50 Years Ago: Willie Nelson Scores First #1 Song … At Age 42
23 Comments
By the time Willie minted his first #1 in country music, he’d been hired and fired from the Grand Ole Opry. He’d been married and divorced. He’d retired from music, put on 40 pounds, and become a pig farmer.
Randy Travis Sings “Amazing Grace” in First Singing Performance Since Stroke
8 Comments
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”
142 Comments
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
16 Comments
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”
53 Comments
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
6 Comments
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)
28 Comments
“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
18 Comments
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”
88 Comments
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
66 Comments
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.
Cam Responds to Saving Country Music’s Criticism (Kind Of)
24 Comments
The artist known as Cam, best known for her breakout single “Burning House,” was on 92.5’s Electric Barnyard show with CMA and ACM-nominated DJ Broadway last week. And as Broadway is apt to do upon occasion, he pulled a disparaging quote from Saving Country Music to read to Cam to get her reaction and response.
Jayke Orvis to Join The Goddamn Gallows Full Time on Upcoming Tour
14 Comments
word has come down that Jayke Orvis has decided to suit up once again with the Goddamn Gallows on their upcoming nationwide tour. Stepping aside for the moment is banjo player Joe Perreze. “I will be back with them onstage in the future and look forward to enjoying the show from the audience in the meantime,” says Perreze. The Gallows will be touring behind their latest album “The Maker.”
Check That: TWO Movies About the Life of George Jones Are Being Made Simultaneously
40 Comments
As No Show Jones moves forward with pre-production, so does a completely different movie, potentially a rival movie if you want to look at it that way, being made by the daughter of George Jones, Georgette Jones. Georgette was the only daughter between George Jones and Tammy Wynette during their brief, but high-profile marriage.