Texas Songwriter Julia Hatfield Survives Devastating Kerrville Flood
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Texas/Americana singer/songwriter Julia Hatfield saw the worst of the flood on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville,TX, but is thankful to be living to tell her story. Unfortunately, now at least 80 people are confirmed dead.
The Band Perry’s Failed Single “Live Forever” Pulled from the Internet – Then Added Back (Updated)
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The strange saga of the Big Machine-signed The Band Perry and their curious new direction continues. The latest shoe to fall is their official, big production video for the failed single “Live Forever” has been pulled from YouTube, pulled from their social network pages, and no trace of the video can be found anywhere.
Album Review – Wheeler Walker Jr.’s “Redneck Shit”
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Believe it or not, there’s even a deep history for more lewd comedy that would happen in country music under the covers. Roy Acuff, the “King of Country Music” cut dirty songs when nobody was looking, and so did other early country legends, some under assumed names. These recordings were like the peep shows of music in the early days, passed around at beer parlors or in the back rooms of studios.
Dori Freeman’s Self-Titled Debut is Deserving of High Praise
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2016 is still a young, fertile lass and much more still needs to be determined. But I get the sense we’ll be talking about this album again come December, and Dori Freeman will not be a name unknown, but the one of the select few to be measured by.
Randy Travis Sings “Amazing Grace” in First Singing Performance Since Stroke
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Many news outlets have reported on Randy’s performance, but questions remained on just how capable Randy was in singing “Amazing Grace.” Fans of Travis have been hoping and praying for a full recovery for the singer since his health issues. Singing is sometimes easier for individuals dealing with impediments than talking is.
Song Review – Sturgill Simpson’s “Sugar Daddy”
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More so than most songs, it might be important to understand the context in which “Sugar Daddy” is being offered, or how it potentially may dovetail into a much more encompassing and cohesive album concept in the future, if “Sugar Daddy” even makes it onto Sturgill’s next album and is not just intended for the ‘Vinyl’ soundtrack.
Finally, The Definitive Cradle-to-Grave Biography on George Jones to Be Released
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The 320-page biography will cover George’s life from an impoverished childhood growing up in East Texas, being raised by by a devoutly-religious, but alcoholic mother and an often-abusive father, his multiple tumultuous marriages including to Tammy Wynette, his alcohol and cocaine abuse that almost killed him, and his marriage to his fourth wife Nancy.
What’s In A Name: Music Fans of Today Are Not Cheering For “What,” But “Who”
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Music is such a polarizing subject in popular culture already. We love to love our music, and we love to hate everyone else’s. Music is what we use to identify ourselves culturally. It’s what allows us to find camaraderie with other people who are more likely to be like-minded with ourselves. It’s what we pride ourselves in to tell us that we’re better than others.
Dolly Parton’s Record-Setting “Coat of Many Colors” Movie Coming to DVD
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Dolly Parton’s NBC made-for-TV movie Coat of Many Colors went from a sweet little movie to watch with the family over the holiday season, to one of the most successful and cherished movies based on a country music legend’s life released in recent memory. As word of mouth spread, it also became the highest-rated TV movie ever using Nielsen’s “National TV Toolbox Live+ Same Day and Live+ 3 Days” measurement.
“The Driver” is Charles Kelley’s Yearning for Real World Authenticity (Album Review)
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“The Driver” is Charles Kelley’s version of Theodore Roosevelt buying a $700 cowboy shirt and heading for the Dakota badlands, or Rose from Titanic choosing to attend the dance in the boiler room instead of the ballroom because the help knows how to party better. It’s this strange, striving for everything Charles Kelley and Lady Antebellum isn’t that defines this solo album.
Merle Haggard Unexpectedly Takes Stage Again After Illness
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Later it was announced by Haggard’s publicist that all February dates would be canceled to aid Merle’s continued recovery. The publicist said Merle was “still feeling weak from his recent struggle with double pneumonia and has decided to seek further treatment.” But apparently tour plans have changed yet again.
Chris Stapleton: “I Don’t Think Country Music Needs Saving”
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A week from this evening, the music industry will be gathering in Los Angeles for the the world’s biggest music event of the year: The Grammy Awards. Unlike many years, fans of true and traditional country music will have someone to root for when it comes to the night’s biggest prize, even if it isn’t the most ideal artist to champion.
Droning Chase Rice Open Letter Pretty Much Admits His New Single Sucks
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Chase was sure saying the right things, as are a lot of the Bro-Country acts who are now acknowledging the flight of interest in the bastardized style of country music. But words are cheap, and actions speak louder. And it didn’t take long for Chase to break his promise that his next album would be “all” about depth.