20 Years Ago: The Great Hank Williams Jr. Jewelry Heist
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It was 20 years ago today—January 19th, 2005—that a 22-year-old man by the name of Ryan Daniel Binkley decided to sneak into the 10,000-square-foot country retreat of Hank Jr’s near Paris, Tennessee.
University Study Says Women Objectified in Country Music More Than Ever
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Those who’ve been closely following the trends in country music over the last few years have had a sense that songs that objectify and denigrate women have been on the rise, but it was only anecdotal evidence that we could call upon to corroborate this claim. Now a study out of Texas Tech University in Lubbock has put detailed research behind the subject.
Song Review – Jon Pardi’s “Dirt On My Boots”
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Jon Pardi might be one of the performers we love to point at as being a party to repatriating mainstream country music with more palatable material as part of a new wave of traditional-leaning young talent, but as his new single proves, the effort to save country music is sometimes an imperfect one.
Album Review – Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms’ “Innocent Road”
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As a long-standing member of The Foghorn Stringband, Caleb Klauder has studied classic melodies and can call upon an incredible repertoire of songs ranging from Appalachian old time, Celtic folk, classic Cajun, and all of the variations in between that went on to form many of the major roots genres of today.
Thoughts & Prayers For Randy Travis After His Father Passes Away
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Harold Traywick was a big fan of classic country, including Hank Williams, George Jones, and Lefty Frizzell, encouraging his children to pursue their musical talents from a young age. At the age of eight, Randy Travis began playing guitar and singing at the local Church of Christ.
Jason Eady & Courtney Patton to Release Duets Album “Something Together”
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For years we’ve been waiting for the two Texas country traditionalists, regular tour mates, and fluttering love birds of Jason Eady and Courtney Patton to release a duets album, and very soon we’ll get our wish. Just announced, the duo will be releasing an acoustic album called ‘Something Together.’
Album Review – Mo Pitney’s “Behind This Guitar”
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The troika of Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and Chris Stapleton isn’t the only gaggle making waves in country music and giving folks hope for the future. All signed to major labels and making more traditionally-oriented country fans salivate for what the future may have in store are Jon Pardi, William Michael Morgan and 23-year-old Illinois native Mo Pitney.
Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” Now Certified 2x Multi-Platinum
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Add yet another distinction to Chris Stapleton’s now historic run with his debut album ‘Traveller.’ Under the radar and with little fanfare, ‘Traveller’ was officially certified 2x multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, or RIAA on September 27th for having shipped 2 million equivalent units.
Charlie Starr Says New Blackberry Smoke is Not Like The “Crap” On Country Radio
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“It’s not an afterthought like the kind of crap that is on country radio now,” said Blackberry Smoke frontman and primary songwriter, Charlie Starr in a recent interview. “It might be some people’s thing but it’s not mine. There’s not much of a statement, there’s no emotion — it’s hollow and that’s a drag.”
The Great Turning of the Tide in Country Music (A Timeline)
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In January of 2016, Saving Country Music published an article explaining how 2016 Could Be 1975 All Over Again in country music—how an upsurge in more traditional and substantive talent and music could really take hold in country, from the independent realm to the mainstream. And that is exactly what we’ve seen as 2016 has progressed.
Miranda Lambert? Freaking HUGE John Moreland Fan.
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John Moreland has already received the praise of the likes of Jason Isbell who he’s toured with before and dozens of others, but an endorsement from one of the biggest females in country music at the moment is a pretty big deal. Apparently during AmericanaFest a couple of weeks ago, Miranda Lambert took time out of her busy schedule to take in a set by Moreland.
William Michael Morgan’s #1 for “I Met A Girl” is Nothing Short of Historic
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With absolutely no hyperbole intended, William Michael Morgan earning a #1 on country radio for his debut single “I Met A Girl” is a historic moment in country music. It’s a point in time when an undeniably traditional country song from an undeniably traditional country artist has topped the chart after a long vacancy for a traditionalist at the top spot.
What’s The Scoop Behind Dale Watson’s New Album “Under The Influence”?
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Dale Watson is not only one of the most dedicated torchbearers and gatekeepers of authentic country music—or as he would prefer to call it, Ameripolitan—he also happens to be one of the most prolific. Dale will release an album on you with absolutely no warning, no press, no info, and if you blink you would miss it.