George Strait

September 3, 2015

Garth Brooks Remaking “Friends in Low Places” with Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line

Super secret sources are telling Billboard that Garth Brooks will be issuing an updated version of his 1990 mega hit “Friends in Low Places” to mark the song’s 25th Anniversary, and he will be enlisting a number of high-profile low friends to help him with the new rendition. Included on the new track are reportedly George Strait (yep), Keith Urban (err), Jason Aldean (nope), and Florida Georgia Line (puke).

Florida Georgia Line, Friends in Low Places, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Joey Moi, Keith Urban, Mark Chesnutt, Sam Hunt

August 10, 2015

The Gatekeepers of Country Music are Going Away

Trigger Random Notes 122 Comments

“. . . we play all of our own instruments, we write the best songs that we can, and we put harmony on the songs, we have a real band,” Zac Brown said in response to Luke Bryan’s “That’s My Kind of Night” not two years ago. And now the exact criticisms he leveled at Luke Bryan could be leveled at him. But they won’t be.

Alan Jackson, Charlie Rich, Florida Georgia Line, George Jones, George Strait, John Denver, Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Scott Borchetta, Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings, Zac Brown Band

July 15, 2015

An Open Letter to Luke Bryan

Trigger Random Notes 111 Comments

Dear Luke Bryan, Thanks for taking the time to read my letter, if in fact you do so. I can only imagine the time constraints a man of your success has, and you’ve already been taking of your time over the last few days to help clear up a mess that I guess I had some part in creating.

Aaron Watson, Blackberry Smoke, Blake Shelton, Dallas Davidson, Florida Georgia Line, Gary Overton, George Strait, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Hill, Luke Bryan, Merle Haggard, Sam Hunt, Sturgill Simpson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

June 15, 2015

In The Moment with Chris Stapleton – An Interview on “Traveller”

Trigger Random Notes 28 Comments

It isn’t often that a musician achieves an illustrious 15-year career that includes five number one hits, Grammy Award nominations, feature film contributions, producer credits and the respect of his peers before he ever releases his first solo album. But Chris Stapleton isn’t your average musician. The near-universal critical acclaim that has been heaped upon his debut album “Traveller” has been nothing short of amazing.

Adele, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, George Strait, interview, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, The Jompson Brothers, The Steeldrivers

April 20, 2015

Why Sam Hunt’s Hair at the 2015 ACM Awards Pretty Much Sums Up Everything

Trigger Random Notes 89 Comments

Words were failing me in my efforts to articulate in any sort of composed and accurate manner what type of depravity country music is currently ailing from, and just what angst I feel about the current state of affairs in the genre. The 50th Annual ACM Awards left me despondent, reeling, and listless from the lack of hope for the future of the country format. And then I saw a picture of Sam Hunt’s hair.

ACM Awards, George Strait, Sam Hunt, Taylor Swift

April 15, 2015

After 55 Years, The Louisiana Hayride Is Coming Back

Trigger News 45 Comments

The Louisiana Hayride is on its way back, and in a big way. Arguably the 2nd most influential music program in country music history, only rivaled in stature by The Grand Ole Opry, it’s been an effort that has lasted over 20 years and seen a major renovation of the radio program’s original home of The Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport that has put organizers on the brink of bringing the show back.

Billy Bob Thornton, Bob Wills, Elvis, Faron Young, George Strait, Hank Williams, Horace Logan, Jeannie C. Riley, Jim Reeves, Joel Katz, Johnny Cash, Louisiana Hayride, Maggie Warwick, Margret Lewis, Merle Kilgore, Shreveport, Tex Ritter, The Grand Ole Opry, Tillman Franks, Webb Pierce, Willie Nelson

March 29, 2015

Roo Arcus’ “Cowboys & Sunsets” Does Traditional Country Right

Trigger Reviews 33 Comments

Beneath the surface of Australian country, traditional artists still fight for attention and find it amidst both Australian and international listeners. Roo Arcus is one of those traditional country artists, and one who can quiet American naysayers arguing an Australian can’t birth authentic country songs, and not just from the songs that his life has inspired, but the country lifestyle Roo Arcus leads.

Alan Jackson, Australia, Cowboys and Sunsets, George Strait, James Hand, Keith Urban, Rhonda Vincent, Roo Arcus, Slim Dusty

March 26, 2015

ACM Awards: “Here Taylor Swift, a Milestone Award! Please Show Up!”

Trigger Random Notes 124 Comments

Even though Taylor Swift has 86’d country and said she wants nothing to do with the awards specifically, the ACM’s have minted a special 50th Anniversary “Milestone Award” crafted by noted jewelry designer David Yurman to be handed out to Swift and a few select others. The Milestone Award trophy is made up of more than 1,010 grams of sterling silver, with the top edged with 4.16 carats of black diamonds.

