Saving Country Music’s 2015 Artist of the Year
Whitey Morgan is the Lemmy of country music. Wild, ornery, unkempt, uncompromising, refreshingly honest, irreconcilable to the tame ways of today’s country, he’s the musical embodiment of the spirit of what true honky tonk country music is supposed to be all about, and the personification of the anger that so many disenfranchised country music fans feel every day.
Whitey Morgan is a mountain of a man; a badass, a battle axe who willing to cause some collateral damage if necessary to get the job done.
To be a Saving Country Music Artist of the Year, you can’t just be “good.” It’s not about releasing some great songs or a significant album in a given calendar year. You have to be committed to the cause, both on and off the stage. You have to care about country music, even when you’re not playing it, even when it doesn’t affect you specifically, and even when it’s not politically expedient, or might put you or your career in harm’s way to say what you believe, or to stand up for the cause. You must live and breathe country. You have to concern yourself about where country is headed in the future, and what efforts are underway to help preserve the past. You have to take what has happened to country music personally, and put your money where your mouth is when it comes to making efforts to right the ship.
It just happens to be that Whitey Morgan, along with his excellent backing band The 78’s, also released a career-defining record in 2015 with Sonic Ranch. Year upon year, night upon night of going to battle in honky tonks all across the country on a relentless march to give local fans at least an evening of respite from their tough lives and personal troubles has resulted in one of the tightest bands ever heard in country music. Whether it’s one of his originally-penned tunes, or a forgotten cover from country music’s past, Whitey pulls every ounce of heart and every drop of entertainment value out of every note he sings and plays while sweat pours over his Telecaster until the listener has no choice but to be engrossed. Every time a Whitey Morgan song is emitted from a stage or from speakers, a pocket of resistance emerges from everyday troubles, and the terrible noise of pop country.
And unlike some other underground country heroes who might have led the charge for a short period, but then lost heart and rode off into the sunset or decided to go in some self-indulgent direction with their music, Whitey has never let us down. He’s never jeopardized his street cred for an easy step up. He’s never had to rely on a famous name or a big endorsement to get ahead. His past isn’t peppered with spurious collaborations that make you question what his true intentions might be.
READ: How Whitey Morgan Is Fulfilling The Promise of Underground Country
And lastly, Whitey Morgan is Saving Country Music’s Artist of the Year not just for where he’s been and what he’s done in 2015, but for where he’s headed in the future. With a dump truck full of momentum behind him, Whitey’s best years may still be more ahead than behind. And he’s gotten where he is, and going where he will the hard way, unwilling to take short cuts, and knowing that reaching the top means more when you’ve done it your way.
Congratulations Whitey, you’ve done Flint proud.
– – – – – – – – –
Runner’s up: Chris Stapleton, Maddie Marlow, Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson . . . again.
Acca Dacca
December 29, 2015 @ 9:56 am
I’m sure I’m speaking for many (and I see his name there as a Runner Up), but this was Chris Stapleton’s year in my mind so he gets my vote. However, I also support Whitey for the distinction; Sonic Ranch was a great record.
Trigger
December 29, 2015 @ 10:05 am
This may sound strange to say about a 37-year-old, but Chris Stapleton is just getting started with his solo career. He will have plenty of other opportunities to be recognized, and he’s already been recognized plenty. And even though I’ve been and remain a staunch defender of Stapleton, he still needs to put the fears some have to rest that he’s just a wolf in sheep’s clothing who’s going to turn around an launch a pop country career on us. I don’t think that will happen, but because of some of his work in the past, he needs to prove it before he can become a consensus candidate.
Acca Dacca
December 29, 2015 @ 10:15 am
I understand. It seems almost sacrilegious to hand him the keys to the kingdom for just one great record and some CMA wins (historic or not). Whitey has proved himself and deserves it more than Stapleton at this venture. I suppose I’ve just bought more into the myth of Stapleton than other fans have thus far, and hopefully it won’t be proved folly. I share your faith in him, however; choosing to play “Tennessee Whiskey”, even if it was a reworked version, at his live appearance was encouraging.
Robert S
December 29, 2015 @ 3:58 pm
Congrats to Whitey Morgan & hope the exposure brings him and the other artists mentioned here some new fans. One of the things I look forward to seeing from the Stapletons is how much Morgane wants to do ? She has written at least a couple hundred songs, including some nice ones with Liz Rose and others.
