Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary Special was Worth the 100-Year Wait
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We didn’t really know what to expect from the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary celebration on NBC Wednesday night (3-19). We hoped it would be a cavalcade of actual country stars singing actual country music.
Justin Townes Earle Is Battling With Record Label
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Songwriter and performer Justin Townes Earle has been on the warpath as of late through his always-entertaining Twitter account, taking to task a record label for standing in the way of a new release. On October 19th, Justin seemed to allude through Twitter that he was done writing the material for a new album…
Cash’s “Out Among The Stars” Not Just Another Re-release
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Out Among The Stars is a complete album that was recorded between 1981 and 1984 by Cash, with songs that were meant to be together, but never saw the light of day. A true “lost album” if there ever was one. Columbia dropped Cash in 1986, shelving Out Among The Stars, even though they released some other recordings and albums that were made after the album.
Saving Country Music’s Best Music Videos of 2013
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The modern-day music video is a really strange enterprise. Lots of money is spent by artists, and sometimes labels to produce something special; something that really represents the spirit of a song well. But when you look at what people watch, especially when it comes to independent musicians, many times it’s the fan video captured on a consumer-grade piece of technology that draws the most interest.
Dwight Yoakam Plane Fire Forces Emergency Landing
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Dwight Yoakam and everyone else is safe after a a scare at 50,000 feet Sunday afternoon. Dwight and 9 other passengers were aboard a twin-engine Hawker 800 jet after playing a private show in a small town in Canada’s Northwest Territories roughly 1,300 miles due North of Great Falls, MT, when the pilot radioed in an engine fire while en route back to the United States.
Punk Rocker Henry Rollins Writes Letter to Toby Keith
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A video of punk rock frontman turned public speaker, comedian, and actor Henry Rollins penning a letter to Toby Keith has been making the rounds lately. The video features Henry undressing Toby Keith’s oafish approach to entertainment, and the damaging effects the message of his music could have on the psyche and behavior of his consumers.
The Ray Price Cherokee Cowboys Proving Ground
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Before there were reality show contests and overnight sensations in country music, artists were expected to pay dues. Much can be written about the influence and impact Ray Price had on country music. But there may be no better evidence then the list of performers who felt honored to play behind Ray during their rise. Here’s some of the most notable Cherokee Cowboys that went on to bigger fame.
Chris Ferrell Released From Jail, New Details In Wayne Mills Murder
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Chris Ferrell, the owner of the Pit & Barrel Bar in Nashville, and the man accused of 2nd degree murder in the shooting death of Outlaw country musician Wayne Mills, was in court for the first time today. The judge eventually reduced the bond to $150,000, and later Chris Ferrell was released with tight restrictions on his movements. More details also emerged about the case.
Curb Madness: Label to Release Tim McGraw “Love Story” Album
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Curb Records is releasing yet another album from Tim McGraw; an artist that hasn’t called Curb Records home officially for over 2 years. The album will be called Love Story and will feature Tim McGraw’s “12 biggest love songs,” two previously-unreleased recordings, and will be released exclusively through Wal-Mart on February 2nd, 2014.
Saving Country Music’s Worst Songs of 2013
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So here you go ladies and gentlemen, the worst of the worst that 2013 had to offer in country music. As you might suspect, a list of mainstream country’s worst misdeeds in 2013 is mostly populated by an ear-serrating cacophony of country rap songs. With only a couple of exceptions, country rap has replaced what last year at this time was a parade of laundry list-themed songs.
“Cherokee Cowboy” Ray Price Has Passed Away
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Country music legend Ray Price has passed away his ranch in Mount Pleasant, TX after a prolonged battle with pancreatic Cancer and side effects from Cancer treatment. Ray was 87-year-old. Ray returned to his ranch in Mount Pleasant after an extended stay at the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, TX to receive hospice care. Janie Price says Ray chose to spend his final days on his “beloved ranch.”
Widow of Wayne Mills Speaks Out / Wayne Saves 5 Lives
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2 ½ weeks after the unfortunate shooting death of Outlaw country songwriter and performer Wayne Mills, the wife of the deceased artist is speaking about the circumstances surrounding his passing, the type of man he was, and how his death touched many lives. As an organ donor, Wayne’s kidneys, pancreas, liver and heart went to people waiting on transplants.
Hellbound Glory From The Empire Control Room
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You won’t see Reno, Nevada’s Hellbound Glory at the top of anyone’s ‘Best Of’ lists this year, unless it relates to touring or live performances. Leroy Virgil & the boys didn’t leave much time for recording and releasing albums in 2013; they were too busy ripping off one of the toughest, busiest, and arguably the most notable touring schedules in 2013 from an independent country act.