ACM Awards, Brooks & Dunn, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, George Jones, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr., Merle Haggard, Milestone Award, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEnitre, Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson

February 25, 2015

Aaron Watson Talks Hitting #1 with “The Underdog”

Trigger Random Notes 89 Comments

“My name is Aaron Watson. I’m not played on country radio. And I have the #1 record in country music this week. I do exist.” This was Aaron Watson’s reaction to the comments of Sony Records Nashville CEO Gary Overton, who said earlier this week, “If you’re not on country radio, you don’t exist.” But overall the Texas country star took a much more humble, appreciative, and inclusive tone.

Aaron Watson, Blackberry Smoke, Brandy Clark, George Strait, Keith Stegall, Keith Whitley, Luke Bryan, Merle Haggard, Sam Hunt, Sturgill Simpson, The Mavericks, The Underdog

February 24, 2015

Songwriter and Musician Bobby Emmons Has Passed Away

Trigger News 12 Comments

Musician, songwriter, and member of The Memphis Boys Bobby Emmons has passed away. Known for writing such iconic songs as the #1 hits by Waylon Jennings “Luckenbach, Texas” and “Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want To Get Over You),” Tanya Tucker’s hit “Love Me Like You Used Too,” “So Much Like My Dad” by George Strait, and many more, he was also a well-respected musician…

Bobby Emmons, Elvis, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, The Highwaymen, The Memphis Boys, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

January 9, 2015

Odie Blackmon Talks Teaching George Jones College Course

Trigger Random Notes 16 Comments

Around the passing of The Possum in 2013, I remember the news of his widow Nancy setting up an endowment and scholarship fund for MTSU in the name of George Jones. What I didn’t know, and what has gone somewhat under-reported, is that the passing of George and the endowment encouraged the faculty of MTSU to enter a class on the life of George Jones into the school’s curriculum.

Beverley Keel, Bobby Braddock, Dwight Yoakam, George Jones, George Strait, Harlan Howard, Jim Lauderdale, Lee Ann Womack, MTSU, Odie Blackmon, The Desert Rose Band, The Grand Ole Opry, The Louisiana Hayride

January 1, 2015

Bass Player & Writer of “Long Tall Texan” Henry Strzelecki Passes Away

Trigger News 20 Comments

Tragic news out of Nashville where where prolific and beloved bass player Henry Strzelecki has passed away after being struck by a vehicle while out for a walk Monday, December 22nd. Strzelecki experienced severe injuries including major head trauma in the accident, and was in a coma over the holidays. He eventually passed away from the injuries on December 30th.

Baker Knight, Bob Dylan, Boxcar Willie, Charlie Rich, Chet Atkins, dead, Elvis, George Strait, Hee Haw, Henry Strzelecki, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash, Long Tall Texan, Loretta Lynn, Louis Armstrong, Lyle Lovett, Nashville Superpickers, obituary, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, The Four Flickers, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

December 31, 2014

George Strait Bests Luke Bryan For Touring in 2014

Trigger News 17 Comments

Remember when members of Luke Bryan’s camp started crying when George Strait won the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year in 2014? They said it was just a parting gift at the farewell of his career, and that he wasn’t an “Entertainer.” But once again we get validation that George Strait’s Entertainer win at both the CMA’s in 2013, and the ACM’s in 2014, were well deserved.

Garth Brooks, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Luke Bryan

October 23, 2014

New “Iconic” Hank FM Signals Important Moment in Format Split

Trigger Radio/Media 47 Comments

The signs continue to point towards the country music radio format officially splitting in two, with Top 40 country, and “Icon” country covering music from as far back as the 80’s vying for equal share of the country music listenership. Now another local radio station has switched to the new country format, and the verbiage accompanying the format change shows just how much sway NASH Icon is having.

Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Cumulus Media, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Hank FM, NASH Icon, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain

October 20, 2014

Florida Georgia Line’s “Anything Goes” is the Worst Album Ever

Trigger Down with Pop Country 514 Comments

Congratulations Justin Moore and Outlaws Like Me, you’re officially off the hot seat. Because right here, right now, I am unilaterally declaring that Florida Georgia Line’s new album Anything Goes is the worst album ever released in the history of country music. Ever. Including Florida Georgia Line’s first album Here’s To The Good Times, including anything else you can muster from the mainstream.

Anything Goes, Florida Georgia Line, George Strait, Joey Moi, Johnny Cash, Kevin Zaruk, Nickelback, Review, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

October 16, 2014

Why I Won’t Buy Strait’s “The Cowboy Rides Away” Deluxe Edition

Trigger Random Notes 24 Comments

Though this new deluxe edition seems like an excellent way to experience the concert if you were unable to attend, or the perfect reminder if you were, or it might make a great gift for the country music fan in your family since it’s being released right before Christmas, I for one will not be purchasing this deluxe edition, or frankly any edition of “The Cowboy Rides Away.”