Kurt
December 31, 2015 @ 8:14 am
I think that Stapleton has zero to prove to anyone. The guy has a great body of work going back to the Steeldrivers through his solo work. Because he wrote or co-wrote some bad tunes means little when it comes to who he is as a solo recording artist. He’s been a full time songwriter for years people. That’s an entirely different beast than being a recording and touring artist who happens to be a songwriter. His job was to produce a sizable volume of material to satisfy his publishing deal. And what if you walk into a room with four others writers and they ask you for a line or two that become part of a very bad song that happens to be a huge hit? What are you gonna do, take a stand for the sake of art and not take the six figure royalty check? This was how he fed his family. It doesn’t mean it was his muse or his true vision as an artist. Would you hold it against a great chef if he got his start at McDonald’s? Perspective is needed in a situation like this. And not for nothing, why does Jamey Johnson get a pass? His name is on Honky Tonk Badonkadonk for goodness sake. We finally get a genuine badass making waves commercially but it’s not good enough for the “country cool gatekeepers”. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. What will make us happy as the guardians of good country music? Hank III breaking the top 10? Some coked-out string band who claims they’re really punk rock with acoustic instruments becoming the darlings of music row? Stapleton is breaking through because his talent is on a level that is rarely seen in any genre. He’s bigger than a pigeonhole. He’ll release stuff that doesn’t please everyone for sure. But please be serious and acknowledge that this guy possesses some rare talent that has been honed over the years. Sure he wrote some crap. But that crap has also been a ring on his ladder up. If the point of “saving country music” is helping quality reign, then this movement has done well. If the point is simply to always be skeptical and unhappy no matter what, then I’m greatly disappointed. Peace for the New Year, love your way with the written word.
Big Cat
January 1, 2016 @ 7:32 am
Agree but I understand what Trig is saying. Look, Im a big Stapelton fan, seen him play a handful of times including just several moths back at the GA Theatre (of note in front of a very non-sold crowd pre-CMA’s). But folks can’t call some (bro) artist out for singing about drinking when Stapelton mentions ‘whiskey’ in almost every song cut on Traveler. Personally I find real meaning in CS writing. Sounds like ‘Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore’ hit you so hard you can feel them eat into your bones. However I understand folks wanting to see how he handles this mainstream success to see if he is the real deal or playing a role.
D
December 31, 2015 @ 9:41 pm
Given your criteria for the award I would guess Stapleton disqualifies himself. I was reading the latest Rolling Stone and when presented with “Merle Haggard has said he’s sick of hearing about tractors, beer and the beach in country music. It seems like your album is proof we’re moving on from bro-country.” Stapleton replied “Well, country music has always had tractors, beer and beaches. Hank Jr. and Buck Owens sang about that stuff. I get tired of people trying to dog out the radio for not playing this or that. There are lots of people who like what they play – otherwise, they wouldn’t play it.” Whether his response was a dodge or genuine, his lack of concern for the status quo in country music may disqualify him out of the gate as I read it. Either way, I was disappointed to read it.
Jack Williams
January 1, 2016 @ 9:24 am
I agree that’s disappointing. From the published question and response, it seems that Merle Haggard, one of the greatest if not the greatest country artist of all time and a world class country songwriter, is just another person Stapleton is tired of with respect to criticizing country radio. Also, he seems to gives the same kind of lame defense that so many bros have given before (past country greats have “done the same thing.”).
One major mitigating factor for me is that this is Rolling Stone and I don’t trust them. Was this the whole conversation on this topic or was there some nuance left out?
D
January 1, 2016 @ 12:50 pm
It was neither the whole conversation nor was any nuance left out. He had apparently just answered a question about his influences by citing Petty’s Wildflowers as his favorite album of all time and said he holds it as his standard so the Haggard follow up question was apropos. He could have very easily said “haggard is great and I don’t listen to the radio much” or some tactful deflection to avoid being critical but I think he is way off the mark by saying many people like what they play or they would not play it….to assume that people are choosing to listen to that “country” crap like they have selected it as compared to the field is way off. The truth is many don’t know shit from shinola. They have never heard of shinola so they gobble up shit. Needless to say my video searches today are of Whitey Morgan not Stapleton. I am not very familiar with either.
RJ
January 10, 2016 @ 12:24 pm
Maybe I’m a dick, but I really don’t care too much for Stapleton. Some songs are great, his album is good, but he doesn’t kick my ass like Whitey does. And it has nothing to do with popularity; these dudes rough it on the road and deserve everything they get.
