Is Zach Top really a traditional country artist? Or is he just reimagining the sounds of ’90s country? And are people forgetting that in the ’90s, traditionalists though the music was terrible?
There have been many record producers over the years in country music. Then there is Tony Brown. Right up there with Chet Atkins, Billy Sherrill, and a few select others, Tony Brown defined the sound for an entire era.
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.
Country music is going through a big revitalization of the ’90s country sound, and it’s off the backs of guys like Zach Top, as well as Texas native Jake Worthington with his 2023 self-titled album.
It’s often the most simple notions that resonate the deepest in country music. It’s how a song can embrace the cliché nature of country songs, yet still express a certain feeling in a new and unique way.
You won’t hear “King” George Strait on the radio, and you’ll barely hear songs from Chris Stapleton these days. But both of these country stalwarts can sell out shows at the stadium level, and will do so once again in 2025.
No, neither George Strait nor Reba McEntire spoke out about Beyoncé’s Grammy win for Best Country Album, or Best Country Duo/Group performance. There’s a good chance George Strait didn’t even know it occurred.
Before we look forward to 2025, let’s look back at 2024 and remember the important individuals we lost, from huge superstars, to songwriters and side players. They all contributed to the music we love, and deserve to be remembered.
You can’t save country music while ignoring commercial country. One of the ways we address the mainstream is by highlighting the best albums in the mainstream in hopes they help influence country moving forward.
Alright, we ran down the nominees for Album of the Year and Song of the Year. But it’s time to give a little love to the songs that simply get stuck in out heads and remind us of the sheer joy of music.
It sets a bad precedent that when a titan of country music passes, we don’t take anything more than 20 seconds and a box of plastic cups to pay tribute. This is country music, and we honor our past legends.
At the 2024 CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 20th, George Strait will receive the highest award that the CMAs can dole out—the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. First awarded in 2012 …
Recently I was in a tire shop getting the ol’ truck some new rubber and trying to reset the tire warning light, when my ears immediately latched on to the music they were playing in the background.
George Strait and Alan Jackson weren’t exactly Outlaws, or even outsiders of any kind in country music, especially on October 27th, 1999 when they walked into the studio and recorded their own version of the song.
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats.
George Strait just released his first album in some five years with Cowboys and Dreamers, and many country fans are finding a lot to love about the album. Here is a track by track look at the album.
George Strait did his duty, to God, to country, to family, and to country music. He owes us nothing more. Anything else is gravy. Yet he still takes moments to contribute like he does on “Cowboys and Dreamers.”
Aren’t you lucky that you’re connected in with Saving Country Music, which is the website numerous other websites use to stay informed about all the albums coming out each week. It’s darn near a full time job.
George Strait’s new album “Cowboys and Dreamers” is out on Friday, September 6th. But fans of Strait and supporters of local independent record stores will have an opportunity to listen and purchase the album early.
If you want to get Keith Urban on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, wait until a year after Strait gets his or something. The organizers of this make it seem like Strait and Urban are equals. It just sort of cheapens the whole thing.
On Saturday (6/15) at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, George Strait officially shattered the all-time record for attendance at a single concert with 110,905 tickets sold. The attendance breaks the previous record.
The 2nd half of 2024 promises to be a very big and very busy time when it comes to album releases in country and roots music. Below you can find a list of Saving Country Music’s top recommended albums.
George Strait has finally dropped the details and a debut song from his first album in five years, “Cowboys and Dreamers.” And as one of the premier living legends in country music, the album is certainly to be anticipated.
At the George Strait show at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Saturday night (5/4), Strait not only confirmed a new album is on the way, he also debuted two new songs from it, including one with Chris Stapleton.