Alan Jackson, Auto Tune, Deluxe Edition, DVD, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, The Cowboy Rides Away, The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from At&T Stadium, video

October 13, 2014

Why The CMA’s Should Consider Adding “Traditional” Categories

Trigger Random Notes 32 Comments

It has become patently obvious, especially over the last few years, that country music exists in two completely different worlds. One is the traditional world, where the way country music sounds is in close proximity to the way it has always sounded. And the other is Top 40 or mainstream country, which in the last few years has become the home for a hodgepodge of musical influences.

Ashley Monroe, Bobby Bones, CMA, CMA Awards, Corb Lund, Dierks Bentley, George Strait, Kellie Pickler, Lindi Ortega, Luke Bryan, NASH Icon, Sturgill Simpson

September 26, 2014

George Strait Fans Sound Off About Auto-Tune on New Album

Trigger Random Notes 27 Comments

George Strait’s recent album The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from AT&T Stadium sees ‘The King’ score both the #2 spot on the Billboard country charts, and the #4 spot on the all genre Billboard 200 this week, but this isn’t because of what a lot of fans are saying, it is in lieu of it. Saving Country Music has sounded off on the egregious use of Auto-Tune on the album, and so have many George Strait fans.

Auto Tune, George Strait, The Cowboy Rides Away, The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from At&T Stadium

September 22, 2014

Strait’s “Cowboy Rides Away” Album Butchered By Auto-Tune

Trigger Random Notes 64 Comments

Nobody could have anticipated that a George Strait album would be the vehicle for the most excessive, and most blatantly obvious use of the pitch correction software known as Auto-Tune that I have ever, ever heard in the history of recorded music, barring projects purposefully using Auto-Tune as a special effect. The use of Auto-Tune on The Cowboy Rides Away is egregious.

Auto Tune, Cowboys Stadium, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, The Cowboy Rides Away, The Cowboy Rides Away: Live from At&T Stadium

September 3, 2014

2014 CMA Awards Nominees, Picks, & Prognostications

Trigger Random Notes 47 Comments

On Wednesday morning (9-3), the nominees for the 48th Annual CMA Awards were announced on ABC’s Good Morning America and through a CMA Live stream. The 2014 CMA Awards will happen on Wednesday November 5th on ABC, and will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Leading all nominees with nine is Miranda Lambert.

Brandy Clark, CMA, CMA Awards, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Nominees, Paul Franklin, predictions, Taylor Swift

August 30, 2014

George Strait, Willie Nelson & Garth Brooks Make Poll of Favorite Artists

Trigger News 30 Comments

Harris Interactive has just released a new poll that queried the American public about their favorite music artists, musicians, and bands, and some noteworthy country music names made the list. When pollsters asked for unprompted responses to the question, “Who is your favorite singer/musician or band?”

Alan Jackson, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Elvis, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Harris Poll, Neil Diamond, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, The Eagles, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson

August 26, 2014

Cumulus Media: “It’s Time For Country To Fragment”

Trigger Radio/Media 50 Comments

Ever since the partnership between radio owner Cumulus Media and the Big Machine Label Group called NASH Icon was proposed, the big question has been if it will it result in the country music radio format splitting in two. It is time for country to fragment,” John Dickey said plainly on the conference call, while offering more detailed insight than ever into exactly what NASH Icon will look like.

Big Machine Records, Blake Shelton, Clear Channel, Cumulus Media, Florida Georgia Line, Garth Brooks, George Strait, John Dickey, Luke Bryan, Merle Haggard, NASH, NASH Icon, Randy Travis, Willie Nelson

August 25, 2014

Did Blake Shelton Really Compare “Neon Light” to George Jones?

Trigger Reviews 71 Comments

On August 18th, he released his latest single called “Neon Light” from his upcoming Bringing Back The Sun album. As a rather sedated, nondescript, somewhat country, but ultimately sort of boring offering, it was really hard to get worked up about it one way or the other. Sure it has a banjo and a somewhat country setting, but it’s no “Tear In My Beer.”

Blake Shelton, Bringing Back The Sun, George Jones, George Strait, Neon Light, Review

August 20, 2014

Taylor Swift Leaving Country: The Deeper Impact

Trigger Random Notes 118 Comments

Though Taylor Swift leaving country music could very much be seen as a victory from the Saving Country Music perspective, to the country music industry perspective, they just lost this generations biggest music star, and an money-making powerhouse. And the cultural and economic impact of this development cannot be overstated.

Big Machine Records, CMA, CMA Awards, George Strait, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Scott Borchetta, Taylor Swift

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