I saw Whitey last month up here in Chicago and was totally floored. Just so good
Shane M
December 29, 2015 @ 9:58 am
Hell yeah. Couldn’t agree more. You should post some stuff (If you haven’t already) on The White Buffalo
Shane M
December 29, 2015 @ 10:00 am
Yes Chris Stapleton is great but i have to say Whitey is better. (In my opinion)
Acca Dacca
December 29, 2015 @ 10:07 am
I expect quite a few comments saying the same thing. Since underground country music is the safe haven for traditional fans, many of them have adopted a “success = selling out/crappy quality” mindset, just like rock fans, when the truth is much more nuanced. Whitey is still one of the “underppreciated” guys, so obviously there’ll be a sect here crapping on Stapleton. As Trigger has said here and elsewhere, many country fans have taken to victimizing themselves and portraying any sort of success for their cause as a threat. Not saying you are, I’m just throwing it out there. I myself wonder if this is a part (however small) of the reason why the suits in NashVegas are so unconcerned with traditional country fans. At this point they’re pretty much happy to be unhappy. One wonders how country music will ever be saved if people get more enjoyment out of proclaiming themselves as one of the remaining few who appreciate it instead of being happy when it breaks back in.
albert
December 29, 2015 @ 5:26 pm
‘I expect quite a few comments saying the same thing. Since underground country music is the safe haven for traditional fans, many of them have adopted a “success = selling out/crappy quality” mindset, just like rock fans, when the truth is much more nuanced. Whitey is still one of the “underppreciated” guys, so obviously there”™ll be a sect here crapping on Stapleton. As Trigger has said here and elsewhere, many country fans have taken to victimizing themselves and portraying any sort of success for their cause as a threat. Not saying you are, I”™m just throwing it out there. I myself wonder if this is a part (however small) of the reason why the suits in NashVegas are so unconcerned with traditional country fans. At this point they”™re pretty much happy to be unhappy. One wonders how country music will ever be saved if people get more enjoyment out of proclaiming themselves as one of the remaining few who appreciate it instead of being happy when it breaks back in. ‘
…what Acca Decca said .
I don’t know this particular entertainer but I DO know that for every relatively unsung ‘ hero’ there are at least a 100 more relatively unsung heroes . In terms of delivering the SCM message to the masses , I don’t think tradition spoke louder or more demonstratively than Stapleton , Kacy Musgraves , Don Henley , Alan Jackson or George Strait . These folks laid their legendary weights on the line to stick to their guns and work within traditions to keep country music alive lyrically and sonically . All of the aforementioned five would share my vote .
hiYUN
December 29, 2015 @ 10:09 am
Best fans of all time here in Saskatchewan Canada… Check out Alan Jackson’s ‘Where I come from’ video. https://youtu.be/DlcmloKHBUk
P.S. trump will never win, and Hillary sucks, vote Rubio for president 2016!
Nate
December 29, 2015 @ 10:10 am
Hell yes! Whitey just understands the heart and soul of country music, can’t think of a better way to sum him up than that. Like you mentioned, Trig, Stapleton has to prove he can be a consensus pick. Whitey proves that time and time again. Surely there’s gotta be a Sturgill-Whitey collaboration in the future!
Jack Williams
December 29, 2015 @ 10:12 am
Well, I was expecting to see Stapleton. Saw the burly, bearded guy and some part of me said “Yep, Stapleton.” Then, I said “Wait.. That’s Whitey.”
I think this is a good choice. I’m guessing Traveler is even more the favorite now for album of the year, but one never knows with our huggable, loveable, not always predictable (Kellie Pickler, anyone?) Triggerman. I had Sonic Ranch at #9 in my personal top ten and Traveler just outside it.
Dave D.
December 29, 2015 @ 10:19 am
Great choice, Trig, And as good as Sonic Guitar was, my most played record of 2015 was Whitey’s Grandpa’s Guitar, released at the end of 2014.
scott
December 29, 2015 @ 11:24 am
Grandpa’s Guitar is certainly killer stuff.
Bill Goodman
December 29, 2015 @ 10:38 am
Surprised yet not surprised. I was expecting Stapleton as many others were. Whitey is a good choice though.
Kevin Davis
December 29, 2015 @ 11:00 am
Excellent pick. The best concert I saw this year was Whitey Morgan and the 78’s in Charlotte. I was blown away. In fact, it was probably the best concert I have ever seen (and I’ve seen Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Petty, B. B. King, and many more). The whole band is crazy talented.
pistol packin mama
December 29, 2015 @ 11:07 am
Hands down the best choice. The way he covered Townes Van Zandt and Scott H Biram were just awesome. I am also always drawn to the jam session of him and his band covering Waymore Blues.
