official that Carrie Underwood’s latest single “Cry Pretty” is done at radio, will be the worst-performing single of her career, and has tanked two weeks ahead of her new album being released.
Newest Additions to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#26)
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The newest additions to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Playlist start with the opening tracks to a couple of cool new records. John R. Miller and the Engine Lights have a new album out called ‘The Trouble You Follow,’ and the witty and true “Holy Dirt” tops the newest incarnation of the playlist
Album Review – John R. Miller & The Engine Lights “The Trouble You Follow”
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As real as the sharp curves of mountain roads and the abandoned shucks of coal towns, John R. Miller weaves his stories of struggle and survival with a poetic wit, honesty and abandon, and a palpable authenticity. These are songs so tucked away up a holler, to find them you have to creep past No Trespassing signs.
Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins” & Country’s Expanding Message of Inclusion
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The role of mainstream country music in this contentious time of ever-present social cataclysm and perennial political polarization is starting to materialize, and in pretty conclusive form. Country music is seeing all the turmoil, and wanting to be a calming, unifying voice, instead of choosing sides, and lending to the discord.
Sturgill Simpson Randomly Shows Up To Kentucky School, Plays for Students
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All across the United States of America, student-aged youngsters are turning their summer smiles into school year frowns as they once again acquiesce to the indoctrination of academia. But for one high school in Jackson, Kentucky, they got a pleasant and completely unplanned surprise when Grammy Award-winning hometown hero Sturgill Simpson showed up to serenade […]
Album Review – The Devil Makes Three’s “Chains Are Broken”
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Despite the undeniable instrumental shift to amplification, Chains Are Broken still feels very much like a Devil Makes Three record, surprisingly so. The minor chords, the dark themes, and the punk roots attitude is still what’s most prevalent. You almost don’t notice they’ve basically morphed into a rock band.
George Strait on Death of Drummer Mike Kennedy: “Our Hearts Are Broken”
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Long time George Strait drummer and member of the Ace in the Hole Band Mike Kennedy died in an automobile accident on Interstate 40 Friday afternoon (8-31) in Lebanon, Tennessee. Many in the country music community are morning the loss of one of the most beloved backline players in the business, including George Strait.
George Strait Drummer Mike Kennedy Killed in Car Accident
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Long-time drummer for George Strait and proud member of the Ace in the Hole Band Mike Kennedy was killed in a car wreck in Tennessee on Friday afternoon, August 31st according to numerous reports. The wreck happened on Interstate 40 in Wilson County, just east of Nashville. He was 59-years-old.
There’s Nothing New About “New Artist” Controversies
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There’s nothing new about staring at the “New Artist” nominees for a country music industry awards show and being bewildered at the names you see. It’s an annual exercise. This year the names included in the CMA’s “New Artist of the Year” category were no different.