Logan
December 29, 2015 @ 11:13 am
While I agree that Whitey was my favorite of the year, I believe Stapleton is the “Saving Country Music” artist of the year as he tore down the barriers of what is and could be mainstream country. He quite literally “saved” country music at the CMA’s and that was evident, at least to me, by my Facebook feed filled with people saying they loved the music and want more.
Spoony
December 29, 2015 @ 11:52 am
He seems to me a lot more like the blue-eyed soul music artist of the year. I just don’t see anything country about his music. Not that I’m denying his talent, or that I like some of his songs.
Frank the Tank
December 29, 2015 @ 3:10 pm
I agree. He’s certainly very talented, but his music and his voice are much more blues/soul in my opinion. It’s for that reason that I can’t quite get into his music.
Wicket
December 29, 2015 @ 11:16 am
I think I know who rode off into the sunset. Who is the selfish artist taking their music in a self indulgent direction?
Wicket
December 30, 2015 @ 7:08 am
I don’t get why you consistently criticize artists for being self indulgent?
Trigger
December 30, 2015 @ 10:29 am
I think there’s a fine line between making the music you want to make, and knowing you have a responsibility to the music, your fans, and even to an extent, yourself, to understand you’re still creating something for the public. This is a complicated subject I should probably write an article about as opposed to trying to explain in a comment. I can totally understand how some would misinterpret or be curious of this this opinion.
Wicket
December 31, 2015 @ 8:43 am
Maybe I can understand your point by knowing the artist(s) you’re alluding to.
Trigger
December 31, 2015 @ 12:07 pm
I’m not alluding to any specific artists. I’m more speaking about a larger trend that I’m noticing with many artists.
Anthony
December 29, 2015 @ 11:30 am
Why did Maddie get singled out? lol
Trigger
December 29, 2015 @ 1:04 pm
I think Maddie Marlow showed some surprising and impressive leadership in both words and actions in 2015. I mentioned her here so that years from now I can point back and prove I was on to her and what she’s capable of before the rest of the country music world woke up to it. 🙂
Anthony
December 29, 2015 @ 4:11 pm
Well played lol. I thought you might be trying to say she’s more talented, which she is but, haha. I never put together that when they’re discussing issues in interviews and stuff that she is the one who speaks up.
Bigfoot is Real (AKA Progressive Fascist Rat)
December 29, 2015 @ 12:21 pm
While valid arguments can be made for others it is still great to see Whitey Morgan be the SCM AOY. The only nit I can pick is his songwriting output but he does an amazing job picking and covering some great choices.
Jim
December 29, 2015 @ 1:35 pm
I love you for not just picking Chris Stapleton.
Rockies
December 29, 2015 @ 2:10 pm
Very nice selection Trig!
Whitey is perhaps the most under-appreciated artist out there right now.
See the man perform live! Bad ass all the way around and damn cool as well.
Gumslasher
December 29, 2015 @ 2:18 pm
He is a great artist and fantastic entertainer. But his songs are some hits and a lot of naps on the sofa. Sonic Ranch got alotta heart , some soul and a few good songs. As for the TVZ cover, I feel he totally misses everything that makes the song pure perfection with his take on it.
Madwolf
December 29, 2015 @ 8:02 pm
It took quite a few spins for me to get into Sonic Ranch…now I love it. For me, the TVZ cover is the least listenable song on the entire cd. I already have my piss break planned around that song when I see him in February.
Jake W.
December 29, 2015 @ 2:46 pm
You got that one right he is the real deal. Wooooh who,. I love sonic ranch and grandpas guitar i guess it just matters how “authentic” you are.
But on a different note you can go ahead and close down the site Trigger Chris Stapleton already saved country music and he didnt even give you any credit. Just kidding he is starting to convert me when i watched some of his interviews listened to his steel drivers songs maybe he aint so bad sure does look like a whitey knock off but i dont know. But no need to save country music now we need to Protect it…
Jackie Treehorn
December 30, 2015 @ 9:20 am
In regards to Stapleton “saving” country music: In the words of billy Joe shaver as sung by Waylon Jennings: “I’ll believe it when I see it and I haven’t seen it yet, don’t mind me just keep on talking, lm just lookin for my hat”.
Time will tell, but for me Chris Stapleton is a great artist and a damn talented blues singer, not a country music savior.
Jack Williams
December 30, 2015 @ 10:03 am
As far as his singing style goes, I think it is more southern rock/soul than blues. I don’t know that I’ve heard him sing a straight up blues song, like say, Greg Allman has (or even Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose good blues singing tends to get overlooked because of his guitar virtuousity). Maybe he’s not a straight country artist, but at least there’s a good healthy dose of heartlfelt country music to be found on Traveler. I’m just happy that a quality rootsy album is doing so well..
John Cobb
December 29, 2015 @ 3:10 pm
Just discovered Whitey this year and have already seen him in concert three times. Terrific band and great shows.
I have not listened to a country radio station in years but have found great musicians from reading this website. Thanks for letting me know that there are still people out there making good country music.
The Hillbilly Muslim
December 29, 2015 @ 4:30 pm
He has no rivals!!!!
Travis
December 29, 2015 @ 4:43 pm
Great choice! I got the opportunity to see him live once this year and have certainly enjoyed his music throughout the year.
Trig, on another note, I wanted to thank you for all your effort with SCM this year. This website always has great content from news to reviews to the rants and even the comment section. I 100% appreciate all the effort you put into this and wish I could nominate SCM as website of the year. Thank you and a happy new year to you and the SCM community!
Trigger
December 29, 2015 @ 5:19 pm
Thanks Travis!
Chance
December 29, 2015 @ 7:08 pm
Sonic Ranch IMHO is the best recording of 2015. Saw him live at SLO Brew Company this summer and had a great time. Who cares that he does a lot of covers once Whitey does them he owns them.
Applejack
December 29, 2015 @ 9:56 pm
This is off topic, but I just heard Chris Stapleton’s “Parachute” on ESPN when they cut to commercial during the Texas Bowl. Finally, I hear a country song on a college football broadcast that doesn’t make me want to claw my ears off!
I guess there’s a first time for everything. 😉
Julian Spivey
December 29, 2015 @ 11:29 pm
Nothing against Whitey Morgan, but most of his most recent album is covers. I think when it comes to something like this originality should mean a little more, which is why I would go with somebody like Jason Isbell, Turnpike Troubadours or Chris Stapleton.
Trigger
December 30, 2015 @ 1:09 am
I think the amount of covers in Whitey’s music is a fair point to bring up. However I would point out this is not an Album of the Year distinction (though he is also nominated for that), this is Artist of the Year, which has just as much do do with how much an artist embodies the spirit of “saving country music” as it does their musical output. In fact one could say that by playing the music of old greats, Whitey is helping to keep the music alive.
Brett Robinson
December 30, 2015 @ 8:53 am
Just wanna ask a question to everyone that needs to point out the number of songs on Sonic Ranch that were written by others: What would you have said in 1962 when “Night Life” came out? What about George Jones? Johnny Paycheck? Country music history is not a history of Singer-Songwriters. Whitey’s philosophy is that he wants to record the best songs he can. He will never record one of his songs just because it’s his own. He holds himself to an impossible standard in that regard. Honestly, it’s a wonder you’ve heard his writing at all as hard as it his for him to be satisfied with himself. I just wanted to explain that a bit. What if ANY of our heroes had been relegated to recording (or mostly) their own material? Aside from Merle Haggard… Thanks Kyle! See you down the road.
Brett
December 30, 2015 @ 9:03 am
Only (or mostly) their own material***
Trigger
December 30, 2015 @ 9:04 am
“Red Headed Stranger” is considered the best album in the history of country music, and 2/3’rds of the songs were not written by Willie Nelson. “Honky Tonk Heroes” is one of Waylon’s best, and he didn’t write any of them. George Jones barely wrote any songs at all. Perhaps if Whitey didn’t write anything, you could hold that as a strike against him. Right now, songwriters are hot so I understand where this sentiment comes from that some folks wish Whitey would include more original material. It also comes from when Whitey does include original stuff, it’s some of his best songs. But how much material he does or doesn’t write didn’t factor into my decision at all here.
Scott S.
December 29, 2015 @ 11:43 pm
Love Whitey. Excellent choice.
Eric
December 30, 2015 @ 1:15 am
“To be a Saving Country Music Artist of the Year, you can”™t just be “good.” It”™s not about releasing some great songs or a significant album in a given calendar year. You have to be committed to the cause, both on and off the stage. You have to care about country music, even when you”™re not playing it, even when it doesn”™t affect you specifically, and even when it”™s not politically expedient, or might put you or your career in harm”™s way to say what you believe, or to stand up for the cause. You must live and breathe country. You have to concern yourself about where country is headed in the future, and what efforts are underway to help preserve the past. You have to take what has happened to country music personally, and put your money where your mouth is when it comes to making efforts to right the ship.”
Sounds like this award is equivalent to what the CMA Entertainer of the Year is supposed to represent.
ChrisNSC
December 30, 2015 @ 5:55 am
I was thinking the same thing when I read the article. When I was watching the CMA’s this year and saw Luke Bryan win again, the first thing that popped in my head was the real country music entertainer of the year wasn’t even on the ballot.
Congratulations to Whitey. I hope he sees this article and the recognition he’s getting here.
Applejack
December 30, 2015 @ 10:59 am
I forgot to say congratulations to Whitey. From what I know of him, he deserves this accolade. Sonic Ranch is my introduction to his music, and I love it. Everything about it, from the badass album cover to the production and mastering speaks of quality and care, in my opinion. And the music is some of the most hard-hitting honky tonk stuff in a long time. One thing I haven’t done is see Whitey live, a situation I need to remedy as soon as possible.
Hopefully this accolade will give Whitey a little bit of a signal boost. I know a lot of journalists and music industry big shots probably read this website!
Dogit
December 30, 2015 @ 2:33 pm
Brother you need to check out his early work too. Memories Cost a lot, back to back, and another round are excellent!
Dogit
December 30, 2015 @ 2:31 pm
I am so glad Whitey is getting some recognition. Who cares if he covers songs! His cover are fantastic! As Trigg stated before, Jones, Waylon, or paycheck wrote very little of their own songs. Sonic Ranch was my favorite 2015 album. Even Willie has tons of covers! Long live Whitey!
Derek E. Sullivan
December 30, 2015 @ 4:17 pm
I think I have to give a little love to Kacey Musgraves. You know there were people in her ear telling her to put out a more mainstream album or hell with her ties to Katy Petty a pop album like Taylor, but she wrote a great country album. Also, she could have jumped on Luke Bryan or Blake Shelton’s tours, but she is instead doing a country show in small theaters. I know she’s coming to Omaha next month for an intimidate show and I’m excited to see it.
RG
December 31, 2015 @ 7:46 am
I am on board with this selection 100%. I’ve seen Whitey twice this year and his band and music are exactly what I consider traditional honky-tonk country music. And Trig, as you mentioned, I love the fact that he knows what he does best and just sticks with it. He never gets too cute but just keeps pumping out solid gold country every show. I really appreciate his style in this landscape of country music where it’s hard to distinguish who is and isn’t a “true” country artist in the traditional sense.
I can always count on Whitey to play music similar to the sounds I grew up on, Waylon, Paycheck, Hank Jr, and many others, and still love to hear to this day. Keep on gettin’ it Whitey!
Dana
December 31, 2015 @ 11:43 am
Great choice, and his band is definitely enhanced by the addition of Tony Martinez. Tony made a great decision to leave the ill-matched Jake Owen tour and record his own EP. He also did backup vocals and guitar tracks on Whitey’s Sonic Ranch album. Now he’s on tour as opening act and acoustic guitar/backup vocals in the 78’s. Can’t wait for Tony’s full length album, he has a lot to offer the country music world.
josh
January 2, 2016 @ 4:09 pm
In my mind Chris Stapleton is a joke he fucked up waylon Jennings song Amanda and he fucked up Tennessee whiskey the man can’t sing theses old songs leave it to the real country artist and I love whitey Morgans music
Studley Dudley
January 2, 2016 @ 7:14 pm
Studley Dudley’s pick for this award goes to:
Thomas Rhett
Zack Kephart
January 3, 2016 @ 11:53 am
Late to the comment party here, but excellent choice. Like a commenter above me said, “Sonic Ranch” was my intro to Whitey’s music and as of now, I own all of his albums (at least I think I do, I have “Honky-Tonks and Cheap Motels”, his self-titled one, “Grandpa’s Guitar”, “Live and Loud From Flint”, and “Sonic Ranch”. That’s it right?) Anyway, I also have not seen Whitey live. I had a chance a while back but he played an hour away from where I live and I don’t have a car…. Anyway, it’s something I hope to remedy when I’m in my twenties. For now, I’m happy listening to my CD’s 🙂
I certainly feel that Whitey fulfills the requirements of Saving Country Music.
BJones
January 4, 2016 @ 10:53 am
This was the right call.